Haq’ Movie Review: Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi Deliver a Stirring Courtroom Drama Rooted

Bollywood’s latest courtroom drama, “Haq”, directed by Suparn S. Varma, has emerged as one of the most talked-about releases of November 2025. Starring Yami Gautam Dhar and Emraan Hashmi, the film is inspired by the landmark Shah Bano case — a real-life story that reshaped India’s legal and social landscape on women’s rights within the Muslim community.

Despite controversies and legal challenges before its release, “Haq” has opened to critical acclaim, earning praise for its emotional depth, authentic storytelling, and powerhouse performances. While the box office figures show a modest start at ₹1.65 crore on Day 1, the film’s social impact seems destined to outshine its commercial numbers.

Plot Summary: A Fight for Dignity and Justice

Set in contemporary India, Haq follows Shazia Bano (Yami Gautam) — a resilient Muslim woman who challenges the patriarchal and religious boundaries that restrict her rights after being unjustly divorced by her husband Abbas (Emraan Hashmi).

As Shazia takes her fight to the courtroom, she finds herself facing not just her ex-husband but centuries of societal conditioning, religious conservatism, and male dominance. The story unfolds like a gripping legal thriller, with Shazia’s struggle embodying the timeless fight for equality and the courage to stand against oppression.

Director Suparn Varma doesn’t shy away from exploring the complex intersection of law, faith, and gender politics, making “Haq” both relevant and emotionally overwhelming.

Performances: A Masterclass in Emotion and Restraint

Yami Gautam Dhar, as Shazia Bano, delivers arguably the best performance of her career. From the silent anguish in her eyes to the quiet fire in her courtroom confrontations, she brings raw authenticity to a character that mirrors millions of women silenced by societal norms.

Critics and fans alike have hailed her as “National Award-worthy,” and rightly so — Yami’s portrayal is as dignified as it is defiant.

Emraan Hashmi, as Abbas, plays a complex role — neither a typical villain nor a one-dimensional antagonist. His portrayal of a conflicted, fragile man caught between ego and tradition adds depth to the narrative. Emraan, known for his charm and intensity, reinvents himself in a character that is deeply human yet morally questionable.

Supporting performances by Vartika Singh and Rajesh Sharma lend additional gravitas to the film, grounding its courtroom drama in realism.

Direction & Screenplay: Suparn Varma’s Bold Statement

Director Suparn S. Varma (known for The Family Man 2 and Rana Naidu) proves yet again his mastery in balancing drama with realism. His treatment of Haq is sensitive, brave, and unflinchingly honest.

Rather than sensationalizing the Shah Bano-inspired story, he uses it as a lens to explore broader themes — women’s rights, legal loopholes, and the unending battle between faith and freedom. The screenplay moves seamlessly between court scenes, domestic conflicts, and media trials, creating an emotional rollercoaster that never loses its focus.

Cinematography & Music

The film’s visual tone is subtle yet powerful. The muted color palette and handheld camera work make the courtroom sequences tense and immersive. Each frame echoes Shazia’s solitude and resilience.

The background score by Mangesh Dhakde perfectly complements the film’s emotional tempo — minimal, stirring, and occasionally haunting. The closing track, “Apna Haq Hai”, sung by Rekha Bhardwaj, encapsulates the essence of the film — quiet strength in the face of chaos.

Critical Reception

Critics across major outlets have applauded the film’s storytelling and performances:

• The Indian Express called it “an extraordinary story told with restraint and authenticity.”

• Hindustan Times wrote, “Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi shine in this unflinching take on the casual cruelty of tradition.”

• Firstpost praised it as a “nail-biting takedown of patriarchy.”

• Deccan Herald added that while the film occasionally simplifies the legal nuances, it never loses its emotional integrity.

On social media, the audience response has been overwhelmingly positive, with the hashtag #HaqMovieReview trending on X (formerly Twitter). Viewers have described it as “emotionally moving, educational, and necessary.”

Box Office Performance

Despite strong word-of-mouth, Haq opened to a modest ₹1.65 crore on Day 1, as per trade analysts. Competing releases like Jatadhara and limited marketing affected its opening, but analysts predict a steady rise over the weekend driven by positive reviews and audience appreciation.

The film’s budget is reportedly ₹35 crore, and with its social relevance and powerful performances, Haq is expected to perform well in multiplex circuits and attract long-term viewership through OTT.

Legal Controversy: The Shah Bano Case Connection

Before release, the film faced a legal challenge from Shah Bano Begum’s daughter, who claimed Haq infringed on her mother’s privacy and distorted history. However, the Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed the plea, ruling that “privacy rights do not survive death” and noting that the film was “a work of fiction inspired by real events.”

This verdict cleared the way for Haq’s theatrical release, reinforcing the importance of artistic freedom and storytelling inspired by true struggles.

Themes and Takeaways

At its core, Haq is not just about one woman’s legal fight — it is a mirror to society. It raises uncomfortable but necessary questions:

• Can personal faith override constitutional rights?

• Why do women still have to fight for the justice promised by law?

• And most importantly — what does freedom really mean for women in modern India?

The film’s message is clear: every woman’s “Haq” (right) deserves recognition, respect, and protection.

Audience Reactions

The film has deeply resonated with audiences, especially women. Viral videos show Muslim women hugging Yami Gautam after screenings, thanking her for representing their struggle with dignity.

As one viewer put it, “I walked out of the theatre stronger.”

Verdict: A Must-Watch Courtroom Drama

⭐ Rating: 4/5

Haq is a rare Bollywood film that combines intellect, emotion, and integrity. It is not merely a courtroom drama but a social statement — one that compels every viewer to introspect.

Yami Gautam delivers a career-defining performance, while Emraan Hashmi surprises with restraint and depth. Suparn Varma’s direction ensures that Haq never becomes preachy, instead balancing storytelling with sensitivity.

If you value films that make you think, feel, and question — Haq is a must-watch.