Courtroom dramas have always captivated audiences with their blend of suspense, legal intricacies, and human stories. What makes them even more compelling is when they draw inspiration from real-life events, mirroring the complexities and injustices of the world we live in. Here are seven such films that have brought real-life courtroom battles to the big screen:
1. Haq (2025)
Releasing on November 7, 2025, Haq, starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam, is already generating buzz for its portrayal of the historic Shah Bano case. This film revisits the legal battle of Shah Bano, a Muslim woman who sought maintenance from her husband in the late 1970s after he abandoned her. The Supreme Court's ruling in her favor sparked a nationwide debate about women's rights, secularism, and Muslim personal law. Yami Gautam Dhar emphasizes that Haq is not a biopic but is inspired by Shah Bano's powerful journey and what her case represented for women's rights in India. The film aims to capture the emotional fight for justice and the clash between personal and societal values, staying as close to reality as possible while incorporating cinematic elements.
2. Jolly LLB 3 (2025)
Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi reunite in Jolly LLB 3, a courtroom comedy-drama inspired by the 2011 land acquisition protests in Uttar Pradesh. The film, set to release on September 19, 2025, depicts a farmer being deceived into giving up his land to a corporate firm, leading to tragic consequences. Jolly LLB 3 dramatizes these events, with names and places changed, but the essence of the real-life struggle remains intact. The film draws from the intense farmer agitations in Bhatta and Parsaul, where villagers protested against low compensation for their land, echoing real slogans and the villagers' cries of "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan". The movie places its drama in a village of Rajasthan called Parsaul, a clear reference to the site of the actual protest. The film has resonated with audiences, particularly in rural areas, by highlighting ongoing grievances related to land acquisition and justice.
3. Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway (2023)
Directed by Ashima Chibber, Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway is based on the true story of Sagarika Chakraborty, an Indian mother who fought a legal battle against the Norwegian child welfare services to regain custody of her children.
4. Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai (2023)
Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai is inspired by the real-life Asaram Bapu rape case. The film stars Manoj Bajpayee as lawyer P.C. Solanki, who takes on a powerful religious figure accused of sexually assaulting a minor.
5. Shahid (2013)
Directed by Hansal Mehta, Shahid tells the true story of lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi, played by Rajkummar Rao. The film chronicles Shahid's journey from being wrongfully imprisoned on terrorism charges to becoming a fearless defender of those falsely accused. Shahid sheds light on judicial bias, wrongful convictions, and human rights violations.
6. Jolly LLB (2013)
Loosely inspired by the 1999 BMW hit-and-run case, Jolly LLB follows a small-time lawyer (Arshad Warsi) who takes on a powerful and corrupt legal system to fight for justice. The film draws from the real-life case where businessman Sanjeev Nanda was accused of running over six people with his BMW. The courtroom drama, infused with satirical humor, exposes judicial corruption and the struggles of the underprivileged in the legal system.
7. No One Killed Jessica (2011)
Starring Vidya Balan and Rani Mukerji, No One Killed Jessica is inspired by the 1999 Jessica Lal murder case. The film follows the fight for justice after Jessica, a model and bartender, was shot dead by a politician's son for refusing to serve him a drink. The film showcases the power of public outrage and media activism in ensuring justice was served.
These courtroom dramas not only entertain but also serve as a reminder of the real-life struggles and injustices that exist within the legal system. By bringing these stories to the screen, filmmakers spark conversations, raise awareness, and inspire change.
