In a significant development for the creators of the film “O’ Romeo,” the Bombay City Civil Court has rejected a legal attempt to block the movie’s release. The court’s ruling followed a crucial hearing where it deliberated on issues of personality and privacy rights in contrast to the right to artistic expression.
The legal dispute was initiated by the daughter of the late Hussain Shaikh, alleging that the movie’s depiction infringed upon her father’s privacy and reputation. Despite the film being publicly announced in late 2024, the legal objection was raised just days before the scheduled premiere.
The Hon’ble Court, while dismissing the plea, emphasized that the right to privacy is personal and ceases upon an individual’s demise, thereby not transferable to family members to impede creative works. The court acknowledged the film as a work of fiction, reinforced by a disclaimer clarifying the fictional nature of the characters and any resemblance to real persons being coincidental.
Furthermore, it was successfully argued that abrupt halting of the film at the last moment would cause irreversible financial harm to the filmmakers and associated parties. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, “O’Romeo” is an adaptation of Hussain Zaidi’s book “Mafia Queens of Mumbai.”
Set in the backdrop of Mumbai’s underworld, the narrative revolves around Hussain Ustara, a complex and emotionally torn gangster. Featuring Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Disha Patani, Farida Jalal, and Tamannaah Bhatia in key roles, the film is slated to hit theaters on February 13.
