Sanober Shaikh has named producer Sajid Nadiadwala, director Vishal Bhardwaj and author Hussain Zaidi in the case, claiming the makers have portrayed her father's life without consent, Bar and Bench reported.
She claimed O' Romeo, slated to hit the theatres on February 13, is an unauthorised biopic of her late father and that the film's teaser and promos clearly suggested it was based on true events.
"The release of the movie will besmirch the character of the dead person, which is a sheer violation of the right to privacy," the lawsuit, filed by advocate DV Saroj, read.
Hussain Shaikh had a criminal past but later became a police informant, helping law enforcement fight the underworld group D‑Company (led by Dawood Ibrahim).
She stated that her father's name, image, reputation, and life story were personal rights that belonged to the family. They cannot be used for a movie for a profit without the family's permission.
The lawsuit also states, "The filmO' Romeowas being produced with the intent of commercial and monetary gain and no prior consent had been obtained from the plaintiff (Sanober Shaikh)."
Sanober told the court that the release of the movie would cause permanent harm to her and her family. In the lawsuit, she said her father has been shown negatively in the film, affecting the mental and emotional well-being of the family, especially her children.
Shaikh stressed that her father played an important role in preventing crimes, especially in Mumbai, and actively helped police and intelligence agencies in identifying and stopping criminals across India.
The filmmakers have rejected her allegations and stated the movie was entirely fictional.
The court will hear the matter on February 6.
