Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 13: A day before O’Romeo hit theatres, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj shared an emotional note on Instagram, reflecting on his creative journey, personal conflicts and the intense emotions that shaped his latest film.

Expressing pride in the project, Bhardwaj wrote that he felt compelled to speak before critics and box office numbers delivered their verdict.

“Before the critics speak and before the box office delivers its verdict, I feel compelled to share how deeply proud I am of this film. Before the accolades or the criticism arrive, I must thank, from the deepest part of my being, all my HODs who gave far more than was ever asked of them — their vision, their integrity, their sweat, their blood, and their unconditional commitment to my vision,” he wrote.

The director described O’Romeo as a deeply personal work that allowed him to confront his own emotional extremes. He said the film made him realise his immense capacity for “love and violence — together”, adding that he had only recently become aware of how revenge had subconsciously influenced much of his storytelling.

“There is so much hatred, violence, and injustice in society. I often feel powerless against it. It wounds me deeply. This pent-up anguish needed release,” he wrote.

Bhardwaj explained that through the film’s protagonist, he channelled those bottled-up emotions. “In O’Romeo, through my protagonist, I slash throats, split skulls, and blow the brains of the monsters I cannot confront in real life,” he stated.

Balancing the darkness, the filmmaker spoke about the powerful force of love that anchors the narrative. “Opposite this violence stands an equally intense force — love. A love born from a lifetime of encounters with beautiful, sensitive souls who have shaped me. A love that did not let me drown. A love that pulled me out of the pool of blood,” he wrote.

Calling himself “in love with this specie called human”, Bhardwaj described the film as a manifestation of his inner polarities. “O’Romeo is the manifestation of these polarities,” he said, adding that the film represents the most complete version of himself as a filmmaker.

“It is as massy as I can be. It is as artistic as I can be. It is as violent as I can be. It is as poetic as I can be. It is as loving as I can be. It is as vengeful as I can be,” he noted, adding that regardless of its commercial performance, the journey had been deeply fulfilling.
He concluded his post by quoting poet Basheer Badr: “Subah hui, aankhein kholein, kapde badlein, pheete baandhein.. Uss sheher ke baare mein sochein, jo sheher ab aane waala hai.”

O’Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor, releases in theatres on February 13. The film marks Kapoor’s fourth collaboration with Bhardwaj and has received an ‘A’ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification.

The film also features Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani, Farida Jalal, Vikrant Massey and Triptii Dimri in key roles.