Shahid Kapoor’s O Romeo Controversy; Makers Receive 2 Crore Demand From Gangster Hussain Ustara’s Daughter!
Shahid Kapoor’s upcoming film O Romeo seems to have walked straight into a real-life drama even before hitting theatres. The Vishal Bhardwaj directorial recently dropped its teaser, which clearly mentioned that the film is inspired by true events.
Shahid Kapoor’s O Romeo Controversy; Makers Receive 2 Crore Demand From Gangster Hussain Ustara’s Daughter!
While that line instantly sparked curiosity among fans, it has now landed the makers in serious trouble. According to reports, Sanober Shaikh, daughter of late Mumbai-based gangster Hussain Ustara, has accused the film of being based on her father without the family’s consent.
(Also Read: O Romeo Teaser: Shahid Kapoor Back In A Badass Avatar)
Here’s where it gets spicy. Sanober has reportedly sent a legal letter to producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director Vishal Bhardwaj, demanding a whopping Rs 2 crore. The letter claims that Shahid Kapoor’s character appears to be inspired by Hussain Ustara and allegedly portrays him in a negative light. This, she says, harms the family’s reputation. Along with the money, she has also asked the makers to postpone or halt the film’s release until her concerns are addressed.
(Also Read: Triptii Dimri-Shahid Kapoor & More: New Bollywood On-screen Duos to Watch Out For!)
Real-Life Inspiration Behind O Romeo –
For context, Hussain Ustara was a feared gangster in Mumbai and was famously known for his rivalry with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Adding more fuel to the speculation, fans believe Triptii Dimri’s character draws inspiration from Sapna Didi, born Ashraf, who reportedly sought revenge against Dawood after her husband’s murder.
O Romeo Teaser:
Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, O Romeo boasts a powerhouse cast including Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Vikrant Massey, Tamannaah Bhatia, Avinash Tiwary, Disha Patani, and Farida Jalal. The film is currently slated to release on 13 February 2026.
Whether this controversy delays the film or fades away remains to be seen. One thing is clear though. O Romeo has already become one of the most talked-about films of the year, and it has not even released yet.