In a significant legal relief for the makers of Shahid Kapoor-starrer O’Romeo, a Mumbai sessions court has refused to stay the film's release. The court dismissed a plea filed by the family of late Mumbai resident Hussain Ustara, who claimed the movie falsely portrayed his life and damaged his reputation, clearing the path for its scheduled release.
Legal Challenge to O’Romeo's ReleaseThe notice of motion was filed by Sanober Shaikh, Ustara’s daughter, who sought to block the film's release. Her primary contention was that the film was loosely based on her father’s life but depicted him as a gangster, which she argued was a misrepresentation. The petition asserted that the film's trailer created a misleading impression of Ustara as a criminal figure.
Who Was Hussain Ustara? Petitioner's ClaimsAccording to the plea, Hussain Ustara was not a gangster but a respected figure who played a crucial role in law enforcement. The petition claimed:
- Ustara was a journalist by profession.
- He served as a vital police asset, collaborating closely with the Mumbai Police and the Intelligence Bureau.
- His work involved preventing criminal activities across India, placing his life in constant danger.
- He had even received approval for a bullet-proof jacket from the Commissioner of Police’s office in 1994 due to threats.
The petition further detailed Ustara's alleged rivalry with Dawood Ibrahim’s D-Company, stating he openly defied the gang and acted as an informant against them. He was tragically murdered on September 11, 1998, with the suit claiming his death was planned and executed by Dawood Ibrahim’s close associates, including Chhota Shakeel.
Court's Decision and Future ImplicationsAdditional Sessions Judge HC Shende dismissed the notice of motion, clarifying that the court’s observations were prima facie in nature and would not influence the final adjudication of the main civil suit. This decision ensures O’Romeo can proceed with its release on February 13.
Despite the dismissal of the immediate stay, the legal battle continues. The main civil suit remains pending and is slated for a hearing on March 12. Sources indicate that Shaikh is likely to challenge the sessions court’s order before the Bombay High Court, extending the judicial scrutiny over the film's narrative inspiration.
Reference to Pradeep Sharma's RemarksShaikh’s petition also cited interviews of former Mumbai Police encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma. Sharma had reportedly stated that while O’Romeo was presented as a fictional story, its core narrative was inspired by real-life incidents linked to Hussain Ustara. The suit argued that while Sharma described Ustara as a police asset, the film’s trailer suggested otherwise, which could have serious implications for the plaintiff’s family members.
