The upcoming film O'Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor, has become embroiled in controversy following accusations from Sanober Shaikh, the daughter of the late Hussain Ustara, a notorious figure in Mumbai's underworld. Shaikh alleges that Kapoor's character in the film is an unauthorized and inaccurate portrayal of her father, and she is demanding a ban on the film's release.
Shaikh has taken legal action, sending legal notices to director Vishal Bhardwaj, screenwriter Rohan Narula, and producer Sajid Nadiadwala of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, as well as the Central Board of Film Certification. Through her lawyer, Advocate DV Saroj, she is seeking ₹2 crore (approximately $240,000 USD) in compensation for the alleged unauthorized representation and reputational damage to her family. Furthermore, she is requesting an immediate halt to the film's release and promotional activities until her concerns are addressed.
Hussain Ustara, born Hussain Sheikh, was a prominent figure in Mumbai's criminal underworld, known for his ruthlessness and independence. He reportedly rose through the ranks, becoming a feared contract killer with a reputation for brutal efficiency. Crime author S. Hussain Zaidi, in his book Dongri to Dubai, attributes Ustara's nickname to a savage attack involving a scalpel. Ustara also had a well-known rivalry with the infamous Dawood Ibrahim, refusing to operate under his command. He died in 1998, but his life continues to be a subject of interest in books, folklore, and now, cinema.
In O'Romeo, Shahid Kapoor plays a hitman named Ustara who becomes entangled in a world of love, loyalty, betrayal, and revenge. The film is slated for release on February 13. While filmmakers have stated that O'Romeo is a fictional narrative inspired by real-life events and does not depict any one individual, the similarities between Kapoor's character and Hussain Ustara have fueled the controversy.
The controversy surrounding O'Romeo has intensified interest in the film and the real-life figure of Hussain Ustara. It remains to be seen how the filmmakers will respond to Shaikh's demands and whether the film's release will be affected.