O Romeo box office collection day 1 beats Deva and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya — Shahid Kapoor scores post-pandemic record

O Romeo Box Office Collection Day 1: Theatrical Fridays in Bollywood have their own electricity — a curious mix of trade anxiety, fan anticipation, and that unmistakable rustle of early box-office figures trickling into industry WhatsApp groups before the popcorn machines cool. This week, that buzz circled around O’Romeo, the romantic-action drama that pairs intensity with intrigue and marks yet another collaboration between filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj and star Shahid Kapoor. Backed by producer Sajid Nadiadwala, the film arrived without deafening pre-release hysteria yet managed to stir curiosity for its genre blend, ensemble cast, and musical storytelling. In an era where opening-day numbers often determine a film’s fate before word of mouth can even stretch its legs, the film’s first-day performance has already sparked trade chatter, fan debates, and cautious optimism across exhibition circuits.

What did O’Romeo earn on Day 1 at the Indian box office?

According to early estimates shared by Sacnilk, the film opened at approximately Rs 8.25 crore nett on Friday. However, updated trade tallies place the figure closer to Rs 9.01 crore nett, signalling a stronger-than-expected close to its first day. For a film that did not rely solely on franchise value or sequel hype, that number is considered a respectable launch.

How does this compare to Shahid Kapoor’s recent releases?

Trade comparisons show the film has comfortably outpaced several of Kapoor’s recent openings. It has earned more on Day 1 than

This makes it his strongest opening day in the post-pandemic theatrical landscape — a period widely acknowledged by distributors as unpredictable due to shifting audience habits.

Who else stars in the film’s ensemble cast?

Beyond its lead pair, the film boasts a formidable line-up: Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, Farida Jalal, Avinash Tiwary, Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia and Disha Patani. Industry insiders often note that multi-generational casts tend to widen audience demographics, drawing both younger viewers and nostalgia-driven cinephiles.

What are critics saying about the film?

Film critic Saibal Chatterjee, writing for NDTV, rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars. He described it as “a vivid, visceral, and visually varied film” that uses music as a narrative backbone while exploring flawed characters battling both enemies and inner demons. He also noted its unpredictability — a trait often praised in commercial cinema where formula frequently reigns.

Why did Vishal Bhardwaj call the film emotionally special?

Ahead of release, the director shared an Instagram note expressing profound pride in the project. He wrote that making it revealed his own capacity for “love and violence,” thanking his department heads for going beyond expectations. Trivia for cinephiles: Bhardwaj is among the rare Indian filmmakers equally respected for composing music and directing films, a dual role that explains his recurring emphasis on soundtracks as storytelling tools.

Is audience response matching trade expectations?

Initial viewer chatter suggests strong appreciation for the chemistry between the leads and the film’s background score. Theatre owners in metro cities report better evening occupancy than morning shows — a pattern typically associated with positive word of mouth beginning to circulate.

Can the Valentine’s weekend boost its numbers further?

Trade analysts believe the timing could work in its favour. Romantic-action hybrids often benefit from holiday weekends, and exhibitors expect footfall to rise through Saturday and Sunday if audience reactions remain steady. With its mix of romance, stylised action, and music-driven narrative, the film appears positioned as a date-night theatrical pick.

What makes this opening significant for the industry?

Post-pandemic box-office recovery has been uneven, with only select titles achieving strong starts. A near-Rs 9 crore opening without franchise backing indicates that star power combined with distinctive storytelling still holds theatrical pull — a reassuring sign for producers and exhibitors alike.

The verdict so far: Not a thunderclap debut, but certainly a confident one. And in today’s volatile theatrical climate, confidence on Day 1 is often the first sign of a film that might just find its rhythm by the weekend.