Romeo S3 Movie Review: A formulaic masala fare that lacks focus

Time of India

18-05-2025

Story: DCP Sangram Singh Shekhawat (Thakur Anoop Singh) sets out to take down a deadly drug cartel in Goa. But when he crosses paths with a vengeful mafioso, the mission spirals into a deeper conspiracy—one that threatens the entire nation.
Review: Director Guddu Dhanoa's action thriller follows a fiery cop, Sangram, who goes undercover to infiltrate a drug cartel and expose its masterminds. At the same time, he is investigating his mentor's murder and grows convinced the two cases are connected. The story takes an unexpected turn, unfolding into a larger conspiracy involving a deadly virus—its only antidote in the hands of the self-proclaimed 'monster' mafioso, Jayant Makhija (Aman Dhaliwal). In the midst of this chaos, Sangram must also rescue investigative journalist Tanu (Palak Tiwari) after she's abducted by Jayant and his father.
Written by Shailesh Verma, the film is an out-and-out potboiler that suffers from a formulaic plot, an unfocused screenplay, and a meandering narrative. It's riddled with unexplained plot points, underdeveloped characters, and implausible twists—like Sangram's transfer being stalled simply because a video of his vigilante-style justice against rapists goes viral.
Despite the below-par narrative, the film's first half maintains an even pace and keeps you somewhat engaged as Sangram outsmarts the cartel. The film's production values and overall look are serviceable, even if not standout. There are a few well-choreographed action sequences, though the film leans heavily on the tried-and-tested formula of slow-motion entries, car chases, and blowing up vehicles. The narrative is further weighed down by a one-sided love angle, with Tanu falling for Sangram, and songs that interrupt the flow.
Thakur Anoop Singh handles the action scenes well and has a decent screen presence, though his characterisation and performance often echo Ranveer Singh's Simmba. His emotional moments, however, don't always land. Palak Tiwari is passable as Tanu, but her character is severely underwritten, and she never quite convinces as an investigative journalist. Aman Dhaliwal enters in the second half and is excessively over-the-top as the menacing Jayant.
With too many plot points crammed into a single narrative, most of them unconvincing and half-baked, the film loses focus and impact. While a few action sequences manage to grab your attention, they aren't enough to salvage the overall experience. Romeo S3 tries to deliver a massy action thriller but ends up as an over-the-top masala fare with little payoff.