Graceful, restrained, and deeply affecting — Haq is a film that finds its voice not in loud declarations, but in moments of silence and truth. Directed by Suparn S. Varma, the film stars Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi in standout performances that anchor this stirring story of dignity, defiance, and justice.
Releasing in theatres on November 7, Haq revisits a pivotal era in Indian legal and social history, echoing the emotional and moral complexity of the Shah Bano case without directly replicating it. The result is a cinematic experience that lingers long after the final frame.
A Story That Chooses Silence Over Spectacle
In an era where storytelling often equates noise with intensity, Haq dares to go against the grain. Varma’s direction is subtle yet unflinching, choosing to convey emotional upheaval through stillness rather than speech.
Set between the 1970s and 1980s, the film follows Shazia Bano (Yami Gautam), a woman from Aligarh whose life is upended when her husband Abbas Khan (Emraan Hashmi) returns from Pakistan with a second wife. The heartbreak deepens when he ends their marriage through triple talaq, stripping her of dignity and stability.
But Shazia’s refusal to disappear becomes the film’s moral centre — a personal rebellion that turns into a landmark legal fight for women’s rights and recognition.
Yami Gautam’s Career-Best Performance
Yami Gautam once again proves her mettle as one of Bollywood’s most quietly consistent performers. Her portrayal of Shazia is layered with grace, pain, and inner strength, a woman who suffers deeply yet refuses to surrender.
Her restraint becomes her power — every glance and pause carrying more weight than dialogue could. It’s a career-defining performance that stands shoulder to shoulder with her acclaimed roles in Article 370 and A Thursday.
Opposite her, Emraan Hashmi delivers a compelling turn as Abbas — a man torn between entitlement and emotion. His performance is grounded and mature, adding a layer of empathy even to flawed masculinity.
Direction and Storytelling: Subtle, Sincere, and Stirring
Director Suparn S. Varma keeps the tone restrained, avoiding melodrama or courtroom theatrics. The writing is measured and human, exploring questions of faith, law, and gender with nuance rather than rhetoric.
The cinematography captures a nostalgic, sepia-tinted Aligarh — reflective of a society in transition — while the music complements the emotional undertones without overwhelming the narrative.
Unlike conventional legal dramas, Haq relies on emotion and humanity rather than technicalities, creating a story that feels both intimate and socially relevant.
A Film That Resonates Beyond Its Runtime
Haq is not a film that seeks easy applause — it earns quiet respect. It challenges the audience to sit with discomfort, to witness courage in its most vulnerable form, and to think about how justice is shaped by empathy as much as by law.
For some viewers, its slow pacing and understated tone may feel deliberate — but that’s precisely what makes it authentic. Haq speaks softly, but every word lands with purpose.
Jay-Ho Highlights
Haq is a thoughtful, emotionally charged courtroom drama that finds its strength in subtlety. Backed by stellar performances from Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi, and guided by Suparn Varma’s steady hand, it stands as one of the most mature and moving Hindi films of the year.
It’s not just a story about justice — it’s about dignity, resilience, and the quiet revolution of one woman who refused to be silenced.
