Critically acclaimed actor Randeep Hooda initially cast as the antagonist in the upcoming action thriller o’romeoWalked away from the project just days before the shooting of the film was to begin. According to a recent report, the decision stemmed from personal commitments, which took priority over his participation. People close to the film’s producers confirmed the development, and the exit was reportedly amicable.
Why did Randeep Hooda distance himself from Shahid Kapoor-starrer O’Romeo days before the shooting? Here’s what we know!
Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, o’romeo It stars Shahid Kapoor, Trupti Dimri, Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani and Nana Patekar. The film, a Hindi-language action thriller, is scheduled to release on February 13, 2026.
Hooda was reportedly brought on board to play a major antagonist in the film. However, as shooting approached, he found himself facing significant personal challenges. An industry source said midday That Huda had started preliminary preparation for the role but she had to give priority to family concerns and health matters. “A personal crisis emerged just before shooting his part,” the source said, hinting that his wife’s health and developments in his personal life influenced his choice. The source said both Bhardwaj and producer Nadiadwala were supportive of his decision.
With production on a tight deadline, filmmakers moved quickly to fill the role. He chose Avinash Tiwari as Hooda’s replacement, marking his first collaboration with Bhardwaj. The source said, “Major delays in production could not be tolerated. Avinash fit the bill and was available to play the role at short notice.”
teaser for o’romeo has already been released, giving audiences a glimpse of the world the film will see – a story threaded with action and layered characters. Since Hooda is no longer a part of the project, the focus will now be on how Tiwari interprets the role of the antagonist opposite Shahid Kapoor and his co-stars.
