What Is O’Romeo Vs Gangster Hussain Ustara’s Family Controversy? Director Vishal Bhardwaj Reacts

O’Romeo Controversy: Vishal Bhardwaj's upcoming film, O'Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, has been creating quite a buzz for significant reasons. Following the teaser release, reports emerged that the film draws inspiration from the life of gangster Hussain Ustara. Shahid portrays Ustara, a violent hitman who falls in love with Afsha, played by Triptii Dimri. The film centres around themes exploring complicated love, vengeance, and rejected romance. Recently, daughter of Hussain Ustara questioned the portrayal of his father in the film and sent a legal notice. Here is all you need to know about the O’Romeo controversy.

O’Romeo Controversy Explained

The controversy surfaced online earlier this month after Bollywood Hungama reported that Sanober Sheikh, the daughter of Hussain Ustara, had sent a letter to the makers of O'Romeo, demanding a halt or cancellation of Shahid's film release. She also sought compensation of Rs 2 crores, claiming that the film is based on her father's life and was made without the family's consent.

Sanober Sheikh denied reports that her family threatened the makers of O’Romeo. She clarified that they have resorted to legal action to ensure an accurate portrayal of her father’s life.

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In an interview with News 18, she explained her objections. She said, “O Romeo is based on baba. The teaser states that the film is based on a true story. I want to ask them, who’s the person the film is based on. My father wasn’t a gangster. Hussain Ustara helped a lot of people. He wanted to cleanse the city and remove gangsters. He wasn’t a criminal. You won’t find any criminal record. The problem is how is image is portrayed in the film."

Vishal Bhardwaj Reacts To O'Romeo Controversy

During the trailer launch of the film in Mumbai, Bhardwaj clarified that he did not seek permission from Hussain Ustara’s family, as the film is adapted from a book. The director said, “There is a book named Mafia Queens of Mumbai, which is written by Hussain Zaidi. I took the rights of that story and made a film. Of course, characters are from the book but there are certain fictional aspects as well. I am sure Hussain sahab must have taken all permissions. Therefore, I do not think I also needed to take permissions. My film is based on a story which is a part of a book."

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