The teaser of O’ Romeo, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, has landed in controversy after Sanober Shaikh, daughter of the late Hussain Ustara, issued legal notices alleging that Shahid Kapoor’s character in the film is based on her father without the family’s consent.
According to Sanober’s lawyer DV Saroj, the first legal notice was sent to the filmmakers on October 30, 2025, followed by a second notice on December 15, 2025. Despite this, the filmmakers have maintained that Shahid Kapoor’s role in O’ Romeo has no connection with Hussain Ustara and that the film is neither a biopic nor a documentary.
Following the denial, Sanober’s legal team has now approached the court seeking a stay on the film’s release and is preparing to initiate further legal proceedings.
What Are the Allegations?
Speaking to media, Sanober clarified that she had only pursued legal remedies and had not issued any threats to the film’s team.
“We have only sent a notice. The reason is that in the teaser and videos, 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,” she said.
She added that while the filmmakers are denying the resemblance by stating that the film is not a biopic, the similarities have become increasingly evident with every new promotional 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,” Sanober said.
Impact on Her Family
Sanober said the controversy has severely disrupted her family’s life.
“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 said.
She also pointed to specific visual similarities in the teaser, claiming Shahid Kapoor’s styling closely matches her father’s public image.
“I have seen the teaser multiple times. The main look of Shahid Kapoor—the hat and everything—if you search online, you will find pictures of my father in the same style,” she stated.
Rs 2 Crore Compensation Demand Explained
Addressing reports that she had demanded Rs 2 crore, Sanober said the amount was included by her lawyer as part of the legal notice, not as a personal demand.
“All these things have been included in the notice by my lawyer. It is a form of compensation because the filmmakers are continuously refusing our stand and harassing us by denying the obvious similarities. In such a situation, we have no option but to take legal steps,” she said.
She firmly rejected claims of issuing threats.
“Legal action cannot be called a threat. There is a clear difference between a threat and legal action. A lawyer does not give threats—he sends a notice or files a case,” she added.
Next Legal Steps
Sanober said she intends to pursue the matter fully through the legal system.
“I will take complete legal help. If they are showing things related to my father, they should take our permission. What is right and what is wrong—only if we agree should they show it,” she said.
Highlighting the emotional toll, she added, “My father passed away nearly 29–30 years ago, in 1998. After so many years, all this is suddenly coming out. You can understand the situation we are facing.” She also clarified, “This is not about money.”
Her lawyer DV Saroj rejected the filmmakers’ defence outright, saying, “The replies given by the director are completely baseless. We have sufficient documents and information to prove that the film is based on Hussain Ustara.”
Film Release Uncertain
O’ Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, and Anurag Tiwari, is scheduled for release on February 13. With the matter now before the court and a stay being sought, the fate of the film’s release remains uncertain.