O’Romeo Can Release on Feb 13, Says Mumbai Civil Court

A Mumbai civil court has refused to stop the release of filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming film O’Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor. The court dismissed an interim application filed by Sanober Shaikh, who claimed that the movie was inspired by the life of her late father, Hussain Shaikh, also known as Hussain Ustara.

Sanober Shaikh had approached the court seeking a stay on the film’s release and requested a pre-screening. She alleged that the makers had misused her father’s identity and damaged his reputation without consent, thereby violating personality, privacy, and reputational rights.

The City Civil Court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge HC Shende, clarified that the observations made were only prima facie and would not affect the final decision in the suit. The matter has been listed for further hearing on March 12, when the defendants are expected to file their responses.

Vishal Bhardwaj opposed the plea and termed the suit false and misleading. He argued that O’Romeo is a fictional work and not a biopic, and that it carries a clear disclaimer stating that any resemblance to real persons is coincidental. He also pointed out that such rights do not survive after a person’s death and highlighted the delay in approaching the court.

With the interim relief denied, the court allowed the film to be released as scheduled on February 13, even as the civil suit continues.