A civil court in Mumbai will hear a plea on February 6 seeking a permanent injunction on the release of the upcoming Hindi film O’ Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor, after the daughter of late gangster Hussain Shaikh alleged that the movie is an unauthorised and distorted portrayal of her father’s life.
The suit has been filed by Sanober Shaikh, daughter of Hussain Shaikh, popularly known as Hussain Ustara. In her petition, she has named producer Sajid Nadiadwala, director Vishal Bhardwaj, and journalist-author Hussain Zaidi as defendants.
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Allegations of unauthorised biographical portrayal
According to the lawsuit, Sanober Shaikh has claimed that O’ Romeo is effectively based on the biography of her late father and has been produced for commercial gain without obtaining consent from his family. Filed through advocate D. V. Saroj, the suit alleges that the film falsely portrays Hussain Shaikh as a gangster and misrepresents his life and actions.
The film, an action thriller slated for theatrical release on February 13, features Shahid Kapoor in the role inspired by Ustara and is based on Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai. The plaintiff has argued that the narrative directly draws from her father’s life and reputation, which she says has been wrongfully appropriated.
Sanober Shaikh has further stated that the release of the film would cause “irreparable injury” to her and her children, affecting their right to live with dignity. The suit contends that the alleged portrayal could have serious social consequences for the family and damage a reputation built over decades.
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Defence denies claims
In responses to legal notices issued prior to the filing of the suit, both Vishal Bhardwaj and Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment have denied the allegations. The defendants have stated that O’ Romeo is a work of fiction, and it does not depict any real individual.
However, the plaintiff has submitted documents to support her claims, including references to a podcast interview in which a former police officer reportedly linked the film’s storyline to Hussain Ustara. She has urged the court to restrain the filmmakers from releasing the movie in theatres, on television, or on any OTT platform, citing the “interest of justice”.
