Shahid Kapoor replaced Kartik Aaryan in O’ Romeo after the actor reportedly declined the anti hero role.

Based on latest findings, the 44-year-old actor was not the first choice for the role.

According to the Times Now reports, the role was initially offered to Chandu Champion star, “Kartik rejected O’ Romeo because he did not want to play an anti-hero early in his career,” sources say. He had previously explored grey roles in Freddy (2022) but chose to pass on this one.

The teaser, a one-minute 35-second clip from Sajid Nadiadwala’s production, marks the reunion of acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya actor.

The much hyped movie set against the backdrop of unfulfilled love explores the themes of “passion, pain and the irreversible consequences of love denied.”

The Jab We Met actor is seen sporting full body tattoos, battling goons, and firing gunshots.

The film also introduces a star studded cast, Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Disha Patani, Aruna Irani, Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Farida Jalal in a fierce avatar. 

The O'Romeo is Sajid Nadiadwala and Vishal Bhardwaj’s first collaboration and marks Vishal’s reunion with Shahid after over eight years.

Meanwhile, Kartik has recently made headlines with vacation photos from Goa, sparking social media chatter. 

He was linked to a young woman named Karina Kubiliute. However, Kartik hasn’t responded to these rumours yet.

On the work front, he was last seen in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera, featuring Ananya Panday, Neena Gupta, Tiku Talsania, Nikkhil Advani, Pankhuri Gidwani and others. 

The movie, produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, earned a moderate response at the box office.