Before O’Romeo verdict, Vishal Bhardwaj pens note on understanding revenge at 60, pent-up anguish, and more; says Shahid Kapoor starrer is “manifestation” of love and violence
Hours before O’Romeo released in theatres on February 13, 2026, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj took to Instagram to share an emotional note reflecting on the film, his collaborators, and the themes that have shaped his work over the years.
The director, known for blending poetry with violence on screen, said he felt compelled to speak before reviews and box office numbers began defining the film’s journey. “Before the critics speak and before the box office delivers its verdict, I feel compelled to share how deeply proud I am of this film,” he wrote.
In the note, Bhardwaj expressed deep appreciation for his heads of department and collaborators, acknowledging their creative and emotional investment in the project. “Before the accolades or the criticism arrive, I must thank, from the deepest part of my being, all my HODs who gave far more than was ever asked of them — their vision, their integrity, their sweat, their blood, and their unconditional commitment to my vision.”
He went on to name several collaborators, calling them his “real heroes,” and added a special mention for his associate Abhay Datt Sharma and creative producer Priti Shahani. “I will not make another film without her,” he wrote about Shahani.
Bhardwaj’s note also turned inward, as he reflected on recurring themes in his body of work. “Through this film, I have realized the immense capacity I hold for love and for violence — together. Looking back at my body of work, I see a recurring theme I wasn’t even conscious of: revenge. And at sixty, I am only now beginning to understand it.”
He acknowledged the emotional turbulence that shaped O’Romeo, describing it as an outlet for the anger and helplessness he feels toward societal injustice. “There is so much hatred, violence, and injustice in society — and I often feel powerless against it. It wounds me deeply. This pent-up anguish needed release. In O’Romeo, through my protagonist, I slash throats, split skulls, and blow the brains of the monsters I cannot confront in real life.”
Yet, he positioned love as an equally powerful force within the film. “Opposite this violence stands an equally intense force — love… A love that did not let me drown. A love that pulled me out of the pool of blood.” Summing up the film’s emotional spectrum, he described O’Romeo as “the manifestation of these polarities.”
“It is as massy as I can be. It is as artistic as I can be. It is as violent as I can be. It is as poetic as I can be. It is as loving as I can be. It is as vengeful as I can be.”
He concluded the note with lines by Dr. Basheer Badr: “Subah hui, aankhein kholein, kapde badlein, pheete baandhein.. Uss sheher ke baare mein sochein, jo sheher ab aane waala hai..”
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O’Romeo, which hit theatres today, marks Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor’s fourth collaboration. The actor headlines the film alongside Triptii Dimri, who plays the female lead, and Avinash Tiwary in an antagonist role. The ensemble cast also includes Nana Patekar, Farida Jalal, Vikrant Massey, Disha Patani and Tamannaah Bhatia in pivotal roles.
Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, the film blends action, drama and intense emotional conflict — themes that Bhardwaj himself has described as deeply personal.
Also Read: Shahid Kapoor pens emotional note for Vishal Bhardwaj ahead of O’Romeo release
The post Before O’Romeo verdict, Vishal Bhardwaj pens note on understanding revenge at 60, pent-up anguish, and more; says Shahid Kapoor starrer is “manifestation” of love and violence appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
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