The return of Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj was always going to spark curiosity. And while O Romeo may not have opened to unanimous critical praise, the gangster drama is holding its ground at the box office.
Four days after its February 13 release — perfectly timed ahead of Valentine’s Day — O Romeo has crossed ₹61 crore worldwide, giving the makers a solid reason to celebrate.
A Steady Start at the Box Office
Backed by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, the film has collected ₹61.3 crore globally in its first four days.
Here’s how the numbers stack up:
- India nett: ₹46.75 crore
- Overseas: ₹15 crore
- Worldwide total: ₹61.3 crore
The production house shared the milestone on social media, thanking audiences for their continued support and calling the journey “steady.”
More importantly, O Romeo has already surpassed the lifetime worldwide collection of Shahid’s previous theatrical release, Deva, which wrapped its run at ₹55.8 crore earlier this year.
That comparison alone signals stronger theatrical traction this time.
The Story: Love, Crime, and Consequences
Inspired by a chapter from Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, the film dives into the story of gangster Hussain Ustara — portrayed by Shahid — against the backdrop of Mumbai’s underworld.
Bhardwaj, known for blending poetry with darkness, shapes the narrative around themes of love denied, emotional turbulence, and the irreversible consequences of obsession. It’s intense, moody, and rooted in crime drama — a space where both director and actor have previously delivered memorable work.
The ensemble cast adds further weight, featuring Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, Avinash Tiwary, Disha Patani, Farida Jalal and Nana Patekar in key roles.
Bhardwaj’s Emotional Note Before Release
Ahead of the film’s release, Bhardwaj shared a heartfelt message expressing pride in the project — even before critics and box office verdicts came in. He thanked his team and department heads for going above and beyond, underlining the emotional investment behind the film.
That sincerity seems to have translated into audience curiosity, even if reviews have been mixed.
Industry Context: A Crucial Phase for Mid-Budget Dramas
In today’s theatrical landscape — often dominated by big-scale spectacles — mid-budget gangster dramas face a tougher road. Yet O Romeo managing ₹61 crore globally in just four days indicates there’s still appetite for gritty, character-driven storytelling when backed by strong names.
The Valentine’s Day weekend likely gave the film a boost, but the coming weekdays will determine its long-term trajectory. Word of mouth will now play a crucial role.
Final Words
O Romeo may not be a runaway blockbuster yet, but it’s certainly not fading quietly either.
For Shahid Kapoor, this marks a stronger outing than his last release. For Vishal Bhardwaj, it reinforces his loyal audience base — one that appreciates layered storytelling over formula.
The real test begins now: can O Romeo maintain momentum beyond its opening stretch?
The next few days will decide whether this reunion becomes a box office success story — or just a promising start.
