Randeep Hooda walked away from Shahid Kapoor starrer 'O'Romeo' just days before shoot, here's why - Reports

Randeep Hooda stepped away from his role as the villain in Shahid Kapoor's ‘O’Romeo’ right before filming was set to begin, citing personal reasons. Director Vishal Bhardwaj and producer Sajid Nadiadwala fully backed his exit. The film's teaser unveiled an intense, action-packed realm, spotlighting stars like Shahid, Triptii Dimri, Tamannaah Bhatia, Avinash Tiwary, Disha Patani and Nana Patekar, yet Randeep Hooda was nowhere to be seen.

Family crisis prompted the departure

According to Mid-Day, Randeep Hooda exited the project due to personal reasons. He had begun preliminary prep for the role. Unfortunately, a personal crisis emerged right before he was to shoot his portions. This was around the time of Jaat’s (2025) release last April; he was navigating important developments in his personal life and Lin’s [Laishram, his wife] health. Understandably, giving time to his personal commitments took precedence. Bhardwaj and producer Sajid Nadiadwala were supportive of Hooda’s decision to exit the project, and the parting was amicable.

Quick replacement secured

Reportedly, ‘O’Romeo’ had a tight schedule, so the team quickly picked a new actor. They chose Avinash Tiwary for his first project with Bhardwaj. The production couldn’t afford a major delay. Avinash fit the brief and was available to step into the role at short notice.

Tale of unreturned love

‘O’Romeo’ unfolds amid themes of unreturned love, starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri in the lead roles. This intense story delves into passion, heartache, and the lasting fallout of rejected affection. The film also features Nana Patekar, Farida Jalal, Aruna Irani, Vikrant Massey, and Tamannaah Bhatia in a cameo role.