In the bustling world of Bollywood, where films often draw from real-life tales to add authenticity, a new controversy has emerged just weeks before a highly anticipated release. Shahid Kapoor's upcoming action musical, O' Romeo, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, is facing a significant legal hurdle. The film, set to hit theaters on February 13, 2026, has been slapped with a Rs 2 crore notice from Sanober Shaikh, the daughter of notorious Mumbai gangster Hussain Ustara. This development has sent ripples through the industry, raising questions about creative freedom and the ethics of portraying historical figures.

The Roots of the Dispute: A Film Inspired by Underworld Realities

O' Romeo marks the fourth collaboration between Shahid Kapoor and acclaimed director Vishal Bhardwaj, following their successful ventures like Kaminey, Haider, and Rangoon. Billed as an action-packed musical thriller, the movie features Shahid in a gritty role alongside Triptii Dimri. From the teasers, it's clear the story delves into Mumbai's shadowy underworld, with hints of romance, betrayal, and violence. Speculation has been rife that the narrative is loosely based on true events, particularly the life of Hussain Ustara—a feared rival of Dawood Ibrahim in the 1980s and '90s.

Ustara, known for his razor-sharp tactics (earning him the moniker "Ustara" meaning razor), was a key figure in Mumbai's gang wars. Reports suggest Shahid's character echoes Ustara's persona, while Dimri's role might draw from Sapna Didi, a woman who sought revenge against Dawood. Although the filmmakers have not officially confirmed these connections, the teaser's tagline—"inspired by true events"—has fueled online debates. Netizens and film enthusiasts have long linked the project to journalist Hussain Zaidi's book The Dangerous Dozen: Hitmen of the Mumbai Underworld, which profiles such figures.

The Legal Notice: Allegations of Negative Portrayal

The controversy escalated when Sanober Shaikh sent a legal notice to producer Sajid Nadiadwala, director Vishal Bhardwaj, and the production team. Shaikh claims the film portrays her late father in a derogatory light, tarnishing his image and causing emotional distress to the family. Hussain Ustara, who met a tragic end in gang violence, is depicted in ways that Shaikh argues misrepresent his life and legacy. She contends that using real-life inspirations without consent or sensitivity borders on defamation, especially since the film blends fact with fiction in a high-profile musical format.

This isn't the first time Bollywood has faced backlash for real-life adaptations—think of films like Sanju or Gangubai Kathiawadi, which drew similar criticisms. However, O' Romeo's case stands out due to the timing, coming so close to its Valentine's Day release.

Demands for Compensation and Release Halt

Shaikh's notice is firm on remedies. She demands Rs 2 crore as compensation for the alleged harm to her family's reputation, with payment required within seven days. Additionally, she has pleaded for the immediate cancellation or postponement of the film's release until her grievances are resolved. Failure to comply, the notice warns, could lead to further legal action, potentially including a court injunction.

The production house has yet to respond publicly, maintaining that the film is a work of fiction inspired by broader events rather than a direct biopic. This stance echoes common industry defenses, where creators emphasize artistic liberty.

Industry Buzz: Mixed Reactions and Speculations

The notice has ignited chatter in Bollywood circles. Some insiders view it as a publicity stunt, noting how controversies often boost box-office buzz—remember the pre-release drama around Padmaavat? Others express concern over increasing scrutiny on films based on real stories, fearing it could stifle creative storytelling. Trade analysts predict the issue might resolve amicably, perhaps through an out-of-court settlement, but it could delay promotions if escalated.

On social media, fans are divided: Shahid's admirers defend the film as a bold artistic choice, while others sympathize with Shaikh's plea to protect family honor. With the release date looming, all eyes are on how the team navigates this storm. Will O' Romeo emerge stronger, or will it face cuts and delays? Only time will tell, but this saga underscores the fine line between inspiration and intrusion in cinema.

Read Also: Meenakshi Chaudhary Shares Thoughts on 'Anaganaga Oka Raju': Stronger Heroine Roles and Varied Characters

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