Vishal Bhardwaj reveals why Shahid Kapoor's ‘O Romeo’ took 10 years, ‘3 saal tak maine isko...’

Shahid Kapoor is set to be seen next in the action entertainer O Romeo. The makers unveiled the much-awaited trailer today, and at the launch event, director Vishal Bhardwaj finally addressed the decade-long delay surrounding the project. He spoke candidly about creative struggles, long pauses, and financial constraints that pushed the film back by several years.

Director’s full explanation

During the trailer launch, Bhardwaj explained why O Romeo took nearly 10 years to materialise. He said: “10 kyun lage... kyunki jab maine iss kahani ke rights liye the, 3 saal tak maine isko banane ki koshish hi nahi ki — 3–4 saal. Jab maine banana shuru kiya, tab ismein protagonist koi aur hua karta tha. Jab aap dekhenge, tab pata chalega. Bahut time tak yeh kahani mere liye stale hoti chali gayi. Bahut se directors mere paas aaye aur bole, ‘Aap bana nahi rahe ho, toh humein de dijiye.’ Main itna possessive tha iss kahani ko lekar ki maine kisi ko nahi di. Isiliye yeh journey aisi rahi. Mujhe lagta hai jis budget mein yeh film bani hai, woh meri haisiyat se zyada hai. Mere paas utna paisa nahi tha. Yeh Sajid bhai ka conviction tha mujh par aur is project par. Unke bina yeh possible nahi tha. Budget badhta chala gaya, par woh maine nahi badhaya — Sajid bhai ne badhaya. Humne 1 rupaye mein 5 rupaye ki film banane ki koshish ki hai. Yeh hum sabne realise kiya hai ki koi bhi film sirf koshish se nahi banti — film khud aapke paas aati hai aur apne aap ko banwati hai. Is film ne humse khud ko banwaya. Varna yeh is tarah se kabhi ban hi nahi sakti thi. Kitni bhi mushkilein aayi ho, film waise hi bani jaise usse banna tha. Ek paise ka, ek percent ka bhi compromise kahin nahi hua. Isiliye yeh film mere liye bahut special hai, kyunki mujhe kabhi nahi laga tha ki aisa bhi ho sakta hai.”

Trailer highlights

The trailer offers a glimpse into Ustara’s gritty world, set against the dark underbelly of Mumbai. O Romeo stands out for the intense chemistry between Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, conveyed through restrained emotions, silent glances, and unspoken desires. Inspired by real events, Vishal Bhardwaj blends love, violence, and deep emotional conflict in his signature storytelling style.

Cast reunion and release

O Romeo marks Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor’s reunion after more than eight years. The duo last collaborated on Kaminey (2009), Haider (2014), and Rangoon (2017). The film also marks Triptii Dimri’s first collaboration with both Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor.

The ensemble cast includes Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Disha Patani, Aruna Irani, Vikrant Massey, Farida Jalal, and Tamannaah Bhatia. O Romeo is slated for a theatrical release on February 13, 2026.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”