Hussain Ustara's Daughter Files Suit to Stop O'Romeo Film Release Over Alleged Portrayal

Sanober Shaikh, the daughter of late gangster Hussain Ustara, has moved a court seeking to halt the release of the upcoming Hindi film O'Romeo, alleging that the project draws inspiration from her father’s life without the family’s consent. The case was filed against the film’s producer Sajid Nadiadwala, director Vishal Bhardwaj, and author Hussain Zaidi, soon after the teaser of the film was released online and triggered the controversy.

In her petition, Sanober Shaikh has urged the court to declare that the defendants have no legal right to deal with, release, telecast, or otherwise exploit the film under its current title or any other name. She has specifically sought to restrain the makers from releasing O'Romeo on February 13, 2026, or on any subsequent date, across theatres, television channels, or OTT platforms.

The plea also seeks a permanent injunction against the release of the film, along with a temporary injunction to remain in force until the matter is finally adjudicated. Sanober has requested that the court bar the defendants, their agents, or anyone acting on their behalf from exhibiting or broadcasting the film in any form during the pendency of the case.

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In addition, the suit asks the court to order a pre-screening of the film and appoint a court commissioner or any other authorised person to submit a detailed report on its content. The petition further seeks interim reliefs, legal costs, and any other directions the court may deem appropriate in the interest of justice.

The dispute began after Sanober Shaikh alleged that no permission was taken from her family for a film she claims is inspired by her father’s life. Her counsel subsequently issued a legal notice to the producer and director. Responding to the allegations, the makers have denied any connection between O'Romeo and Hussain Ustara, with director Vishal Bhardwaj stating at the film’s trailer launch in Mumbai that the story is inspired by a chapter from Hussain Zaidi’s book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, for which rights were duly acquired. The matter is now pending before the court, with further developments awaited.

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