Mumbai Court Greenlights Shahid Kapoor’s O’Romeo Release Amid Legal Challenge
In a pivotal ruling for the creators of O’Romeo, a Mumbai sessions court has denied a request to halt the film’s release, dismissing a plea from the family of the late Hussain Ustara. The family alleged that the film misrepresented Ustara’s life and tarnished his reputation. With the court’s decision, the Shahid Kapoor-starrer is set to premiere as scheduled on February 13, 2026.
Details of the Court Ruling
The Mumbai Sessions Court’s decision came after a notice of motion was filed by Ustara’s daughter, Sanober Shaikh. She argued that the film, which she claimed is loosely based on her father’s life, inaccurately depicted him as a gangster. The court’s ruling, delivered by Additional Sessions Judge HC Shende, emphasized that the dismissal of the plea would not influence ongoing civil proceedings related to the case. The judge stated, “The Notice of Motion is dismissed. It is clarified that the observations made in the order are prima facie in nature and shall not influence the final adjudication of the suit.” This ruling clears the way for *O’Romeo* to be released without delay.
Claims Made in the Petition
In her petition, Shaikh, represented by counsel DV Saroj, contended that the film’s trailer misrepresented her father as a criminal, which contradicted his actual role as a journalist and police informant. The petition highlighted Ustara’s collaboration with the Mumbai Police and the Intelligence Bureau in combating crime across India. It noted that Ustara’s work placed him in constant danger, leading him to seek a bullet-proof jacket, which was approved by the Commissioner of Police in 1994. Shaikh’s legal team sought not only to block the film’s release but also requested that an independent authority review the film before it was made public.
Allegations Against Notorious Criminals
The petition further elaborated on Ustara’s alleged conflicts with Dawood Ibrahim’s criminal organization, asserting that he was a significant threat to the gang. Shaikh claimed that her father was murdered on September 11, 1998, as a direct result of his opposition to Ibrahim’s D-Company. The suit alleged that Ustara acted as an informant for the Mumbai Police, providing crucial intelligence against the gang. This context underscores the family’s concerns regarding the film’s portrayal of Ustara’s legacy.
Continuing Legal Proceedings
While the court has dismissed the immediate request to stay the film’s release, the main civil suit remains active and is scheduled for a hearing on March 12. Sources suggest that Shaikh may appeal the sessions court’s decision to the Bombay High Court, indicating that the legal battle surrounding *O’Romeo* is far from over. The outcome of the ongoing proceedings could have significant implications for both the film and the Ustara family.
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