- By Swati Singh
- Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:26 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri-starrer O'Romeo arrives as a refreshing throwback to the golden age of 90s Bollywood romance. Much like classics like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Dil Se, among others, O'Romeo allows its characters and emotions to unfold organically, unlike today's fast-paced storytelling. Instead of focussing more on physical intimacy, the movie focuses mainly on emotional romance, vulnerability and stubbornness to fight for love.
O'Romeo comes at a time when the mainstream Hindi cinem is dominated by action-thrillers and high-concept dramas. But, why does it feel so deeply rooted? Here's why:
Re-introduction of 'Diljala' Aashiq
As evident from O'Romeo trailer, Shahid Kapoor's character Ustara is a Diljala Aashiq, a phrase used for a person madly in love, much-like 90s anti-heroes. The 90s were the years of the 'brooding lover'—men who loved fiercely and suffered even more fiercely. Shahid's character is a stone-hearted man who is helpless and unguarded when true love finally claims him.
Back to Laila-Majnu kind of romance
O'Romeo is a powerful story of unreturned love. Triptii Dimri plays the role of Afsha. She brings explosive energy that reminds of the strong, emotionally charged heroines of earlier times. The chemistry between Shahid and Triptii is built through deep emotions. This kind of all-consuming devotion was once seen in films like Dil Se and Laila Majnu.
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The classic BGM
When one talks about 90s romance, the main role is played by the music. The film revives the era of song as a story. With lyrics from legendary Gulzar, tracks like Aashiqon Ki Colony stands out. It’s the kind of music that breathes life into the characters.
The mastery of Vishal Bhardwaj
Director Vishal Bhardwaj has always been the master of Shakespearean adaptations and his movies Haider and Maqbool are proof. O'Romeo is inspired by Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens of Mumbai. It’s a forbidden love story where the stakes aren't just social media status, but life and death.
O’ Romeo is an upcoming Hindi-language action thriller written and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. Inspired by Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, the film features an ensemble cast including Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani, Farida Jalal and Vikrant Massey. Shot across Spain and Mumbai, the film is set to release in theatres on February 13, 2026. The story revolves around a ruthless gangster whose life is turned upside down by a forbidden, unrequited love, triggering a violent gang war that shakes the underworld to its core.