Some films entertain. Others educate. HAQ does both while making you forget your popcorn exists. Inspired by the landmark Shah Bano case, this courtroom drama featuring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam transforms a legal battle into an emotional crusade for dignity that resonates decades later.
| Film Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | HAQ |
| Release Date | November 7, 2025 |
| Director | Suparn Varma |
| Writer | Reshu Nath |
| Lead Cast | Yami Gautam, Emraan Hashmi |
| Supporting Cast | Sheeba Chadha, Aseem Hattangady, Vartika Singh |
| Runtime | 136 minutes |
| Genre | Courtroom Drama, Social Commentary |
| Based On | Jigna Vora’s book “Bano: Bharat Ki Beti” |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (3.5/5) |
HAQ Story That Refuses to Be Forgotten
Set in the late 1970s and 80s, HAQ follows Shazia Bano (Yami Gautam), a woman fighting for her dignity, maintenance, and respect after being divorced by her husband Abbas Khan (Emraan Hashmi) through triple talaq. The narrative transforms a personal tragedy into a national conversation about women’s rights under Sharia Law.
What Captivates:
The writing by Reshu Nath is sharp, balanced, and emotionally stirring, with meticulous attention to detail from 70s-80s era aesthetics to chunri-printed wedding wrappers and metallic suitcases. The first half grips you by the throat and refuses to let go. Director Suparn Varma masterfully maintains tension throughout, making every courtroom exchange feel personal.
The songs may not become chartbusters, but they amplify the emotional weight of crucial moments. Several scenes leave your throat heavy with unshed tears.
Where It Stumbles:
While HAQ revolves around Shazia’s emotional and legal struggle, the portrayal of community outrage and social backlash could’ve been far more impactful. The second half loses momentum before recovering in the final twenty minutes. Certain predictable sequences and rushed emotional beats deserved more breathing room.
Performances That Pierce Your Heart
Yami Gautam is the soul of HAQ, delivering a powerful, layered performance as Shazia Bano where her eyes convey heartbreak, defiance, and determination all at once. Her Arabic diction and subtle body language bring remarkable authenticity.
Emraan Hashmi as Abbas Khan is brilliantly effective, with his controlled aggression and vulnerability making him a fascinating watch. The hostile chemistry between Yami and Emraan crackles with such intensity that you crave seeing them in a mature romance next.
Sheeba Chadha shines as Bela Jain, Shazia’s fierce lawyer, making every dialogue land with quiet power. The supporting cast, including Vartika Singh and Aseem Hattangady, provide solid backing.
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Why HAQ Matters Today
“Jab koi aapki aawaaz na sune, to dard hota hai” (When one’s voice is silenced, it hurts) – this line from Yami’s character encapsulates the film’s spirit. HAQ isn’t merely about the Shah Bano case; it’s about every woman who’s been told to accept injustice silently.
The film celebrates resilience without preaching, educates without boring, and entertains while making you think. It’s gender-neutral storytelling at its finest – relevant whether you’re watching as a man understanding systemic bias or a woman seeing your struggles validated.
Final Verdict: HAQ deserves your attention not because it’s perfect, but because it’s important. With powerhouse performances, crisp writing, and authentic period detailing, it transforms a courtroom into a battleground for human dignity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is HAQ based entirely on the real Shah Bano case?
HAQ draws inspiration from the historic Shah Bano case that shook India in the 1980s, adapted from journalist Jigna Vora’s book “Bano: Bharat Ki Beti.” While the core legal battle and social context mirror reality, the film takes creative liberties with characterization and specific events for dramatic effect. The essence of a Muslim woman’s fight for maintenance rights after triple talaq divorce remains authentic, but expect fictionalized elements including character names and personal backstories. Think of it as a dramatized tribute rather than a documentary recreation.
Should you watch HAQ if courtroom dramas typically bore you?
Absolutely. HAQ transcends typical courtroom drama tropes by centering on raw human emotion rather than legal jargon. Unlike many legal thrillers that drown you in procedural details, this film makes the courtroom secondary to Shazia’s personal journey. The 136-minute runtime feels shorter thanks to tight pacing (especially in the first half), period-accurate production design, and electric performances from Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi. Even if you’ve never watched films like Jolly LLB or Pink, HAQ’s universal themes of dignity, voice, and resilience will resonate deeply. It’s more social drama than legal procedural.
