Director Vishal Bhardwaj is teaming up once more with Shahid Kapoor for the eagerly awaited ‘O Romeo’, a film that blends romance with raw societal truths. Among the highlights is the inclusion of legendary Farida Jalal, a decision rooted in Bhardwaj’s profound admiration for female resilience.
‘Women possess a strength men can only dream of,’ Bhardwaj told reporters. ‘They don’t crumble; they stand tall solo.’ His views stem from observing his aunt and grandmother dominate their community. ‘Rowdy boys terrorized the streets after dark, but my aunt’s stern words sent them fleeing,’ he recalled vividly.
For Farida’s character, Bhardwaj discussed the dialogue’s edge upfront. Her immediate agreement showcased her professionalism. The plot features Shahid as a feared figure softened only by his grandmother’s firm hand— a role Farida embodies with unmatched passion.
Addressing potential backlash on the film’s language and violence, Bhardwaj stood firm: ‘Cinema isn’t sanitized; it’s a reflection of life. We ignore real-world profanity but scrutinize screens.’ With co-stars like Tripti Dimri, Nana Patekar, Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, Aruna Irani, and Avinash Tiwari, this love saga is set to hit cinemas, challenging norms and celebrating unsung heroes.