Suparn S Varma’s film, inspired by the Shah Bano case, transforms a legal landmark into a powerful, character-driven story of a woman’s fight for dignity; Yami Gautam’s performance is hailed as unforgettable.
November 5, 2025: The much-discussed courtroom drama Haq, starring Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi, to hit theaters on November 7, proving itself to be more than just a headline-grabbing legal saga. The film, directed by Suparn S Varma and based on the book Bano: Bharat Ki Beti, is a deeply emotional and hard-hitting narrative that skillfully tackles the collision of personal faith and secular law.
The Story: A Fight for Maintenance
The movie revolves around Shazia Bano (Yami Gautam) and her husband Abbas (Emraan Hashmi), a couple whose life is torn apart when Abbas brings home a second wife, Saira (Vartika Singh). Following a tumultuous period, Shazia leaves and begins a legal battle when Abbas stops sending the promised maintenance for their children.
Though the film takes inspiration from the landmark Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs. Shah Bano Begum case of 1985, the makers provide a clear disclaimer of having taken cinematic liberties. Notably, the movie depicts Shazia as a middle-aged woman fighting the case, unlike the real-life Shah Bano who was in her 60s, though the verdict year remains 1985.
Direction and Writing Earn High Praise
The film is divided into two distinct, powerful halves. The first half meticulously builds the emotional groundwork, showcasing the couple’s romance, the pain of the second marriage, and the emotional turmoil of the first wife.
The second half transforms into a gripping courtroom drama. Director Suparn Varma (known for Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai) and writer Reshu Nath are lauded for crafting sharp, balanced, and hard-hitting courtroom scenes.
“The courtroom scenes are very well written and directed. Dialogues written by Nath are top-notch. There are many clapworthy scenes and dialogues in the film.”
Performances: Yami Gautam Shines
The lead performances are being universally hailed as the film’s biggest strength:
- Yami Gautam (Shazia Bano): The actress delivers what is being called her career’s best performance. Her emotional range, particularly a climactic monologue, is described as so impactful that it resulted in a “pin-drop silence in the theatre.” Her nuanced portrayal is central to the film’s message.
- Emraan Hashmi (Abbas): Hashmi impresses as Abbas, portraying the complexity of a man fighting for his interpretation of faith. His performance is so convincing that the reviewer notes, “after a point, you will start hating him.” He also delivers a powerful monologue in the climax, which he “has nailed.”
- Supporting Cast: Sheeba Chaddha and Aseem Hattangady are noted as impressive. However, Vartika Singh (as Saira) is deemed a miscast, with her urban appearance and accent not aligning with the film’s era.
The Verdict
Despite the pre-release legal controversy filed by Shah Bano’s family over the film’s use of her story without permission, the final product is being championed as a crucial, well-crafted piece of cinema.
FPJ Verdict: “Overall, Haq is a hard-hitting, emotional film featuring some amazing performances. Yami Gautam fans are in for a treat. A must-watch for Muslim women!“