Vishal Bharadwaj is not holding back when it comes to defending his latest film O’Romeo. Despite receiving mixed reviews and a box office run that is still building momentum, the filmmaker says he has absolutely no regrets — and in fact believes the Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri-starrer could go on to become one of the biggest successes of his career.
Speaking openly after the film’s release, Bharadwaj made it clear that criticism hasn’t shaken his confidence. Instead, he seems more certain than ever about the story he chose to tell.
🎬 Vishal Bharadwaj’s Bold Statement After Release
In a recent interaction with PTI, the filmmaker reacted strongly to the divided response surrounding the gangster drama. According to him, the film’s long-term journey matters more than early reviews.
He said he feels proud of the world he created — a narrative that blends raw violence with emotional intensity — adding that he isn’t ashamed of the film at all. Bharadwaj even suggested that the movie could eventually emerge as one of his most commercially successful ventures, regardless of what critics have said so far.
For a filmmaker known for cult classics like Omkara and Haider, such confidence signals how deeply personal the project appears to be.
💰 Box Office So Far: Slow Start, Steady Recovery
O’Romeo opened in theatres with a modest but noticeable start, collecting around ₹9.01 crore on day one. The film’s first weekend saw fluctuating numbers, followed by a sharp dip — a common pattern for content-heavy gangster dramas.
However, the film stabilised during weekdays, gradually adding to its total and taking its domestic collection close to the ₹50 crore mark. Worldwide, the film has reportedly collected around ₹75.80 crore so far, crossing the lifetime performance of Deva, which stood at ₹55.8 crore globally.
While the film has not yet entered the ₹100 crore club, trade observers say its steady hold could help it maintain presence in theatres over the coming days.
🎥 What ‘O’Romeo’ Is About
Written and directed by Vishal Bharadwaj, O’Romeo is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. The film draws inspiration from Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, blending real-world crime elements with a fictionalised love story.
At the centre of the narrative is Ustara, played by Shahid Kapoor — a gangster navigating loyalty, power, and romance. Triptii Dimri plays Afsha Qureshi, also known as Rani Sharma, whose journey intertwines with the criminal underworld.
The supporting cast includes Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani, Farida Jalal, and Vikrant Massey, giving the film a strong ensemble appeal.
⚠️ Legal Hurdle Before Release
Before hitting cinemas, the film also faced a brief legal challenge. Hussain Ustara’s daughter, Sanober Shaikh, had approached a Mumbai court seeking a stay on the release, arguing that consent was not obtained and objecting to her father’s portrayal as a gangster.
The court, however, declined to halt the release, allowing the film to arrive in theatres just ahead of Valentine’s Day weekend.
📊 Bigger Picture: Vishal Bharadwaj’s Career Shift?
Interestingly, O’Romeo marks a shift in scale for Bharadwaj. Known mostly for critically acclaimed but niche cinematic works, this film aims at a broader commercial audience while retaining his signature dark storytelling style.
Industry watchers have often noted that gangster romances can be slow burners, gaining appreciation over time rather than exploding instantly at the box office — something Bharadwaj seems to be banking on.
⭐ Final Words
Whether audiences fully embrace O’Romeo or not, one thing is clear — Vishal Bharadwaj stands firmly behind his film. At a time when filmmakers often soften their stance amid criticism, his unapologetic confidence has become a story in itself.
The film may still have a long road ahead at the box office, but if Bharadwaj’s optimism is anything to go by, the real verdict might only arrive after the noise settles and audiences decide for themselves.
