O’ Romeo, the much-anticipated romantic-action drama directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, opened to a strong start at the Indian box office on Friday, February 13, 2026. The film, headlined by Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, managed to capture audience attention on its first day despite receiving mixed reviews from critics and recording moderate theatrical occupancy.
A Promising Start Amidst Valentine’s Weekend Buzz
Released strategically ahead of Valentine’s Day, O’ Romeo earned an estimated Rs 8.25 crore nett on its opening day in India according to early trade estimates. While this performance may not qualify as a blockbuster opening, it is considered a solid start for a film driven by a romantic-action narrative and an urban audience base. The movie recorded an average occupancy of 14.86 percent across theatres, reflecting steady audience interest, particularly during evening and night shows.
The opening day gross collection was approximately Rs 9.90 crore nationwide, with the film being screened across thousands of shows. This wide release contributed significantly to its first-day earnings and ensured strong visibility in major cities and multiplex circuits.
A Significant Opening for Shahid Kapoor’s Recent Filmography
For Shahid Kapoor, O’ Romeo represents one of his strongest opening day performances in recent years. His previous releases such as Deva, which opened at Rs 5.50 crore, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, which collected Rs 6.70 crore on Day 1, and Jersey, which earned Rs 3.2 crore on its opening day, all registered lower first-day figures compared to O’ Romeo.
Although the film does not match the opening day success of Shahid Kapoor’s biggest blockbuster Kabir Singh, its current performance indicates sustained audience interest in the actor’s star power. The opening numbers suggest that Kapoor continues to draw viewers, especially in emotionally intense and dramatic roles.
This performance is particularly important in the current theatrical landscape, where audience turnout has become increasingly selective. The film’s ability to attract viewers despite strong competition and changing viewing habits demonstrates Kapoor’s continued relevance in the industry.
Vishal Bhardwaj’s Personal and Artistic Vision
Director Vishal Bhardwaj, known for his unique storytelling style, described O’ Romeo as a deeply personal project. Ahead of the film’s release, Bhardwaj shared that working on the film helped him explore themes of love, violence, and emotional complexity. He expressed pride in the project and praised his cast and crew for their dedication and hard work.
Bhardwaj has built a reputation for creating films that combine poetic storytelling with intense emotional depth. His collaborations with Shahid Kapoor in the past have produced memorable cinematic experiences, and O’ Romeo continues that creative partnership. The director’s distinctive approach to storytelling, combined with strong performances, contributed to the film’s initial audience interest.
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Mixed Critical Response and Runtime Concerns
Despite its encouraging box office opening, O’ Romeo has received mixed reviews from critics. One of the most commonly mentioned concerns is the film’s nearly three-hour runtime, which some reviewers believe affects its pacing and overall engagement.
Critics have noted that while the film offers rich storytelling and emotional depth, it occasionally feels extended beyond necessity. Some reviews described it as having a literary quality, unfolding gradually like a novel. While this approach appeals to certain viewers, others feel that a tighter narrative structure would have enhanced the cinematic experience.
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At the same time, many reviewers praised the film’s music, performances, and visual presentation. Shahid Kapoor’s performance, in particular, has been highlighted as one of the film’s strongest elements. Triptii Dimri’s presence also adds freshness and emotional balance to the narrative.
Strong Position Compared to Other Releases
O’ Romeo also performed better than several competing releases on its opening day, reinforcing its position as one of the most talked-about films currently in theatres. The film benefited from strong pre-release buzz, the appeal of its lead actors, and the reputation of its director.
The Valentine’s Day release timing further strengthened its opening, as romantic-themed films often attract higher footfall during this period. Couples and young audiences contributed significantly to the film’s initial turnout, especially in urban multiplexes.
Audience Interest and Word-of-Mouth Impact
While the opening day numbers are promising, the film’s long-term box office success will depend heavily on word-of-mouth. Positive audience reactions could help the film maintain momentum over the weekend and into the following week.
In recent years, audience feedback has played a crucial role in determining the success of theatrical releases. Even films with moderate openings have gone on to achieve commercial success if they receive strong public support.
The emotional themes, music, and performances in O’ Romeo have the potential to connect with viewers, which could help sustain its theatrical run.
What Lies Ahead for O’ Romeo
The coming days will be critical in determining the film’s overall box office trajectory. Weekend collections will provide a clearer picture of its commercial potential. If the film shows consistent growth and benefits from positive audience reception, it could emerge as a successful theatrical release.
For Shahid Kapoor, the film marks an encouraging step forward, reaffirming his ability to deliver strong performances that attract audiences. For Vishal Bhardwaj, it reinforces his position as a filmmaker capable of creating emotionally rich and visually compelling cinema.
Ultimately, O’ Romeo has started its box office journey on a positive note. Whether it evolves into a major commercial success or remains a modest performer will depend on audience reception, sustained interest, and its performance over the coming weeks.
