Today: February 18, 2026
Today: February 18, 2026
Vishal Bhardwaj’s action-thriller O Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, has become one of the most talked-about Bollywood films of early 2026, riding high on its Valentine’s weekend release buzz and steadily building its global box office figures. Released theatrically on 13 February, the movie has seen a string of developments internationally that reflects both commercial momentum and mixed audience reactions.
On the business front, O Romeo enjoyed a strong opening weekend, grossing around ₹34.5 crore in India during its first three days and crossing ₹45 crore worldwide early in its run. Industry trackers report that by day four, the film had already surpassed the ₹50 crore mark globally, registering as Shahid Kapoor’s tenth highest-grossing film to date. Despite stiff competition from other releases and varied critical reception, producers continue to promote its performance across multiple territories.
Day-by-day figures show a performance that reflects the typical ebb and flow of a big-budget Bollywood release. The film earned an estimated ₹7.75 crore on its opening Friday, around ₹11.50 crore on Saturday and ₹8.25 crore on Sunday in India, with follow-up weekdays adding modest increments to its total. Domestic box office specialists have compiled these figures to highlight the film’s appeal among Indian audiences across urban and tier-2 markets.
Internationally, O Romeo has carved a respectable niche, particularly in markets with significant South Asian diaspora. Overseas grosses contributed significantly to the overall total, and analysts note the film’s potential to outgross other recent Hindi films within similar release windows. Comparisons with titles like Mardaani 3 and Deva indicate O Romeo’s competitive trajectory, even if it hasn’t yet reached blockbuster territory overseas.
Critics have offered a broad spectrum of responses, from praise for its performances to criticism over its narrative execution. Major international outlets have dissected Bhardwaj’s choice to blend Shakespearean themes with gritty crime drama elements—a stylistic pivot that divided audiences. While standout acting by the lead cast earned applause, some reviews suggested the three-hour vision did not fully capitalize on its storytelling promise.
One interesting cultural factor impacting the film’s performance occurred during the India-Pakistan cricket match earlier this week, which drew massive viewer attention and reportedly affected weekday collections as audiences opted for the big game over cinema outings. Such national events often influence Bollywood box office trends, especially during key weeks after release.
Behind the scenes, O Romeo’s production is rooted in real-world lore, drawing inspiration from true underworld personalities chronicled in Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens of Mumbai. This connection to gritty true-crime narratives helped generate early interest, with audiences curious about how real figures like Hussain Ustara are portrayed within a cinematic frame that also weaves intense romance and action.
As the film enters its second week in theaters, box office experts watch for how holiday patterns and competing releases influence its run. While initial global collections signal solid performance, sustained growth will depend on word-of-mouth, international market expansion and how the film holds up alongside other recent and upcoming releases. With a worldwide total edging over ₹60 crore in some reports, O Romeo continues to be a focal point of conversation among Bollywood enthusiasts and box office trackers alike.
Overall, O Romeo reflects the evolving dynamics of contemporary Bollywood cinema on the world stage: a mix of strategic release timing, cross-regional appeal, star power and narrative risks that collectively shape its global footprint as 2026 unfolds.
Brielle Duddy is a freelance writer and editor with a background in journalism. She has written for a variety of publications, with a passion for exploring the intersection of technology and society. Brielle is passionate about social justice and equality, and her writing often focuses on these issues. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, and exploring the vibrant cultural scene in her hometown of Los Angeles.