Legal Battle Erupts as ‘O’Romeo’ Faces Court Challenge Days Before Release

Just days before its scheduled theatrical release on February 13, 2026, the Bollywood action thriller O’Romeo has become the center of a legal dispute. Sanober Shaikh, the daughter of the late underworld figure Hussain Ustara, has filed a civil lawsuit in a Mumbai court seeking to block the film’s release, claiming it portrays her father’s life without consent and in a damaging way.

According to the court filing, Sanober argues that O’Romeo closely mirrors events from her father’s life and was developed without prior permission from the family, which she says amounts to misuse of his personal story for commercial gain. She emphasized that the depiction could cause irreparable harm to her family’s reputation and peace, including potential negative impacts on her children’s lives.

The lawsuit names the film’s key creators — including the producer, director, and writer — and seeks both temporary and permanent injunctions to stop the movie from being released in theatres, on television, or on streaming platforms unless the court permits it.

Controversy in Court Ahead of Release

The matter is scheduled for a hearing in a Mumbai civil court on February 6, 2026, where judges will consider whether to grant a stay on the film’s release while the case proceeds.

In response to the legal challenge, representatives of the film have denied the allegations, asserting that O’Romeo is a work of fiction and not a direct biographical depiction. They maintain that the story was adapted from a published book and that the project is not meant to be an unauthorized portrayal of any real individual.

A High-Profile Cast and Growing Anticipation

O’Romeo features O’ Romeo starring Shahid Kapoor alongside a strong ensemble including Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, and others. The film was directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala — a combination that has generated significant interest among audiences.

As the controversy unfolds, the courtroom decision on February 6 will be closely watched by both fans and industry observers — with the film’s release hanging in the balance.