The release of “O Romeo,” featuring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, has generated considerable buzz as it debuted in theaters on Friday. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the film opened to a solid box office performance.
On its first day, “O Romeo” earned approximately ₹6.95 crore nett in India, with an occupancy rate of 11.7 percent across 4,747 screenings. This opening figure surpasses that of Shahid Kapoor’s previous films, such as “Deva,” which made ₹5.50 crore, and “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya,” which collected ₹6.70 crore on its debut. In contrast, Shahid’s 2022 film “Jersey” garnered just ₹3.2 crore on its opening day. However, “O Romeo” fell short of Shahid’s highest opener, “Kabir Singh,” which made ₹20 crore, and it didn’t quite match “Ikkis,” which opened at ₹7.20 crore last month.
Reviews of “O Romeo” highlight Shahid Kapoor’s engaging performance as a major draw, alongside Triptii Dimri, whose chemistry with Shahid adds depth to the film. While Avinash Tiwary takes on a unique role as a gang leader, his character remains somewhat underdeveloped. Tamannaah Bhatia, playing Tiwary’s wife, is perceived as underutilized, along with Disha Patani’s character, whose storyline lacks resolution. Veteran actor Nana Patekar offers a reliable performance, enhancing the film’s overall experience.
Critics note that while “O Romeo” features moments reflective of Bhardwaj’s distinctive filmmaking style, it often struggles to maintain emotional clarity. Despite several entertaining elements, the film does not consistently evoke a strong emotional response, resulting in an experience that some viewers may find enjoyable yet lacking depth.
The film also boasts a talented cast including Vikrant Massey, Disha Patani, and Farida Jalal, among others, and is produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. The narrative delves into themes of passion, pain, and the lasting impact of denied love, inspired by a chapter from Hussain Zaidi’s book “Mafia Queens of Mumbai,” which chronicles the life of gangster Hussain Ustara, portrayed by Shahid Kapoor.