O’Romeo actor Avinash Tiwary was unsure about replacing Randeep Hooda; Here’s how it changed

O'Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor in the lead role, is his fourth collaboration with Vishal Bhardwaj - and theatre-goers cannot get enough of it!

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Now that O’Romeo has released in theatres and is working at the Box Office, the question of Randeep Hooda missing out on the project is back. Randeep Hooda had to quit the project amid his wife Lin Laishram’s health issue, owing to which Avinash Tiwary had to step in. The actor has been impressive since his first glimpse in the O’Romeo promo. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra has now spoken about the actor stepping in for the role.

What did Mukesh Chhabra say about replacing Randeep Hooda with Avinash Tiwary?

While speaking about replacing Randeep Hooda with Laila Majnu actor Avinash Tiwary, Mukesh told Zoom, “I like to experiment with people, and I have worked with Avinash in the past. I recognise his potential.”

Avinash plays the role of Jalal in the film, and it almost didn’t happen. “He wasn’t in Mumbai when I reached out to him for Jalal’s role. We got on a Zoom call and I told him to sign the film blindly because it will change audience perception about you,” Mukesh recalled telling the actor, proud that what he predicted came true.

The casting director pointed out how any actor is not used to their full potential because of wrong script choices. Praising Avinash Tiwary’s skills in acting, he stated that it is a loop even the actor got stuck in. Chhabra revealed that Tiwary was apprehensive about his O’Romeo role as well, but everything changed the minute he said yes.

About O’Romeo

Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo features Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri in the lead roles. It also stars Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani, Farida Jalal and Nana Patekar apart from Avinash Tiwary. Based on the book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, the film released in theatres alongside Bejoy Nambiar’s Tu Yaa Main starring Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor in the lead roles.

O'Romeo FAQs:

Q: When will O'Romeo movie release?

A: O'Romeo released on February 13, 2026, coinciding with The Valentine's Day week.

Q: Who plays the lead in O'Romeo?

A: O'Romeo features Shahid Kapoor as Haseen Ustara with Triptii Dimri as Afsha. Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, Vikrant Massey, Disha Patani, and Farida Jalal appear in the ensemble.

Q: Who is the director of O'Romeo?

A. Vishal Bhardwaj, who is known for Maqbool, Kaminey, Haider and other acclaimed films is the creative vison behind O'Romeo.

Q: When will O'Romeo release on OTT?

A: O’Romeo is expected to mark its OTT debut on Prime Video. You can expect it after completing its theatrical run.

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