Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri’s intense crime romance O Romeo has officially passed the censor board — but not without a few modifications. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has granted the film an ‘A’ certificate, clearing it for adult audiences while directing specific changes in dialogue and certain violent visuals.
The development, first reported by Bollywood Hungama, comes just days before the film’s Valentine’s Week release.
What the CBFC Asked to Be Changed
According to the report, the board instructed the makers to replace the word “item” with “Kumari” in one scene. In another sequence, a particular word was muted, while elsewhere an “inappropriate” term was deleted altogether.
Interestingly, no cuts were ordered in the film’s romantic or intimate sequences — something that often becomes a sticking point in adult-certified films.
However, a few violent shots were trimmed. A close-up visual of throat-cutting was reduced by approximately three seconds (around 20%), and a “woman slapping” shot was also shortened by 20%.
Additionally, standard anti-smoking and anti-tobacco disclaimers were extended. The tickers and voiceovers were lengthened, reportedly adding nearly two minutes to the overall runtime.
Nearly Three Hours Long
O Romeo received its censor certificate on February 11, with a final runtime of 178.41 minutes — that’s 2 hours, 58 minutes and 41 seconds.
This reportedly makes it the longest collaboration between Shahid Kapoor and director Vishal Bhardwaj. It also marks Shahid’s fourth ‘A’-rated film after Kaminey, Udta Punjab, and Kabir Singh — all projects known for their gritty tone and layered characters.
The Story and the Controversy
Backed by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, the film reportedly draws inspiration from a chapter in author Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai. The narrative revolves around gangster Hussain Ustara, played by Shahid, and explores themes of passion, betrayal, and the cost of love denied.
The ensemble cast includes Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, Avinash Tiwary, Disha Patani, Farida Jalal, and Nana Patekar.
However, the film hasn’t been free from legal turbulence. Sanober Shaikh, daughter of the late Hussain Ustara (born Hussain Shaikh), filed a civil suit claiming the film is based on her father’s life and that the makers did not seek her consent. She approached a Mumbai civil court seeking to stall the release.
The court, however, refused to grant interim relief and declined to stop the film’s release.
Valentine’s Week Release
With its February 13 release locked in, O Romeo is positioning itself as a dark, emotionally charged alternative to typical Valentine’s fare. Given Bhardwaj’s track record with complex crime dramas and Shahid’s comfort in morally grey roles, expectations are high.
Final Words
An ‘A’ certificate, selective dialogue tweaks, trimmed violence, and a runtime brushing against three hours — O Romeo is shaping up to be a bold cinematic outing.
Whether it sparks admiration or controversy, one thing seems certain: Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj aren’t playing it safe. And with the legal dust settling for now, all eyes are on how audiences respond when the curtain finally rises this Valentine’s Week.
