The upcoming film Haq, slated for release on 7 November 2025, tackles one of India’s most talked-about legal battles. Directed by Suparn S Varma and written by Reshu Nath, the story draws its power from the landmark Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs. Shah Bano Begum judgement of 1985. Yami Gautam Dhar plays Shazia Bano (inspired by Shah Bano). The story follows a woman who finds herself abandoned by her husband and left to raise her children alone. Determined to secure justice, she takes her fight to court under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, seeking what she believes is rightfully hers. Meanwhile, Emraan Hashmi portrays Abbas, the husband-turned-lawyer who grapples with deep moral and legal conflicts as the case unfolds.
The film highlights the tension between personal laws and secular law. As well as themes of gender equality and the ongoing question of a uniform civil code. Moving forward, Haq Movie is produced by Junglee Pictures in association with Insomnia Films and Baweja Studios. Additionally, the supporting cast features Sheeba Chaddha, Danish Husain, and Aseem Hattangady.
The Shah Bano case triggered heated public debate in its time. Haq revisits that case in a dramatized form but the questions it raises are still relevant. Does the law treat women of all faiths with the same regard? Should religious personal laws override a common civil code? By placing an Indian Muslim woman voice at the centre, the film challenges viewers to rethink assumptions about law, identity and equality.
The teaser drop for Haq movie has already left an impression. Particularly in its final moments where Shazia says: “I am not just a Muslim woman, I am a Muslim woman of India… the law should treat me the same way as other women”. The daughter of Shah Bano has sent a legal notice to the makers, alleging the film uses personal life events without consent. If you go to watch Haq expect more than entertainment. It intends to provoke conversation. The powerful performances of Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi, combined with Suparn S Varma’s sharp direction and the backdrop of a real legal struggle, give the film its depth. When it comes to socially driven cinema, this one clearly stands apart.
