A major legal dispute has emerged, casting uncertainty over the scheduled theatrical release of the Hindi film "O’Romeo." Sanober Shaikh, daughter of the late Hussain Ustara, has filed a civil suit in a Mumbai court, seeking to halt the movie from reaching audiences.
The Core Allegation: Unauthorized Biography
Sanober Shaikh's lawsuit, filed this Monday, asserts that the film is an unauthorized and inaccurate biographical portrayal of her father, Hussain Shaikh, famously known as Hussain Ustara. The petition argues that the film was produced "with the intent of commercial and monetary gain" without obtaining prior consent from the family.
Key Defendants and Demands
• Defendants Named: The lawsuit targets prominent figures in the film industry, including "O’Romeo" producer Sajid Nadiadwala, director Vishal Bhardwaj, and journalist-author Hussain Zaidi.
• Injunction Sought: Sanober Shaikh is requesting a permanent injunction to prevent the film’s release on its planned date of February 13, 2026, or any subsequent date, unless ruled otherwise by the court.
• Family Concerns: She has expressed deep concern over the potential portrayal of her father, claiming it could inflict "irreparable injury" on her and her family, including her children. She fears the film could "besmirch the character of the dead person."
• Pre-screening Request: The petition also includes a demand for a pre-screening of the film, suggesting the appointment of an authorized individual, such as a court commissioner, to review the content before any public release.
Filmmakers' Stance and Upcoming Hearing
In response to earlier legal notices, representatives for Bhardwaj and Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment have denied that "O’Romeo" is a biographical portrayal. They maintain that the film is "purely a work of fiction."
The matter is set to be heard by the civil court on February 6, where both temporary and permanent injunctions will be considered. The film, starring Shahid Kapoor and reportedly based on Hussain Zaidi’s book "Mafia Queens of Mumbai," is currently slated for release in theatres on February 13.
