Mumbai: Just days ahead of its scheduled theatrical release, the Hindi film O’Romeo has landed in legal trouble. Sanober Shaikh, daughter of the late Hussain Shaikh, popularly known as Hussain Ustara, has petitioned a civil court in Mumbai to prevent the release of the film. The suit is claiming that the movie is an unauthorised false depiction of the life of her father.
The civil suit was filed on Monday and names producer Sajid Nadiadwala, director Vishal Bhardwaj, and journalist-author Hussain Zaidi as defendants. Sanober has applied to the court to issue a permanent injunction requesting the makers not to release the movie on its scheduled release date on 13 February 2026 or any other date unless the court authorizes it.
Allegations of Unauthorised Biographical Portrayal
According to the petition, the film has been developed without obtaining prior consent from Hussain Ustara’s family. Sanober Shaikh asserts that O’Romeo is highly founded on the life and biography of her father contrary to how it is said to be. The suit claims that the project was done with a purpose of commercial and monetary profit and distorts important events of the life of Hussain Ustara.
In her filing, Sanober expressed serious concern over how her father is portrayed in the film. She stated that the depiction could cause irreparable harm to her and her family, including her children. The petition states that the family has a right to the peaceful and positive living environment, and the release of the movie may have a significant impact on their lives and image. She further alleged that the portrayal could damage and besmirch her father’s character.
Makers Deny Claims, Call Film Fictional
The lawsuit also refers to legal notices that were sent to the filmmakers before the case was formally filed. In their turn, the representatives of Vishal Bhardwaj and Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment have refuted the accusations. They have insisted that O’Romeo is not a biographical movie but a fiction movie.
As part of the relief sought, Sanober Shaikh has requested the court to order a pre-screening of the film. She has also asked for an authorised individual, such as a court-appointed commissioner, to review the content before it is released to the public.
Hearing Scheduled for February 6
The civil court is set to hear the matter on February 6, where both temporary and permanent injunctions will be considered. The decision of this hearing may have a direct effect on the release plans of the movie.
O’Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor, is based on a story from Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai and is scheduled to hit theatres on February 13. As the release is subject to the legal review at the moment, everyone waits the next court session to see whether the film will be made available to the audience.
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