Thinking of watching HAQ, the intense courtroom drama starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam? Here’s everything you need to know before stepping into the theatre, including our HAQ movie review.
Inspired by the real-life Shah Bano case, HAQ draws from journalist Jigna Vora’s book “Bano: Bharat Ki Beti.” Set across the late 1970s and 1980s, the 136-minute film tells the story of Shazia Bano (Yami Gautam), a woman battling for dignity, justice, and maintenance after her husband Abbas Khan (Emraan Hashmi) divorces her through triple talaq.
Refusing to accept silence as her fate, Shazia takes on not only her powerful husband — a celebrated lawyer — but also a legal system that refuses to listen to women. HAQ explores her emotional and legal battle against patriarchy, religion, and societal norms that suppress female voices.
What Works
The screenplay and dialogues by Reshu Nath are precise, powerful, and thought-provoking. Every frame captures the authenticity of the era — from vintage suitcases to the printed wedding wrappers, the attention to detail is exceptional.
The music may not dominate playlists, but it beautifully complements the emotional weight of the story. The first half, in particular, keeps you glued to your seat, with director Suparn Varma maintaining tension and emotional grip throughout.
What Doesn’t Work
While HAQ powerfully presents Shazia’s struggle, the portrayal of social outrage and community backlash feels slightly restrained. The film slows down midway before regaining momentum in its emotional finale. A few predictable moments could have been tighter for better impact.
Performances
Yami Gautam steals the show with one of her most compelling performances to date. As Shazia Bano, she’s fierce yet vulnerable — her expressions convey pain, pride, and perseverance all at once.
Emraan Hashmi impresses as Abbas Khan, portraying layered shades of arrogance, love, and regret with striking realism. The chemistry between Yami and Emraan adds depth to an otherwise tense narrative.
Sheeba Chadha delivers a memorable performance as Bela Jain, Shazia’s lawyer, embodying quiet strength and wisdom. Vartika Singh and Aseem Hattangady also lend solid support to the story.
Final Verdict
“Jab koi aapki aawaaz na sune, to dard hota hai.”
This dialogue captures the essence of HAQ — a story about a woman’s fight to be heard in a world that silences her.
At its core, HAQ isn’t just a film about legal rights; it’s a celebration of women’s resilience, dignity, and courage. The film’s message transcends religion or gender — it’s about humanity, equality, and justice.