Shahid Kapoor’s O'Romeo faces Rs. 2 crore legal notice - Here’s why

Shahid Kapoor is all set to star in Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming action musical, O’Romeo. The film marks his fourth collaboration with the celebrated director. Amid this, O’Romeo has faced controversy as Sanober Shaikh, Hussain Ustara’s daughter, issued a legal notice over an alleged negative portrayal of her father, seeking Rs. 2 crore within seven days.

Why did O'Romeo land in legal trouble?

Shahid Kapoor’s upcoming film O’Romeo has hit a legal snag even before its release. Sanober Shaikh, daughter of Hussain Ustara, has reportedly sent a notice to the makers, claiming that the film could portray his father in an unflattering light. Alongside demanding Rs. 2 crore in compensation, she has set a seven-day deadline for the payment.

A source told Bollywood Hungama that the letter was addressed to producer Sajid Nadiadwala of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and director Vishal Bhardwaj last week. It claimed that O’Romeo probably shows Hussain Ustara in a bad light, thereby impacting the family’s reputation.

" Hence, she has asked for Rs. 2 crores for the same. Along with the monetary demand, Sanober has also reportedly requested the makers to halt or cancel the film’s release until her concerns are addressed to her satisfaction," it shared.

Is O'Romeo based on Dawood Ibrahim’s adversary, Hussain Ustara?

Despite ongoing discussions, the makers of O'Romeo have not clarified whether the film depicts real people. Meanwhile, fans and insiders speculate that the story may take cues from Hussain Ustara, a well-known adversary of Dawood Ibrahim, and also Sapna Didi’s (the woman whose life changed when her husband, Mehmood Khan, was murdered by Dawood Ibrahim's gang) lives, a theory seemingly supported by the teaser released on January 10, which mentions that the movie is inspired by true events.

What is the plot of O'Romeo?

O'Romeo is a Vishal Bhardwaj-directed Bollywood action-romance film starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, inspired by true underworld events, focusing on a gangster (Kapoor) who finds unexpected love, which leads to conflict, revenge and a journey through Mumbai's painful past. The film features an ensemble cast including Farida Jalal, Nana Patekar, Vikrant Massey, and Disha Patani and will hit cinemas on February 13, 2026.

Also Read: 'Aap gaali dengi na?': How Farida Jalal agreed to viral cuss word in Shahid Kapoor's O’ Romeo?

O'Romeo FAQs:

Q: Is O’Romeo based on Hussain Ustara?

A: Touted as a "Shakespearean crime saga," O’Romeo draws from the real-life Mumbai underworld of the 80s and 90s. Shahid Kapoor plays hitman Hussain Ustara, whose uneasy alliance with Triptii Dimri’s Sapna Didi sets the stage for their showdown with Dawood Ibrahim.

Q: Who is playing Sapna Didi in O’Romeo?

A: Triptii Dimri portrays the character Afsha, who is directly inspired by Rahima Khan (popularly known as Sapna Didi). In the original 2017 announcement, this role was set to be played by Deepika Padukone.

Q: When is O' Romeo releasing?

A: O'Romeo is scheduled to release in theatres on February 13, 2026.