Throat cutting scene reduced, 'item' becomes 'kumari' as O'Romeo clears with A certificate ahead of release

O`Romeo

While Shahid Kapoor's latest film O'Romeo gears up for release, the film has cleared the censorship process with an ‘A' certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Helmed by Vishal Bhardwaj, it marks Shahid's fourth collaboration with the filmmaker. The film cleared certification on February 11, only after the mandated changes and reductions were made.

O'Romeo changes

According to a Bollywood Hungama report, the censor board asked the film's makers to modify several dialogues and scenes before approving the film. The word ‘item' was allegedly replaced with ‘kumari'. In some of the other scenes, a word was reportedly muted while an ‘inappropriate' term was deleted.

These changes were implemented to follow the certification guidelines. Notably, CBFC did not ask for any cuts to the romantic or intimate scenes in the film. Additionally, the film's violent content was given special attention. One close-up shot showing throat-cutting visuals was reportedly reduced by 20 per cent, which was around three seconds of footage being chopped. Besides, the board also asked for additional cuts, including two seconds each from a bloodshed scene involving a 'bloodshed head hitting' and a close-up shot showing blood squirting onto a woman's face.

In addition to this, other edits, according to reports, included a reduction in the duration of a scene which shows a woman being slapped. Besides, anti-tobacco and anti-smoking tickers were also added to the film, with the duration of disclaimers and voice-over increased by nearly two minutes.

O'Romeo runtime

After these changes suggested by the CBFC, O Romeo was officially certified with a runtime of 178.41 minutes, which translates to about two hours and 58 minutes. The certificate was granted on February 11, clearing the way for the film just in time ahead of scheduled theatrical release on February 12, 2027, coinciding with the Valentine's Day weekend.

The film stars Shahid Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani, Farida Jalal, Vikrant Massey, and Triptii Dimri in pivotal roles, and is roughly based on the book Mafia Queens of Mumbai by Hussain Zaidi. It is believed to revolve around the gangster Hussain Ustara.