At the trailer launch of his upcoming action-thriller O’Romeo on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj delivered a passionate defense of unfiltered language in Indian cinema. The director, known for his gritty storytelling in hits like Kaminey and Haider, called for an end to “beep culture,” describing swear words as “poetry” when used in the right artistic context.
Vishal Bhardwaj on Cinema as a “Mirror”
Bhardwaj addressed the audience’s discomfort with expletives, labeling the backlash as societal hypocrisy.
- The Mirror Theory: He argued that cinema merely reflects reality. “If violence and abuses exist in cinema today, it’s because they exist in society. Cinema shows you who you are,” he stated.+1
- Against Censorship: He criticized the use of beeps, saying, “We are okay when people abuse on the road, but when we show it in cinema, we say it’s corrupting people. I feel instead of using beeps, we should use it as it is.”
- Gaalis as Poetry: Bhardwaj reiterated that slangs, when used meaningfully for a character, carry an artistic quality that adds depth to the narrative rather than just shock value.
The “Viral” Cuss Word: Convincing Farida Jalal
One of the highlights of the event was Bhardwaj sharing how he persuaded veteran actress Farida Jalal (76)—widely loved for her “sweet grandmother” roles—to use a cuss word in the film.
- The Pitch: Bhardwaj admitted he was hesitant to ask her, but felt it was essential for her character.
- The Condition: Farida Jalal agreed to the role but set clear boundaries, saying, “Maa-behen toh nahin bolungi” (I won’t use abuses involving mothers or sisters). She agreed to a “mild” cuss word that has since gone viral on social media.+1
- The Logic: In the film, Shahid Kapoor’s character, Ustara, is a feared contract killer who is only powerless in front of his grandmother (Jalal). Her fiery language establishes her dominance over the underworld’s most dangerous man.+1
About O’Romeo
- Release Date: February 13, 2026 (Valentine’s Week).
- Inspiration: Loosely based on the life of gangster Hussain Ustara from Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai.
- Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, Farida Jalal, and a special appearance by Vikrant Massey.
- Theme: A “Mumbai Western” described as a dark, obsessive, and tragic love story set against a violent gang-war backdrop.