Shahid Kapoor explains why he chose ‘O’Romeo’ over experimental cinema: 'I don’t want to do films only for...'

Shahid Kapoor’s ‘O’Romeo’ has released this Valentine’s Week, and fans are very excited. The movie has been in the news since it was announced and is now playing in theatres. In a recent interview, the actor discussed why he chose the film and whether the script still matters to him or if he immediately accepts when Vishal Bhardwaj calls.

Shahid Kapoor on connecting with O’Romeo’s story

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Shahid said, “In spirit, I would say yes to the latter! But from a professional POV, no. I don’t think any artist can give themselves to something unless they connect with it. When the connection is not there, there is always something missing in the product. In ‘O’Romeo’, of course it’s the titular part; I play Ustraa. And with Vishal Bhardwaj, it’s always a world that he creates. Ustraa’s attitude is that of Romeo. If, as creative people, you don’t connect, it is wrong for you to do the film. If you won’t be honest, it is unfair for everybody else. I very much connected with this film. I had one preset in my head before I met him, and I was very clear that at this stage in my career, I don’t want to do a film that is too experimental or a film meant for a smaller, intellectual audience and not for a wider audience, who have a simpler mindset and whose approach to filmmaking is that they go to theatres to get entertained.”

Shahid Kapoor on balancing art and audience

The actor further explained that there’s the cinema you love and the cinema that people love. For years, his effort has been to find a Ganga-Jamuna moment between the two and reach a middle ground. He said this film is an attempt to achieve that, as it is made for an intelligent audience but also appeals to a typical mass audience.

‘O’Romeo’ features a strong ensemble

‘O’Romeo’, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, is inspired by a story from Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens of Mumbai and brings to life the tale of gangster Hussain Ustara. The film features an impressive ensemble cast including Triptii Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, Nana Patekar, and Disha Patani, while Vikrant Massey makes a notable special appearance.

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