The highly anticipated trailer for Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo dropped today, but the reaction has been a far cry from the universal praise received by its teaser. While the visual grit and high-octane action have impressed many, a significant section of the internet is calling out the film for “rage-baiting” and comparing it to a less-educated version of a familiar character.
The Comparison: “Kabir Singh if he was Illiterate”
Social media is currently flooded with comparisons to Shahid Kapoor’s previous roles and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal. Netizens didn’t hold back:
- The “Illiterate” Label: One viral comment claimed the character feels like “Kabir Singh if he was illiterate,” referring to the shift from a surgeon to a full-time gangster.
- Vanga-lite?: Critics are accusing Bhardwaj of trying to mimic the “alpha-male rage” of recent blockbusters, with one user stating, “Vishal B trying to copy Vanga’s ragebaiting but these dialogues look cheaper than Animal’s.”
- Cringe Factor: Dialogues where Shahid’s character, Ustara, makes aggressive demands of Triptii Dimri’s character have been labeled “cringeworthy” by many fans who expected more poetic depth from a Bhardwaj film.
The Real-Life Connection & Controversy
Despite the makers describing the film as a “fictionalized romantic action drama,” the character Haseen Ustara is widely believed to be based on the real-life Mumbai hitman Hussain Ustara.
The Legal Row: Hussain Ustara’s daughter, Sanober Shaikh, has reportedly filed a defamation suit and sent a legal notice to the makers. She alleges the film misrepresents her father—specifically the romantic angle with Triptii’s character (rumored to be based on Sapna Didi), whom she claims was “like a sister” to her father.
Cast and Crew
The film boasts an impressive ensemble, though some stars are appearing only in limited capacities:
- Shahid Kapoor: Haseen Ustara (The Protagonist/Hitman)
- Triptii Dimri: Afsha (The woman seeking revenge)
- Nana Patekar: Ismail Khan (A relentless police officer)
- Vikrant Massey: Mehboob (Confirmed to be a Special Appearance)
- Disha Patani: Julie (A glamorous dancer/special song)
- Tamannaah Bhatia: Rabia (Special Appearance)
Valentine’s Day Clash
O’Romeo is set for a theatrical release on February 13, 2026. It will go head-to-head with:
- Film: Tu Yaa Main
- Starring: Shanaya Kapoor and Adarsh Gourav
- Plot: A survival thriller involving two influencers trapped with a crocodile.