O Romeo: Indian cinema in 2026 is set to welcome one of its most anticipated romantic action thrillers — O Romeo. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, the film blends intense underworld drama with a passionate love story, promising both emotional depth and high-stakes action.
Backed by large-scale production, a powerful ensemble cast, and music crafted by Vishal Bhardwaj with lyrics by Gulzar, O Romeo is positioned as one of the most talked-about Hindi films of early 2026.
This detailed guide covers everything you need to know — story, cast, music, certification, release plans, and where you can watch O Romeo after its theatrical run.
O Romeo: Film Overview
- Title: O Romeo
- Language: Hindi
- Genre: Romantic Action Thriller
- Director & Writer: Vishal Bhardwaj
- Producer: Sajid Nadiadwala
- Production House: Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment
- Based On: Mafia Queens of Mumbai by Hussain Zaidi
- Theatrical Release Date: 13 February 2026
- Streaming Platform (Post-Theatrical): Amazon Prime Video
- Running Time: 178 minutes
- Certification: A (Adult)
Story: A Gangster’s Heart Under Siege
O Romeo tells the story of Hussain “Ustara”, a hardened gangster operating in the shadows of Mumbai’s underworld. Known for his brutality and emotional detachment, Ustara is feared by rivals and respected by his own syndicate.
But the film’s central conflict begins when love unexpectedly enters his life.
Afsha, portrayed as strong yet emotionally layered, becomes the turning point in Ustara’s journey. What begins as attraction evolves into something far more dangerous — not just because of the violent world Ustara inhabits, but because love exposes his vulnerability.
As rival factions attempt to destabilize the existing power structure, a gang war erupts, shaking Mumbai’s criminal ecosystem to its core. Loyalties fracture. Betrayals surface. And Ustara must decide whether he will remain the ruthless man the underworld shaped him to be — or risk everything for a love that may never fully be his.
At its heart, O Romeo explores:
- The collision between violence and vulnerability
- The emotional cost of power
- Forbidden love within a world built on blood and betrayal
The title hints at Shakespearean tragedy, but the film grounds its drama firmly in the gritty realism of Mumbai’s crime landscape.
Star-Studded Cast
O Romeo brings together a powerful ensemble:
Shahid Kapoor as Hussain “Ustara”
Kapoor plays the emotionally conflicted gangster at the center of the story. After performances in intense dramas and action films, this role marks another dark, layered character in his career.
Tripti Dimri as Afsha
Tripti Dimri portrays the woman who challenges Ustara’s hardened persona. Her character reportedly carries emotional complexity and moral strength.
Nana Patekar as Ismail Khan
A veteran actor known for commanding screen presence, Patekar plays a powerful figure in the underworld hierarchy.
Avinash Tiwary as Jalal
Tamannaah Bhatia as Rabia
Disha Patani as Julie
Vikrant Massey (Special Appearance)
The cast lineup reflects a mix of mainstream appeal and strong dramatic credibility.
Production & Filming Locations
Principal photography began in January 2025. The film was shot primarily in:
- Mumbai – for underworld authenticity
- Spain – for stylized sequences and key dramatic set pieces
Cinematography is handled by Ben Bernhard, known for blending realism with dramatic visual scale. The editing is by Aarif Sheikh, ensuring tight pacing despite the nearly three-hour runtime.
Music & Soundtrack
Music is composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, with lyrics by Gulzar. The soundtrack is released under T-Series.
Track List:
- Hum To Tere Hi Liye The – Arijit Singh
- Aashiqon Ki Colony – Madhubanti Bagchi, Javed Ali
- Ishq Ka Fever – Arijit Singh
- Paan Ki Dukaan – Sukhwinder Singh, Rekha Bhardwaj
The songs blend romance with intensity, aligning with the film’s emotional arc. Early singles have already generated strong listener response online.
Theatrical Release & Certification
O Romeo is scheduled to release in theatres on 13 February 2026, strategically timed around Valentine’s Day.
The film has received an A certificate from India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), reportedly due to graphic violence and mature themes. This classification indicates that the film targets adult audiences.
Where Can You Watch O Romeo?
In Theatres
The first opportunity to watch O Romeo will be in cinemas starting 13 February 2026.
Streaming Platform
After its theatrical run, the digital streaming rights have been acquired by Amazon Prime Video.
This means:
- The film is expected to stream exclusively on Prime Video.
- Availability may begin several weeks after the theatrical window closes.
- A subscription to Amazon Prime Video will likely be required.
For viewers who prefer watching from home, Prime Video will be the official digital platform once streaming begins.
Why O Romeo Is Generating Buzz
Several factors contribute to the high anticipation:
- Vishal Bhardwaj’s Direction – Known for blending poetry with violence and layered characters.
- Underworld Backdrop – Stories rooted in Mumbai’s crime world continue to attract audiences.
- Romantic Core – The tragic love angle broadens its emotional appeal.
- Strong Music Lineup – Gulzar’s lyrics and Arijit Singh’s vocals add commercial appeal.
- Valentine’s Release Strategy – Romantic timing enhances marketing impact.
Is O Romeo Based on a True Story?
The film is inspired by the book Mafia Queens of Mumbai by Hussain Zaidi, which documents real crime stories and underworld figures. However, O Romeo appears to dramatize and fictionalize elements rather than directly adapting a single true-life account.
Who Should Watch This Film?
O Romeo may appeal to:
- Fans of romantic action thrillers
- Viewers interested in underworld crime dramas
- Shahid Kapoor fans
- Audiences who enjoy emotionally layered anti-heroes
- Those who appreciate strong background scores and poetic dialogue
Due to its A certification, it is intended for adult viewers.
Final Thoughts
O Romeo positions itself as more than just a gangster film. It aims to explore how love challenges violence, how vulnerability threatens power, and how even the most feared individuals can be undone by emotion.
With a powerful cast, experienced direction, and a high-profile streaming deal, O Romeo is shaping up to be one of the most significant Hindi theatrical releases of early 2026.
If you’re wondering where to watch O Romeo, your options are simple:
- In cinemas from 13 February 2026
- Later on Amazon Prime Video
For official streaming dates, viewers should check updates directly on Prime Video after the theatrical window closes.
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