The upcoming courtroom drama "Haq," starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam, draws its inspiration from the historic Shah Bano case of 1985, a landmark legal battle that ignited a nationwide debate on women's rights and the role of secular law within modern India. Directed by Suparn S Varma, "Haq" promises a gripping narrative centered around themes of love, betrayal, faith, and justice, set to release in theaters on November 7, 2025.
The film revolves around Shazia Bano, portrayed by Yami Gautam, a Muslim woman who decides to fight for her rights after her husband, Abbas, played by Emraan Hashmi, abandons her and their children. The trailer unveils a seemingly content marriage between Shazia and Abbas, which crumbles when Abbas marries another woman, played by Vartika Singh. He then abandons Shazia, ceasing monthly maintenance payments. Determined to seek justice, Shazia takes Abbas to court. The ensuing legal battle gains national attention, highlighting the conflict between personal faith and constitutional justice.
The Shah Bano case, the real-life event inspiring "Haq," involved a 62-year-old Muslim woman who sought maintenance from her estranged husband, Mohammed Ahmed Khan, under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Khan argued that Muslim Personal Law only required him to maintain her during the iddat period, a mandatory waiting period for women after divorce or widowhood before remarriage. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in Shah Bano's favor, sparking widespread discussions on women's rights, religious law, and the need for legal reform.
In "Haq," Emraan Hashmi not only plays Shazia's husband but also appears as an opposing lawyer in court. The film portrays Shazia's struggle against societal pressures as she seeks fairness under secular law, while Abbas represents the conflicting voice of faith and patriarchal tradition. The narrative explores the tensions between Muslim Personal Law and Secular Law, raising questions about gender equality and the balance between belief and human rights.
"Haq" aims to capture the essence of the Shah Bano case, presenting a cinematic interpretation of the real-life events while fictionalizing certain aspects. The film intends to explore the complexities of the legal battle and its impact on Indian society, igniting conversations about gender, equality, and the role of secular law in contemporary India. "Haq" promises to be a thought-provoking courtroom drama that delves into the personal struggles, legal battles, and larger social issues surrounding the landmark case.
