Some films do not scream for attention. They do not rush to impress, and they do not chase applause. They simply breathe, take their time, and slowly settle into your heart. Haq, directed by Suparn Varma, belongs to that rare category. It is emotional without being loud, powerful without shouting for impact, and deeply rooted in human struggle and dignity.
Directed by Suparn Varma, Haq is a courtroom-emotional drama, inspired by the Shah Bano case, but it isn’t just a retelling. It is a deeply personal story about dignity, faith, womanhood, and identity. A narrative rooted in time, yet so painfully relevant even today. The film releases on November 7, 2025, and stars Yami Gautam, Emraan Hashmi, Danish Hussain, Vartika Singh, and Sheeba Chaddha.
Set in the late 1970s and 80s, Haq brings to life a world where a woman’s voice barely mattered and where religion, pride, and tradition often overshadowed humanity. But here, silence becomes resistance. A quiet kitchen becomes the starting point of rebellion. A neglected woman becomes the face of justice. And a personal heartbreak turns into a movement for countless unheard voices. Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi take this emotionally layered story forward with remarkable restraint and honesty. Suparn Varma does not try to shock or provoke. Instead, he allows the truth to speak for itself – softly, steadily, and with a dignity that makes a lasting impact.
Haq Story
Shazia Bano, played by Yami Gautam, enters her new home as a hopeful bride. The first time she steps into the kitchen, she notices something odd – three pressure cookers. When she asks about them, the domestic help casually says that Abbas Khan, her husband, never mends old things. Whatever gets old is replaced. At that moment, Shazia laughs it off, unaware that she may one day be treated the same way by the man she initially trusts and adores.
Shazia’s simple, peaceful life turns upside down when Abbas Khan, played by Emraan Hashmi, returns from Pakistan with a second wife. He hides behind faith to justify his decision, but the cruelty is unmistakable. Humiliation, abandonment, and betrayal unfold quietly. And then, without remorse, Abbas ends their marriage through triple talaq. When he even stops giving her maintenance, Shazia refuses to disappear. She decides to fight. With her father, Maulvi Basheer, by her side, she walks into a courtroom to reclaim her dignity and, unknowingly, becomes a symbol of change. What begins as one woman’s fight becomes a question: Who decides justice? Society? Religion? Ego? Or the truth?
Haq Movie Review
Haq is not a loud courtroom drama. It does not rely on screaming lawyers or dramatic punchlines. Instead, it lets emotions flow in silence. The film’s strength lies in its patience. It builds its world slowly. It allows pain to breathe. It gives space to fear, shame, courage, and hope. And that’s why it feels so deeply real.
Suparn Varma directs with emotional clarity. He does not choose sides. He does not villainise faith. He simply exposes what happens when power is misused and how society fails women who are expected to suffer in silence. The writing is grounded and honest. Every silence, every tear, every hesitation feels real. Even the courtroom scenes do not fall into clichés. They are sharp but subtle. They carry weight without theatrics. And when Shazia finally speaks, it hits harder than any shouting match ever could.
The screenplay by Reshu Nath is rooted in the culture, language, and sentiment of Uttar Pradesh in that era. The earthy tone, the natural lighting, the muted music — everything blends beautifully. The background score is minimal but soothing. Instead of trying to elevate scenes, it gently supports them.
Yes, Haq moves slowly at times. Yes, it demands patience from the audience. But that is exactly why it works. Because justice, dignity, and self-respect are not overnight journeys. They are uncomfortable, painful, and often lonely paths. Haq respects that journey.
Haq Performances
Yami Gautam is absolutely outstanding. This is one of her most mature and layered performances. She speaks more through her eyes than in dialogues. Her silence carries humiliation, pain, and eventually strength. She plays Shazia not as a victim but as a woman rediscovering self-worth, inch by inch. It is a very powerful yet restrained performance.
Emraan Hashmi is a revelation here. He sheds every bit of his usual screen image and delivers a controlled, unsettling portrayal of a man who believes he is never wrong. Abbas is charming, respectful, and cultured on the outside. But beneath that lies entitlement, ego, and emotional manipulation. Emraan plays this complexity with incredible restraint.
Danish Husain, as Shazia’s father, brings warmth and weight. His character does not shout for justice. He stands beside his daughter and lets his strength speak quietly. Sheeba Chaddha is brilliant as always —sharp yet soft-spoken —bringing weight to every courtroom moment. Vartika Singh, as the second wife, gets a limited arc, and her track could have had more emotional punch. But overall, the performances elevate this story at every step.
Final Verdict
Haq is not a film that tries to win you instantly. It grows on you. It stays with you. In times when cinema often chases controversy and loud commentary, this story chooses sensitivity and grace. Despite minor pacing issues, the film succeeds in delivering a meaningful, thought-provoking experience that highlights the fight for justice, identity, and women’s dignity in a complex society. Shazia Bano’s journey reminds you that even quiet women can shake the foundation of injustice. And sometimes, courage looks like sitting calmly in a courtroom and refusing to surrender. Haq is a deeply moving and quietly powerful film that deserves attention. It is not entertainment. It is experience.
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐ (4/5)
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