A gripping tale of courage and justice Director Suparn S Varma brings a stirring courtroom drama to the screen with Haq, a film that delves deep into the themes of justice, womanhood, and faith. Starring Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi in lead roles, the film draws its essence from the landmark Shah Bano case, which had once ignited nationwide debate on women’s rights and religious laws in India.
While Haq takes inspiration from real events, it weaves a fictional narrative that resonates deeply with today’s audience. The story follows Shazia Bano (Yami Gautam), a resilient woman who stands up against her husband Abbas Khan (Emraan Hashmi) and the societal norms that deny her dignity.
A symbolic beginning
The film opens with a subtle yet powerful metaphor. When Shazia steps into her new home after marriage, she notices three pressure cookers in the kitchen. On questioning the domestic help, she is told that Abbas never mends old things — he replaces them. This seemingly ordinary detail sets the tone for the story. It symbolises how Abbas treats not only objects but relationships too.
Shazia’s life takes a turn when, after giving birth to her third child, she discovers that Abbas plans to replace her with another woman. What begins as a domestic conflict soon evolves into a public fight for identity, justice, and self-respect.
Stellar performances and layered storytelling
Yami Gautam delivers one of her most intense performances as Shazia Bano. Her portrayal captures both the quiet pain and the indomitable strength of a woman battling a patriarchal setup. Emraan Hashmi, on the other hand, plays Abbas Khan with nuanced restraint, portraying a man torn between ego, faith, and societal expectations.
Supporting actors Vartika Singh, Danish Husain, Sheeba Chadha, and Aseem Hattangady add depth to the narrative, each representing a voice in the larger discourse of gender and morality.
Suparn S Varma’s direction is crisp and purposeful. Known for his sharp storytelling in projects like The Family Man, he handles the complex theme of Haq with sensitivity. The screenplay avoids melodrama, relying instead on emotional realism and subtle symbolism.
Beyond the courtroom
Unlike many legal dramas, Haq doesn’t confine itself to courtroom arguments. It expands its lens to explore how society, religion, and law intersect in shaping a woman’s destiny. The courtroom sequences, though compelling, are complemented by domestic confrontations, community pressure, and internal struggles.
The cinematography captures the tension between public and private spaces — from the dimly lit interiors of Shazia’s home to the stark brightness of the courtroom. The background score, too, enhances the emotional weight without overpowering the performances.
A story for today’s India
What makes Haq truly relevant is its commentary on modern-day India, where women continue to battle for agency within rigid cultural frameworks. The film doesn’t take a confrontational tone; rather, it invites dialogue on coexistence, equality, and compassion.
In one poignant scene, Shazia tells the judge, “Faith gives me strength, not silence.” It is this spirit that defines Haq — a story that celebrates resilience without losing empathy.
Conclusion
Haq stands out as one of the most powerful Hindi dramas of the year. It’s a film that not only revisits the questions raised decades ago during the Shah Bano case but also reflects on their continuing relevance today. Suparn S Varma succeeds in balancing sensitivity with strength, and the result is a film that lingers long after the credits roll.
Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi shine in a narrative that challenges conventions and celebrates the courage to question injustice. Haq is not just a film; it’s a statement.