In a significant ruling for the film industry, a Mumbai City Civil Court on Saturday refused to grant an interim injunction against the release of the upcoming film ‘O’ Romeo’. The court dismissed a plea filed by Sanober Shaikh, daughter of the late gangster Hussain Shaikh (alias Hussain Ustara), who alleged that the movie was based on her father’s life without consent.
The legal challenge was directed at a powerhouse creative team, including producer Sajid Nadiadwala, acclaimed director Vishal Bhardwaj, and renowned crime author S. Hussain Zaidi.
The Legal Conflict
Sanober Shaikh’s primary contention was that the film drew heavily from the life of her father, whom she described as a journalist who assisted Indian intelligence agencies and the police. She claimed he was a target of organized crime syndicates, specifically the Dawood Ibrahim gang, due to his cooperation with the state.
The Filmmakers’ Defense:
- Work of Fiction: The defense argued the movie is purely fictional.
- No Personal References: The film does not name the deceased nor does it claim to be a biographical account.
- Disclaimers: Robust Hindi and English disclaimers are present to distinguish the content from reality.
Key Findings of the Court
The court’s decision rested on several established legal principles regarding freedom of expression and the authority of the Censor Board (CBFC).
| Feature | Court Observation |
| Certification | The film has already received statutory certification from the CBFC. |
| Prior Restraint | Injunctions against certified films must be exercised with “extreme precaution.” |
| Challenge Forum | The plaintiff failed to challenge the certification through the appropriate administrative forums before moving the court. |
| Evidence of Link | The court found the plaintiff could not definitively establish a factual bridge between the fictional character and her father. |
What’s Next for ‘O’ Romeo’?
With the legal hurdle cleared, the high-profile collaboration between Bhardwaj and Nadiadwala is set to proceed with its scheduled release. The film has already generated significant buzz, reportedly starring Shahid Kapoor, and is expected to be a gritty exploration of the Mumbai underworld—a genre both Bhardwaj and Zaidi are famous for mastering.