Haq is a bold and socially charged Indian Hindi-language courtroom drama released in 2025, directed by Suparn Verma. Inspired by the historic Supreme Court judgement of Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum, the film tackles one of the most sensitive intersections in Indian society—personal law, constitutional rights, and gender justice. Featuring powerful performances by Yami Gautam Dhar and Emraan Hashmi, with Sheeba Chaddha in a pivotal role, Haq stands as a brave cinematic attempt to revisit a case that reshaped legal and social discourse in India.
At Movie Ka Ticket, films like Haq matter because they go beyond entertainment and provoke conversation. This review is curated for readers of MovieKaTicket.com and viewers of the MovieKaTicket Films Review App, where cinema is explored with depth, context, and honesty.
Story & Narrative Depth
Set primarily within the confines of a courtroom, Haq follows the journey of Shazia Bano (Yami Gautam Dhar), a woman whose life is upended when her husband, Advocate Mohammad Abbas Khan (Emraan Hashmi), marries his cousin while still being legally married to her. What follows is not just a marital dispute, but a profound legal and moral battle that questions long-standing traditions, religious interpretations, and the role of constitutional law in safeguarding individual rights.
Rather than sensationalizing the issue, the screenplay by Reshu Nath adopts a measured, layered approach. The courtroom becomes a battlefield of ideologies—faith versus law, tradition versus reform, and patriarchy versus dignity. The film carefully navigates these themes, allowing viewers to understand the emotional cost borne by women trapped between social customs and legal ambiguity.
Performances That Anchor the Film
Yami Gautam Dhar delivers one of her most restrained yet impactful performances as Shazia Bano. Her portrayal is dignified, vulnerable, and quietly powerful. She embodies the pain, confusion, and resilience of a woman who chooses to fight rather than surrender.
Emraan Hashmi surprises with a nuanced performance as Advocate Mohammad Abbas Khan. He is neither portrayed as a one-dimensional antagonist nor as a misunderstood victim. Instead, the character reflects the complexities of a man shaped by privilege, belief, and legal acumen—making his internal conflict compelling to watch.
Sheeba Chaddha, as Bela Jain, adds gravitas and balance to the narrative, representing reason, empathy, and moral clarity. The supporting cast, including Danish Husain, S. M. Zaheer, and Anang Desai, strengthens the courtroom atmosphere with authentic and grounded performances.
Direction, Music & Technical Craft
Director Suparn Verma deserves credit for handling such a volatile subject with restraint and sensitivity. The film never feels preachy; instead, it invites viewers to listen, observe, and reflect. The courtroom scenes are tightly edited by Ninad Khanolkar, maintaining tension without resorting to melodrama.
Vishal Mishra’s music is subtle and emotionally resonant, used sparingly to underline moments of inner turmoil rather than overpower the narrative. Pratham Mehta’s cinematography keeps the visual tone realistic and intimate, allowing performances and dialogue to take center stage.
Social Commentary & Controversy
Unsurprisingly, Haq faced pre-release legal controversy due to its depiction of the Shah Bano case and its implications. However, the film’s greatest strength lies in its courage to ask uncomfortable questions without offering simplistic answers. It does not attack faith, nor does it blindly glorify the legal system. Instead, it highlights the urgent need for dialogue, reform, and empathy—especially when women’s rights are at stake.
Despite receiving positive critical acclaim upon its theatrical release on 7 November 2025, Haq underperformed at the box office. This gap between critical appreciation and commercial success perhaps reflects the discomfort audiences still feel when confronted with hard truths.
Final Verdict
Haq is not an easy watch, nor is it meant to be. It is a thought-provoking, well-acted, and socially relevant courtroom drama that challenges viewers to reconsider deeply ingrained beliefs. While it may not cater to those seeking escapist cinema, it will resonate strongly with audiences who value meaningful storytelling.
At Movie Ka Ticket, we believe Haq is an important film that deserves attention, discussion, and respect. For readers looking for cinema that reflects reality and sparks conversation, this film is worth your time.
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