The teaser of O' Romeo, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, has triggered a legal dispute. Sanober Shaikh, daughter of the late Hussain Ustara, has accused the makers of portraying Shahid Kapoor's character in the film as being based on her father without the family's consent. She has also sought Rs 2 crore from the makers over the unauthorised portrayal of her father. To note, there is no official confirmation of the truth of the claim as of now.
What Happened So Far
According to Sanober Shaikh's lawyer, DV Saroj, the first legal notice was sent on October 30, 2025, followed by another on December 15, 2025. The family claims the filmmakers have ignored their concerns, prompting them to seek a stay on the film's release and initiate legal proceedings.
Speaking to NDTV, Sanober said that the family has taken legal steps, saying, "We have only sent a notice. The reason is that in the teaser and videos, my father, that is my father's entire image has been shown. His look, his style - everything is being shown exactly like him. That is why we sent the notice. But the filmmakers are denying it by saying that it is neither a biopic nor a documentary."
She added that the similarities have become more evident with every new video.
"As more videos are coming out and more is being revealed about the film, it is clearly visible that everything resembles my father. As a family, and as a daughter, this is extremely disturbing for us. Because of this, problems are arising in our family," she said.
Sanober said the controversy has disrupted their lives.
"People are constantly sending messages saying that a biopic on your father is coming, that a film is being made. So many videos and messages are coming that our lives have been completely disturbed," she shared.
She also pointed out visual similarities after watching the teaser multiple times.
"I have seen the teaser. The main look of Shahid Kapoor that has been shown - the hat and all - if you search, you will find pictures of my father on the internet in the same style," she stated.
The Rs 2 Crore Demand
Addressing reports of a Rs 2 crore demand, Sanober explained, "All these things have been included in the notice by my lawyer. This has been done because of the filmmakers' continuous refusal. It is a kind of compensation, because they are continuously harassing us and also disagreeing with our stand. In such a situation, we have no option but to take some legal step."
On alleged threats, she clarified, "As far as threats are concerned, legal action cannot be called a threat. There is a difference between a threat and legal action. A lawyer does not give threats; he files a case or sends a notice."
Sanober said she will pursue full legal support.
"I will take complete legal help. Because they cannot do anything illegal. If they are showing things related to my father, then they should take our permission. What is right and what is wrong - only if we agree should they show it," she said.
Reflecting on the emotional toll, she added, "My father left the world about 29-30 years ago. He died in 1998. After so many years, all this is suddenly coming out, so you can understand what kind of situation we are facing," before clarifying, "And let me make it clear that this is not about money."
Her lawyer, DV Saroj said, "The replies given by the film director are completely baseless. We have sufficient documents and information which prove that the film is based on Hussain Ustara."
According to the makers, as reported by the Indian Express, O' Romeo is set against the backdrop of unrequited love and is described as a "deeply emotional film that explores passion, pain, and the irreversible consequences of love denied."
The film is scheduled for release on February 13. Talking about the cast, besides Shahid Kapoor, O' Romeo also stars Triptii Dimri, Tamannaah Bhatia, Avinash Tiwary, Disha Patani, and Nana Patekar in key roles.
Also Read: O' Romeo Teaser: A Kabir Singh-Coded Shahid Kapoor's Twisted Love Story With Triptii Dimri