O Romeo Day 01 Box Office Estimates: Shahid Impresses, Numbers Remain on the Lower Side

February has been extremely dull so far for cinema lovers and exhibitors. Theatres across the country have been waiting for that one solid commercial film to bring footfalls back. In the middle of this dry phase arrives O Romeo, the only major commercial hope of the month. But its first day numbers suggest that the road ahead will not be easy.

According to early trade trends, O Romeo has collected around 8.2 to 8.7 crore nett on Day 1. On paper, this may not look disastrous. However, considering the scale, budget and wide release of the film, the opening can only be described as below expectations.

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the film stars Shahid Kapoor in the role of Ustara, a passionate lover who transforms into a ruthless force inside the 1995 Mumbai underworld. The storyline blends romance with crime drama, promising intensity, emotion and action in equal measure.

The supporting cast adds serious weight. Triptii Dimri plays the emotional backbone of the story, while seasoned performers like Nana Patekar, Vikrant Massey, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia and Disha Patani appear in key and special roles. With such a strong lineup and Bhardwaj’s reputation for layered storytelling, expectations were naturally very high.

Interestingly, reviews from critics and audiences are mixed. While opinions about the screenplay and pacing are divided, one thing is almost unanimous. Shahid Kapoor’s performance has received strong praise. Many viewers are calling it one of his most intense portrayals in recent years. His screen presence and emotional depth are being appreciated across social media.

The music, composed by Vishal Bhardwaj with lyrics by Gulzar and vocals by Arijit Singh, had all the ingredients for a chartbuster album. Yet, the songs did not explode in popularity before release. Unlike typical romantic action films, the soundtrack did not become a major promotional push, which might have impacted the initial buzz among the masses.

From a business perspective, the film opened wide across multiplexes and single screens. However, its dark and intense tone appears to have limited its appeal in smaller centres on Day 1. Multiplex occupancy was decent in metro cities, but overall footfall remained moderate.

Trade circles are comparing the opening with Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, which had started in a similar range despite being a smaller scale project. For a high budget gangster romance like O Romeo, expectations were significantly higher. That is why the current start feels underwhelming.

The timing of release offered a big opportunity. Valentine weekend usually boosts romantic films, and the holiday period could have worked in its favour. However, competition from major sporting events and the overall slow market sentiment have added challenges. February so far has not delivered any big theatrical success, and exhibitors were counting heavily on O Romeo to change the trend.

Now, everything depends on Saturday and Sunday. The film needs a strong jump on Day 2 and steady growth on Day 3 to create positive momentum. A weekend total in a healthy range can change the narrative completely. If word of mouth turns stronger and couples step in for the Valentine weekend, the film can stabilise.

At this point, O Romeo is standing at a crucial junction. The opening day has put pressure on the team, but the story is far from over. Strong weekend growth can revive confidence and give the film a fighting chance in the coming weeks.

For now, the message is clear. Shahid Kapoor has delivered a performance that is winning praise. But box office success will depend on how audiences respond over the next 48 hours. The weekend numbers will decide whether O Romeo can rise from a soft start and become the much needed commercial relief for a struggling February.

Day 01 Box Office Estimate (India Nett): ₹8.2 to 8.5 Crore 

— CineInfinity

Box Office. Beyond Limits.

Disclaimer: The box office figures are compiled from various sources and internal research. The figures are approximate and indicative in nature. CineInfinity does not make any claims about the absolute authenticity of the data but believes they adequately reflect the box office performance of the film(s).