Mumbai’s film scene is buzzing with anticipation for Vishal Bhardwaj’s much-awaited ‘O Romeo’, set to hit theaters on February 13. In a rare display of solidarity in Bollywood, lead actors Vikrant Massey and Tamannaah Bhatia have joined the project without taking a single rupee as fees. Director Vishal Bhardwaj shared this heartwarming revelation during a recent media interaction, shedding light on the star cast’s commitment.
The ensemble boasts heavyweights like Shahid Kapoor in the central role of mafia don Hussain Ustra, alongside Triptii Dimri as Sapna, Avinash Tiwary, Nana Patekar, Farida Jalal, and Disha Patani. Vikrant Massey makes a special appearance, while Tamannaah Bhatia plays a pivotal supporting part. Bhardwaj explained that both actors were drawn purely by faith in the story and respect for the filmmaker.
Vikrant’s involvement dates back years when he was a struggling artist. Inspired by Bhardwaj’s classic ‘Maqbool’, he promised to be part of this adaptation of Hussain Zaidi’s ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’. Even after the blockbuster success of ’12th Fail’, Massey honored his word, shooting for 8-9 days and delivering a performance that’s crucial to the narrative’s emotional core.
Tamannaah Bhatia, too, showed remarkable generosity. Her role, though brief, unleashes a major plot twist. She committed instantly, underwent intensive workshops and rehearsals, and extended her shoot beyond schedule to 12 days—all without compensation. Bhardwaj praised her dedication, calling it a testament to true artistry.
Produced by Nadiodwala Grandson Entertainment on a whopping 75-80 crore budget, ‘O Romeo’ has already secured lucrative OTT and satellite rights. This romantic drama promises gripping storytelling rooted in Mumbai’s underworld lore, with Shahid Kapoor leading the charge as the fearsome yet charismatic Hussain Ustra. As release day nears, fans are eager to see if this labor of love translates into box-office triumph.