O Romeo row: Hussain Ustara’s family denies threat claims, reveals demand from Shahid Kapoor film team

Hussain Ustara’s daughter, Sanober Shaikh, has denied issuing threats to the makers of Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming film O Romeo, amid reports of a legal dispute over the film’s content. Speaking with India Today, she said the filmmakers never sought permission from her family to base the story on her late father’s life.

Sanober also raised concerns about how certain facts have been altered in the film. She specifically mentioned the characters played by Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri. “She was like a sister to my baba, but as per the film, they are showing a romantic angle, which is absolutely wrong. We are demanding a pre-screening for the film so we can understand what it is all about. If they are taking my father’s story, they should keep it real. We are ready to fight the case till the end,” she stated.

She further clarified that her family’s intent is not to oppose the cast or crew personally. “Vishal Bharadwaj is an acclaimed director, and Shahid Kapoor is also a good actor, and we have no issues with anyone. We want to watch the film before it releases so we can give it a go-ahead. We also want the makers to accept that our family has given no threats to them. Rest, we will fight this in court,” Sanober added.

Earlier reports, including one from Bollywood Hungama, claimed that Sanober had sent a legal notice to Vishal Bhardwaj and producer Sajid Nadiadwala, demanding Rs 2 crore and a delay in the film’s release until her concerns were addressed. A source had stated, “The letter has been addressed to producer Sajid Nadiadwala of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and director Vishal Bhardwaj last week. It claims that O Romeo probably shows Hussain Ustara in a bad light, thereby impacting the family’s reputation. Hence, she has asked for ?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.”

The makers and cast of O Romeo have not confirmed whether the film is directly based on Hussain Ustara’s life. Hussain was a Mumbai-based gangster who had a well-known feud with underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim.

Recently, the song “Hum To Tere Hi Liye” from O Romeo was released. The film also stars Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, Avinash Tiwary, and Farida Jalal. Produced under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, O Romeo is scheduled to release in theatres on February 13, 2026.