‘Without Him, O’Romeo Was Impossible’: Vishal Bhardwaj Calls Sajid Nadiadwala ‘The Last Of His Kind’

At the trailer launch of O’Romeo on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, director Vishal Bhardwaj momentarily shifted focus away from the film to acknowledge producer Sajid Nadiadwala, crediting him as the driving force behind the project’s very existence.

Addressing the gathering, Bhardwaj underscored how crucial Nadiadwala’s backing was in bringing O’Romeo to life. “There was one man who truly belonged here, because without him, it would have been impossible for this film to be started, forget about completing it,” the filmmaker said, adding that producers with such conviction and patience are becoming increasingly rare in the industry.

Calling Nadiadwala a “legend,” Bhardwaj further remarked, “They stopped making people like him anymore. He is the last

of his kind, of this breed of producers in this industry,” drawing applause from the audience at the launch.

O’Romeo Trailer Unveiled: Love, Violence and Stylised Action

The trailer of O’Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, offers a first look into a hyper-stylised, violent world anchored by an intense love story. Shahid plays Ustara, a feared gangster inspired by the real-life figure Hussain Ustara, known for his uncontrollable rage and brutal methods. Triptii essays Afsha, the woman who becomes both his emotional anchor and potential undoing.

Nana Patekar appears as a relentless police officer determined to hunt Ustara down, while Farida Jalal plays Ustara’s grandmother, cautioning him against the dangers of his relationship with Afsha. The trailer is packed with hard-hitting dialogues, Vishal Bhardwaj’s signature music, and stylised action sequences that promise a dark, operatic tone.

The film also features Avinash Tiwary, Disha Patani and Tamannaah Bhatia in pivotal roles, adding further weight to the ensemble.

Fourth Collaboration Between Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj

O’Romeo marks the fourth collaboration between Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj after Kaminey, Haider and Rangoon. Over the years, the actor-director duo has built a reputation for pushing creative boundaries, and the new film appears to continue that tradition with its blend of romance, crime and psychological intensity.

The screenplay has been co-written by Vishal Bhardwaj and Rohan Narula, while the story is adapted from Hussain Zaidi’s non-fiction book Mafia Queens of Mumbai (2011), lending the film its gritty underworld roots.

Release Date and Production Details

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, O’Romeo is slated for a theatrical release on February 13, 2026. With Bhardwaj’s endorsement of Nadiadwala’s unwavering support and a trailer that teases both scale and emotional depth, the film is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Hindi releases of the year.