Mumbai’s film circles are buzzing with tension as Shahid Kapoor’s upcoming movie ‘O Romeo’, set for release on February 13, finds itself embroiled in a high-stakes legal showdown. The controversy erupted when Sanobar Sheikh, daughter of the late Hussain ‘Ustara’ Sheikh, filed a petition in court demanding an immediate stay on the film’s release. Her grievance centers on the film’s trailer, which she claims portrays her father—a respected figure who aided law enforcement in curbing crime in Mumbai and across India—as a deranged gangster.
Sanobar argues that this depiction will inflict irreparable harm on her family’s reputation. In her legal filing, she asserts that the movie draws heavily from her father’s life story, twisting it into a fictional narrative that maligns his legacy. Hussain ‘Ustara’ Sheikh was known for his contributions to intelligence operations and police efforts against organized crime, a far cry from the villainous character allegedly inspired by him.
The petition names director Vishal Bhardwaj and author Hussain Zaidi, whose book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’ serves as the source material. Sanobar has also lodged a police complaint, escalating the matter further. The court is scheduled to hear arguments today, casting uncertainty over the film’s launch.
Despite the filmmakers’ insistence that ‘O Romeo’ is a work of fiction with imaginary characters—only partially inspired by real events—Zaidi himself clarified in recent interviews that the story blends artistic liberty with select real-life elements. Shahid Kapoor’s lead role has drawn particular scrutiny, with many speculating it mirrors Ustara Sheikh’s persona.
This isn’t the first time a Bollywood release has hit legal snags pre-launch. Just weeks ago, Manoj Bajpayee’s ‘Ghooskhore Pandit’ stirred similar debates. As anticipation builds for Triptii Dimri’s pairing with Shahid, the industry watches closely. Will the courts intervene, or will ‘O Romeo’ defy the odds and hit screens? The verdict could reshape how real-life inspirations are handled in cinema.