Language: Hindi
Age Rating: U/A (Suitable for viewers above 13 years)
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
In Theatres From: May 16, 2025
A Bold Attempt at Social Action Cinema
Guddu Dhanoa, known for his work on high-octane actioners like Ziddi, makes a comeback with Romeo S3—an action drama that aims to blend gritty realism with a message about the drug menace. Headlined by Thakur Anoop Singh and Palak Tiwari, the film tries to strike a balance between explosive set pieces and emotional intensity.
Check Out: Romeo S3 Trailer Review: An Explosive Glimpse into a Gritty Action Saga
Plot: Crime, Corruption and a Quest for Justice
DCP Sangram Singh Shekhawat (Thakur Anoop Singh) is introduced as a relentless and muscular cop on a mission to destroy a drug cartel that’s poisoning the city. He’s all fists and fury—until he crosses paths with Priya Mehra (Palak Tiwari), an investigative journalist with her own motives for taking down the crime syndicate.
Together, they forge a reluctant partnership against a system plagued by corruption. Their dynamic gives the story a slight emotional anchor, though the film mostly barrels ahead with action and grit.
Performances: Raw Energy With Room for Growth
Thakur Anoop Singh fits well in the action-hero mold—his fight scenes are high on impact—but the emotional nuances of his role occasionally fall flat. Palak Tiwari delivers a surprisingly composed performance, effectively portraying a journalist caught in a dangerous game. She shows promise and handles the intensity of her scenes with commendable confidence.
Supporting actors like Shaji Chaudhary as the brooding cartel boss bring menace, but are let down by one-note character development. Sammy Jonas Heaney adds flair as a foreign operative, though his screen time is limited.
Action and Cinematography: Style Over Substance?
The action is Romeo S3’s strongest suit. From bare-knuckle brawls to high-speed chases, the film offers plenty of adrenaline-pumping moments. However, some sequences overstay their welcome, with slow-motion shots and monologues that feel formulaic.
Visually, the film uses sleek cinematography—especially in its night scenes—and handheld shots during fight scenes to build tension. The background score complements the drama well, though some music choices feel mismatched with the film’s darker tone.
Direction and Pacing: Uneven but Ambitious
Guddu Dhanoa’s direction reflects ambition, but the execution wavers. While the first half lays down a promising foundation, the second half loses momentum with a bloated climax and repetitive plot beats. The narrative occasionally leans into clichés, reducing the impact of its more socially conscious themes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works:
- Hard-hitting action choreography
- Palak Tiwari’s breakout performance
- A socially relevant backdrop involving drug abuse and corruption
What Doesn’t:
- Underdeveloped characters and predictable plot points
- Lack of emotional depth
- Overlong climax that dilutes the message
Final Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Romeo S3 is a well-intentioned action drama that delivers thrills but lacks the polish to be truly memorable. It shines in moments of brute force and tension, but stumbles when trying to convey deeper emotional truths. With a bit more narrative finesse and character development, it could have packed a stronger punch.
Should You Watch It?
Yes, if you’re in the mood for a gritty cop drama with stylish action and are curious to see Palak Tiwari’s promising debut. Just don’t expect the film to reinvent the genre.
Now playing in theatres.