The upcoming film "O'Romeo," starring Shahid Kapoor, has been given an 'A' certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This classification comes after specific changes were made to the film's content, including modifications to dialogue and visuals. The film's runtime and its implications for Shahid Kapoor's career are also notable.

Film Cleared for Release After CBFC Review
"O'Romeo" is set to be released on February 13th. The film completed its censor process earlier this week, with the certificate issued on February 11th. The total length of the film is 178.41 minutes (2 hours, 58 minutes, and 41 seconds). This runtime makes "O'Romeo" the longest film to date for both lead actor Shahid Kapoor and director Vishal Bhardwaj.

Content Adjustments by Censor Board
Reports indicate that the CBFC mandated several changes to "O'Romeo" before issuing the 'A' certificate.
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The term 'Item' in the film has been replaced with 'Kumari'.
Visuals depicting a woman being slapped have been reduced by 20%.
These adjustments suggest a focus on modifying potentially sensitive or objectionable elements within the film.

"O'Romeo": A Deep Dive into its Thematic Elements
Dark Narrative and Shahid Kapoor's Role
"O'Romeo" is described as a dark and violent tale of unrequited love, a departure from more conventional romantic narratives. Shahid Kapoor plays the titular role, a character depicted as a feared gangster whose persona is defined by aggression and instinctive violence. This portrayal has drawn comparisons to Kapoor's role in "Kabir Singh," suggesting a similar intensity. The film's trailer hints at a stylized Western set within Mumbai's criminal underworld.
Themes of Crime and Psychological Depth
The film draws inspiration from real-life narratives from "Mafia Queens of Mumbai." While maintaining an explosive element, "O'Romeo" is also noted for its focus on psychological depth rather than solely relying on spectacle. Music is reportedly used as a narrative device, integrated into the storytelling rather than serving as mere interruption.
Ensemble Cast and Character Dynamics
"O'Romeo" features a star-studded cast beyond Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, including Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Vikrant Massey. This broad cast suggests a distribution of narrative power across multiple characters, rather than centering the film on a single protagonist. The film is seen as a return to crime storytelling that balances interior character development with explosive action.
Expert Analysis and Reception
The film's first look, released on Saturday morning, signaled Vishal Bhardwaj's return to a territory he is familiar with. The reunion of Bhardwaj and Kapoor marks their fourth collaboration. Critics have highlighted the film's potential to be one of Bollywood's most layered crime thrillers, emphasizing its exploration of a violent anti-hero. The film's depiction of love as a "curse" in a "soul-tearing noir masterpiece" has also been noted.
Conclusion and Implications
The 'A' certificate for "O'Romeo" indicates that the film contains mature themes and content, suitable for adult audiences. The specific revisions made by the CBFC highlight the board's role in shaping the final presentation of cinematic works. The film's length and Shahid Kapoor's intense portrayal of a gangster character position it as a significant release within the crime thriller genre. The film is slated to release on Valentine's Day weekend and will compete with "Tu Yaa Main," starring Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor. There have also been reports of a legal demand from the family of Hussain Ustara, alleging copyright issues concerning the film's makers.
Sources:
Bollywood Hungama: Provides details on the CBFC certification, runtime, and comparisons to previous films.
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/exclusive-oromeo-shahid-kapoors-second-rated-film-kabir-singh-cbfc-replaces-item-kumari-reduces-woman-slapping-visual-20/
The Indian Express: Discusses the film's dark and violent theme, Shahid Kapoor's character, and its release date.
https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/oromeo-shahid-kapoor-kabir-singh-coded-vishal-bhardwaj-violent-tale-unrequited-love-watch-10465611/
The Daily Jagran: Focuses on the film's potential as a layered crime thriller, its inspirations, and its ensemble cast.
https://www.thedailyjagran.com/entertainment/news/oromeo-why-shahid-kapoor-triptii-dimri-starrer-could-be-one-of-bollywood-most-layered-crime-thrillers-10295923
NDTV: Reports on the trailer release and Shahid Kapoor's role as a feared gangster, mentioning a legal row.
https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/oromeo-trailer-shahid-kapoor-plays-a-feared-gangster-in-vishal-bhardwajs-film-10798476
OTTPlay: Covers the trailer release, the reunion of Kapoor and Bhardwaj, and basic film information.
https://www.ottplay.com/news/oromeo-trailer-out-shahid-kapoor-vishal-bhardwaj-triptii-dimri/b6559e98c4152
Bollyy: Discusses the intensity of Shahid Kapoor's role and his previous work.
https://bollyy.com/latest-news/o-romeo-is-shahid-kapoor-returning-to-kabir-singh-level-intensity-in-this-film-11022280
The Times of India: Reports on the trailer release and Kapoor's portrayal of an anti-hero.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/oromeo-trailer-out-shahid-kapoor-embarks-on-murderous-rampage-as-a-bloody-anti-hero-in-vishal-bhardwajs-action-drama/articleshow/126968825.cms
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