The cinematic world buzzed with excitement as acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj unveiled the first teaser for his upcoming gritty saga, 'O'Romeo', on January 10, 2026. Featuring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri in lead roles, the brief glimpse, delivered in Bhardwaj's signature intense style, was met with widespread applause from fans and cinephiles across the internet.
From 'Sapna Didi' to 'O'Romeo': A Project Transformed
Intriguing reports have now confirmed that 'O'Romeo' is the creative revival and reimagining of the long-shelved biopic 'Sapna Didi'. This project has undergone a remarkable journey since its initial announcement in 2017. Originally conceived as 'Sapna Didi' and later titled 'Femme Fatale', the film was set to star Deepika Padukone as the infamous underworld queen Rahima Khan (Sapna Didi) and the late, legendary Irrfan Khan as the gangster Hussain Ustara.
Production was unfortunately halted indefinitely in 2018 following Irrfan Khan's health diagnosis, and the project remained dormant after his tragic passing in 2020. However, Vishal Bhardwaj eventually returned to the script, undertaking a significant creative shift. He moved the narrative perspective from the female lead to the hitman, transforming it into a Shakespearean-inspired crime saga set against the backdrop of the 1980s Mumbai underworld.
Star-Studded Cast and Gritty Narrative
In this new avatar, Shahid Kapoor steps into the role of Haseen Ustara, a character inspired by the real-life figure Hussain Ustara, marking his fourth collaboration with Bhardwaj after 'Kaminey', 'Haider', and 'Rangoon'. Triptii Dimri portrays Afsha, a character whose roots lie in Rahima Khan, aka Sapna Didi.
The core narrative revolves around Sapna Didi's relentless quest for vengeance against the powerful underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, portrayed by the formidable Nana Patekar, after he orders her husband's killing. In her mission, she forms an alliance with the ruthless Haseen Ustara (Kapoor), who trains her in combat and the ways of the criminal world.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Avinash Tiwary, Gourav Sharma, Randeep Hooda, Shakti Kapoor, Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani, Vikrant Massey, and Farida Jalal in pivotal roles. Mark your calendars, as 'O'Romeo' is slated for a theatrical release on February 13, 2026.
A New Chapter for a Legendary Tale
The journey from 'Sapna Didi' to 'O'Romeo' exemplifies how creative visions evolve. While paying homage to its original inspiration, Bhardwaj's new approach promises a fresh, character-driven take on a notorious chapter of Mumbai's history. The teaser's positive reception indicates strong audience anticipation for this fusion of Shakespearean tragedy and raw, Indian crime drama. This project not only revives a forgotten chapter of Bollywood's development slate but also continues the celebrated director-actor synergy between Bhardwaj and Kapoor, promising a potent cinematic experience for 2026.
