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Vishal Bhardwaj's 'O' Romeo': Bold Yet Divisive Adaptation

2/16/2026

46 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Vishal Bhardwaj, Indian filmmaker, leads the latest film O' Romeo, a Hindi adaptation inspired by Hussain Zaidi's Mafia Queens of Mumbai.
Shahid Kapoor stars as a hitman, with Triptii Dimri playing a widow in the underworld.
Critics note a 178-minute runtime and tonal inconsistency that may alienate viewers.
Some praise Bhardwaj's bold artistic choices, while others find the film emotionally detached.

History

Historical Context

In 2008, journalist Hussain Zaidi published "Mafia Queens of Mumbai," exploring the lives of women in organized crime. This work inspired various adaptations, including the 2026 film "O' Romeo," directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. Zaidi's narratives reflect India's ongoing fascination with crime and gender roles, shaping public perceptions and influencing contemporary cinema's portrayal of the underworld.

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Story summary

Vishal Bhardwaj, Indian filmmaker, leads the latest film O' Romeo, a Hindi adaptation inspired by Hussain Zaidi's Mafia Queens of Mumbai.
Shahid Kapoor stars as a hitman, with Triptii Dimri playing a widow in the underworld.
Critics note a 178-minute runtime and tonal inconsistency that may alienate viewers.
Some praise Bhardwaj's bold artistic choices, while others find the film emotionally detached.

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