Vishal Bhardwaj is riding high on pre-release hype for ‘O Romeo’, the romantic thriller arriving in cinemas February 13. Amid the glamour, a touching narrative emerges: Vikrant Massey and Tamannaah Bhatia lent their talents gratis, moved by the project’s soul and Bhardwaj’s genius.
Adapted from ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’ by Hussain Zaidi, the film stars Shahid Kapoor as mafia icon Hussain Ustra, Triptii Dimri as Sapna, and a powerhouse supporting cast including Avinash Tiwary, Nana Patekar, Farida Jalal, and Disha Patani. Massey’s special turn and Bhatia’s twist-agent role amplify the intrigue.
The director shared Vikrant’s journey—from ‘Maqbool’-inspired dreams to honoring a long-ago yes, even after ’12th Fail’ made him a star. His week-plus shoot delivers a resonant performance pivotal to the drama’s arc.
Tamannaah matched this spirit, diving into a compact role that sparks a seismic plot shift. Fee-free from day one, she aced rehearsals, workshops, and an extended 12-day schedule with unwavering focus. Bhardwaj’s praise underscores her as a beacon of dedication.
With a lavish 75-80 crore budget from Nadiodwala Grandson and rights already monetized for streaming and TV, ‘O Romeo’ blends mafia grit with romantic fervor. Shahid’s portrayal promises edge-of-seat thrills in Bhardwaj’s masterful hands. This fee-free collaboration highlights Bollywood’s rare moments of unadulterated passion, setting the stage for what could be 2024’s breakout hit.