The upcoming courtroom drama "Haq," starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam, has cleared censor boards in India, the UAE, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia with zero cuts ahead of its release on November 7, 2025. This news comes as a relief to the filmmakers and fans alike, especially considering the sensitive social themes addressed in the film.
"Haq" is inspired by the landmark 1985 Supreme Court case of Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs. Shah Bano Begum. The film follows Shazia Bano (Yami Gautam), a Muslim woman abandoned by her husband, Abbas (Emraan Hashmi), who fights for her legal rights and the custody of her children. She uses Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code as her weapon, sparking a heated debate that mirrors the real Shah Bano case and explores the collision of personal laws and secular justice. The film also features Vartika Singh, Danish Husain, Sheeba Chadha, and Aseem Hattangady in significant roles.
Yami Gautam addressed rumors of censorship, confirming that the film received a 15-plus age classification in the UAE, making it accessible to a wider audience. She emphasized that the film aims to present its subject matter without offending any community. "Haq" intends to portray a significant legal and social episode rather than focusing on a particular community, reiterating that the film isn't meant to antagonize anyone from any faith.
Directed by Suparn Varma and written by Reshu Nath, "Haq" is produced by Junglee Pictures, with Vineet Jain, Vishal Gurnani, Juhi Parekh Mehta, and Harman Baweja as producers. Verma described the film as an attempt to "humanise the headlines," focusing on the emotional toll such battles take on individuals and families.
However, the film has also faced legal challenges. Siddiqua Begum, the daughter of Shah Bano, has served a legal notice to the filmmakers, alleging unauthorized depiction of her mother's life story without consent from legal heirs. Shah Bano's legal heirs have also approached the Indore court seeking a ban on the film's release, claiming that it hurts the sentiments of the Muslim community and portrays Sharia law in a misogynistic light. They allege that the filmmakers do not possess any legal rights from Shah Bano Begum's legal heirs.
Despite the controversy, "Haq" is set to release in theaters on November 7, 2025. After its theatrical run, the film is expected to stream on Netflix from January 2, 2026, allowing global audiences to engage with the film's powerful story.
The film raises questions about whether justice should be equal for everyone and whether India should have a Uniform Civil Code to ensure equal rights across all communities. "Haq" promises to reignite conversations about faith, fairness, and the fight for equality.
