Hussain Ustara's daughter seeks stay on Shahid's 'O' Romeo'
What's the story
A civil suit has been filed in a Mumbai court seeking a permanent injunction against the release of the upcoming Hindi film O' Romeo. The lawsuit was filed by Sanober Shaikh, the daughter of gangster Hussain Ustara (real name: Hussain Shaikh), who claims that the film is an unauthorized biopic of her late father and portrays his life falsely. The case will be heard on February 6.
Details
Shaikh names producer, director, and author in lawsuit
The civil suit names producer Sajid Nadiadwala, director Vishal Bhardwaj, and journalist-author Hussain Zaidi as defendants. The film, starring Shahid Kapoor as Ustara, is based on Zaidi's book Mafia Queens of Mumbai. It is set to release on February 13. Shaikh's lawsuit claims that Nadiadwala and Bhardwaj are "involved in the production and direction of a film based on the biography of her late father."
Allegations
'O' Romeo' to cause 'irreparable injury': Shaikh
The lawsuit alleges that O' Romeo was produced "with the intent of commercial gain" without obtaining prior consent from Shaikh. She emphasized that the film's theme is entirely based on her father, who has been "portrayed as a gangster." The suit argues that the movie's release would cause "irreparable injury" to her and her children, who have "every right to live in peace."
Allegations
Shaikh says the film contains 'wrongful appropriation' of her father
Shaikh insisted that her father contributed to preventing crimes across India, particularly in Mumbai, and helped police tackle criminals. She accused the defendants of "exploiting a human tragedy for commercial gain." The movie allegedly contains "wrongful appropriation" of Ustara for "private gain," which would "besmirch his character."
Response
Shaikh submitted materials to support claims
In response to legal notices before the suit, Bhardwaj and Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment denied Shaikh's claims. They asserted that O' Romeo is purely a work of "fiction." However, Shaikh has submitted several materials with her suit to support her claim of a direct link between the film and her father. These include a podcast interview, where a former police officer reportedly connects the film's narrative with Ustara. The film also stars Triipti Dimri and Nana Patekar in key roles.