

If there is one film this February that marries brooding romance with the raw pulse of a city, it is 'O’Romeo.' Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and headlined by Shahid Kapoor and Tripti Dimri, the revenge-romance drama unfolds in the shadowy underbelly of 1990s Mumbai before stretching its emotional and visual arc all the way to Spain. True to Bhardwaj’s signature style, the film doesn’t merely use its locations as backdrops—they become characters in their own right.
Inspired by real events, 'O’Romeo' centres on Ustara, a contract killer portrayed by Shahid Kapoor, and Afsha, played by Tripti Dimri, a woman seeking justice for her husband’s murder. What begins as a pursuit of vengeance evolves into a volatile emotional entanglement set against gang rivalries, betrayal, and power struggles. The narrative demanded authenticity—and the makers found it in a mix of real neighbourhoods, historic landmarks, and meticulously constructed studio worlds.
To recreate the tense atmosphere of 1990s Mumbai, the production filmed extensively across South Mumbai. One of many amazing places to film was Mohammed Ali Road in Kalbadevi. Some scenes were shot at the famous Ruhani Restaurant. The area has old buildings and narrow streets. It gives a sense of real life that a movie set could not copy. The busy streets, old signs, and worn balconies create a true-to-life feel for the film.
Not far away, a school building from the BMC, still with its old design, was another place where they filmed key scenes. Using places like this shows Bhardwaj wanted to make the story feel like it was happening in a real city, not an artificial one.
Not many landmarks in Mumbai have the powerful feel of the Elephanta Caves. Parts of 'O’Romeo' was filmed at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. They filmed around the rock temples for Lord Shiva. The big Trimurti statue and cave-like insides added a timeless look to the story’s emotional scenes. With the old stone walls as a background, the movie’s ideas of love, destruction, and fate connect with what you see.
Although the movie included real-world locations for added authenticity, most of it was filmed in Mumbai studios. Bahubali Studios in Borivali and Vrundavan Studio in Malad housed the construction of sets that vividly portrayed the grim and perilous underworld. The climactic sequences, reportedly involving intricate combat choreography, wirework, and controlled explosions—were shot here.
In fact, for the film’s high-octane finale, the production designed a “Mini Spain” within these studios. The result is a seamless blend of international flair and local craftsmanship, proving how contemporary Bollywood increasingly straddles realism and spectacle.
It's interesting to note that some of the film's key action scenes were shot in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, not in a busy city. The town's tea gardens and mountain views offer a nice contrast to Mumbai's bustling streets. These scenes allow the story to unfold naturally and strengthen the emotional impact by placing characters in wide-open settings.
Reflecting the international threads within the storyline, 'O’Romeo' extends its cinematic canvas to Spain. For scenes with Avinash Tiwary’s character, the crew shot in Ronda and La Línea de la Concepción. Ronda's stunning cliffs and old bridges add a sense of importance to the story. La Línea's seaside setting gives it a crisp, Mediterranean feel.
Málaga features prominently as well, particularly for high-energy action and dance sequences. The city’s modern art landmark, the Centre Pompidou Málaga—with its vibrant, multi-coloured glass cube—forms a striking visual departure from Mumbai’s earthier tones.
Elsewhere in Spain, the spirit of Andalusian architecture surfaces through references to sites such as the Alcazaba of Almería and Seville’s cathedral precincts, lending a layered European atmosphere to the story’s second half.
At its core, 'O’Romeo' is a story of love and vengeance—but it is equally a journey through spaces charged with memory, power, and identity. Mumbai's maze-like streets, old caves, and the film industry's elaborate sets mix with Spain's sweeping panoramas and new buildings to give you a world that feels both personal and huge.
For visitors, the movie isn't just interesting to watch. It asks you to really see the places that form its story, from the busy Mohammed Ali Road to the sunny squares of southern Spain. Like Vishal Bhardwaj does, it reminds us that cities can tell love stories as strongly as the people living there.
1. Where was 'O’Romeo' filmed?
The film was shot across Mumbai, Palampur in Himachal Pradesh, and multiple locations in Spain including Ronda and Málaga.
2. Which Mumbai locations feature in 'O’Romeo'?
Key spots include Mohammed Ali Road, a BMC school building in South Mumbai, Elephanta Caves, and studio sets in Borivali and Malad.
3. Was any part of 'O’Romeo' shot outside India?
Yes, several action and character-driven sequences were filmed in Spain, particularly in Ronda, La Línea de la Concepción, and Málaga.
4. Were studio sets used in the film?
Yes, large portions, including the climax, were shot at Bahubali Studios and Vrundavan Studio, where elaborate underworld and “Mini Spain” sets were created.
5. What is 'O’Romeo' about?
The film follows a contract killer and a woman seeking justice, set against the turbulent underworld of 1990s Mumbai.