A lot was expected from O'Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. Sadly, it opened below expectations and is struggling to cross the Rs. 60 crores mark at the domestic box office. We asked trade experts to understand the reason behind it.
Trade veteran Taran Adarsh said, “It’s a well-made film and has some great moments. However, the film as a whole didn’t work for me. A shorter and concise version was the need of the hour. Like the entire Spain track could have been reduced. The basic plotline was very interesting but the grip has to be maintained consistently from start to end. That’s what was lacking in the film.”
He also said, “Also, when you have opted for a subject like this, go out-and-out mass and don’t hold back. You cannot balance between mass and class.”
Girish Johar, producer and eminent film business analyst, agreed, “In my personal view, while the first half carried Vishal Bhardwaj’s signature style, the second half leaned towards commercial cinema. As a result, the audience could neither fully experience his trademark storytelling nor a full-fledged commercial entertainer.”
He further said, “It had an outstanding performance by Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri. Nana Patekar was in his element. Unfortunately, what couldn’t work was that though the songs in the background were very blendful, the tracks like ‘Paan Ki Dukaan’ and ‘Aashiqon Ki Colony’ did not work. Disha Patani was completely wasted. The Spain scenes were not required. The second half pulled the film down and as we all know, the post-interval portions have to be more impactful than the first half.”
Regarding the music, Taran Adarsh added, “One popular song would have made a world of difference. In Kaminey (2009), the song ‘Dhan Te Nan’ became a rage at that point and it helped the film take a good opening. That was missing and it’s surprising as Vishal Bhardwaj is known for good melodies.”
Trade analyst Atul Mohan, however, observed, “Songs are fine. I won’t blame the music. At least, all songs were original tracks and not remixes. ‘Paan Ki Dukaaan’ and the title track had a commercial feel, but sadly, it didn’t pick up.”
Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal opined, “Vishal Bhardwaj has never been a commercial director. That could be one reason. Music is very important for such films and in the case of O'Romeo, the songs didn’t work at all. Also, Shahid Kapoor is a popular and fabulous actor. Hence, we didn’t expect the film to open so low and have such disappointing lifetime numbers.”
When asked if the lifetime would cross the Rs. 60 crores mark, Raj Bansal replied, “It looks difficult.”
Atul Mohan confirmed, “The numbers are below expectations,” while Taran Adarsh stated, “When you start giving BOGO offers from the first week, it gives an indication that something is wrong with the film. One should ideally wait for a few weeks and then offer it to the audience.”
He continued, “The business is disappointing because one expected so much more. I was very keen to watch the film as I expected Shahid and Vishal would have really gone massy. Hence, you come out with mixed feelings. It’s neither great nor bad – it’s in between.”
But Taran Adarsh was all praises for the lead actor, “Shahid Kapoor is outstanding in the film. He has given the role his all. He deserves distinction marks.”
Also Read: “O’Romeo will be my biggest box office hit,” says director Vishal Bhardwaj
More Pages: O' Romeo Box Office Collection , O' Romeo Movie Review
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