'O'Romeo': Vishal Bhardwaj revived shelved Deepika Padukone-Irrfan Khan biopic for Shahid Kapoor-Triptii Dimri starrer - Reports

Vishal Bhardwaj helmed 'O'Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri dropped its teaser on January 10, 2026. The glimpse of the gritty saga, in true blue Bharadwaj style courted much appreciation from fans and netizens alike. The latest reports have suggested that the film is indeed the creative revival and reimagining of the long-shelved 'Sapna Didi' biopic. Set for a theatrical release on February 13, 2026, the film marks the fourth collaboration between Bhardwaj and Kapoor following 'Kaminey', 'Haider', and 'Rangoon.'

'Sapna Didi' bopic headlining Deepika Padukone and late Irrfan Khan

According to an OTT Play report, the 'Sapna Didi' project had undergone significant transformations since its original announcement back in 2017. Initially titled 'Sapna Didi' and later 'Femme Fatale', the film was to star Deepika Padukone as the underworld queen Rahima Khan and the late Irrfan Khan as the gangster Hussain Ustara. Production was halted indefinitely in 2018 following Irrfan’s health diagnosis and subsequent passing in 2020.


Reportedly, Bhardwaj eventually returned to the script, shifting the perspective from the female lead to the hitman. The film, now titled 'O'Romeo', is a gritty, Shakespearean-inspired crime saga set against the 1980s Mumbai underworld. Shahid Kapoor plays Haseen Ustara, a character based on the real-life gangster Hussain Ustara. Meanwhile, Triptii Dimri plays Afsha whose character is inspired by Rahima Khan, famously known as Sapna Didi.

About 'O'Romeo'

The narrative centers on Sapna Didi’s quest for revenge against the underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, played by Nana Patekar after her husband was killed on his orders. She aligns with the ruthless Hussain Ustara, played by Kapoor, who trains her in combat and underworld tactics. The film also stars Avinash Tiwary, Gourav Sharma, Randeep Hooda, Shakti Kapoor, Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani, Vikrant Massey, Farida Jalal in pivotal roles.