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It was the year 1978 a time period when women were expected to be silent especially when it came to faith family and law. But this was one woman Shah Bano Begum who refused to accept silence and chose to fight. A fight against her husband and the system not only redefined women’s rights in India but also exposed the cracks between religion and law. Suparn S Vermas directorial Haq starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam dives deep into this very conflict the personal versus the political the sacred versus the fair and transforms it into a deeply moving cinematic experience. The film inspired by the landmark Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum case doesn’t preach. Instead it makes you feel. Haq: Plot Haq opens with warmth a simple love story between Ahmed played by Emraan Hashmi and Fatima played by Yami Gautam. Their world is quiet filled with shared laughter and small joys. But beneath that peace lies a brewing storm. The tone shifts dramatically when Ahmed gets married again and brings home a second wife shattering Fatima’s life in a moment of betrayal. The emotional wreckage that follows feels painfully real. When Ahmed later divorces her through triple talaq and denies her financial support Fatima refuses to fade into the background. She files a petition seeking maintenance not just for survival but for dignity. From this point Haq transforms from a domestic drama into a full-blown courtroom thriller pulling the audience into every heated argument and every piercing question about faith law and justice. What makes Haq stand out? While many courtroom dramas tend to drown in lengthy dialogues Haq strikes a balance between intensity and emotion. The writing doesn’t aim to show off legal knowledge; it aims to make you understand and empathise. Each argument feels human each silence feels loaded. Yami Gautam delivers one of the most striking performances of her career. Her portrayal of Fatima is both fragile and fierce a woman deeply wounded yet unbroken. There are scenes where she says nothing and yet her silence speaks louder than any line. Emraan Hashmi as the conflicted husband plays against type. He doesn’t scream or dominate. He internalises guilt pride and ego and lets them eat away at him slowly. His controlled performance is one of the films surprises. Together their dynamic holds the emotional core of Haq. The love they once shared lingers like a ghost visible even in moments of anger and despair. The soul of the story: Bano and her father One of the most beautiful layers in Haq is Bano’s relationship with her father. He’s not just her parent he’s her moral compass her only support system when the world turns its back on her. The film delicately portrays how her father’s quiet strength fuels her fight. And in his final moments when he tells her “Bano tum sahi ho” it hits you like a storm because that’s when the audience realises: sometimes you just need one person who believes in you and you can take on the entire world. Bano’s father is not just a character; he’s the emotional pillar of this story. A mirror to society The beauty of Haq lies in how it blurs the lines between a woman’s personal fight and the broader system that governs her. It’s not just Fatima versus Ahmed it’s a woman versus a world that often denies her equality under the name of tradition. There’s a haunting line Yami delivers in the courtroom: “A law that fears women’s voices is not divine. It’s human and flawed.” It’s one of those moments that hits you deep reminding you how the echoes of Shah Bano’s real-life fight still ring true decades later. The screenplay subtly integrates references to the real case where Shah Bano’s plea for maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC went all the way to the Supreme Court. The judgment which initially empowered women later triggered political and religious unrest something the film touches upon with sensitivity. Cinematography dialogue and direction Visually Haq is striking. The cinematography captures contrasting worlds: the claustrophobic silence of Fatima’s home the stark lighting of the courtroom and the calm frames of a woman finding her voice again. The dialogues are razor-sharp. They’re not written to impress; they’re written to pierce. Whether it’s a heated exchange in court or an emotional breakdown in private the film makes sure every word counts. Director Suparn S Verma handles the subject with grace. He doesn’t glorify pain or villainise faith. Instead he lets the story breathe allowing you to draw your own conclusions. The pacing is deliberate but never dull; every scene feels purposeful. Family’s reaction and the controversy However not everyone is happy with how the story has been retold. Shah Bano’s family has expressed their discomfort claiming that the film commercialises their private struggle. Her grandson Jubair criticised the makers for not taking consent saying “They didn’t ask us anything. A lot of facts in the teaser are distorted.” The producers on the other hand have defended their stance. Their lawyer Ajay Bagadiya clarified that the movie is “inspired” by the Supreme Court judgment and the book Bano Bharat Ki Beti not a factual biopic. He also questioned the legitimacy of the petition filed by someone claiming to be Bano’s daughter. Despite the legal tussle the film carries a strong disclaimer and a stronger message. Final verdict India.com reviews Haq as more than just a film about law or religion; it’s a story of human dignity of a woman’s strength to refuse injustice and of standing tall even when the world tries to break you. Rating: 4/5 With stellar performances a bold script and deeply emotional storytelling Haq deserves to be seen discussed and remembered. Highlights: Yami Gautam delivers a powerhouse performance as a woman torn between love and justice. Emraan Hashmi shines in a subdued yet powerful role. A gripping courtroom drama inspired by the real-life Shah Bano case that redefined women’s rights in India.