The highly anticipated teaser for HAQ has finally arrived, showcasing Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi in their most powerful roles yet. The courtroom drama, inspired by the landmark Supreme Court case of Mohammed Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum, promises to reignite one of India’s most significant legal debates that continues to resonate today.
Table of Contents
Film Overview and Cast Details
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Title | HAQ |
Lead Cast | Yami Gautam Dhar, Emraan Hashmi |
Director | Suparn S Varma |
Release Date | November 7, 2025 |
Production | Junglee Pictures, Insomnia Films, Baweja Studios |
Genre | Courtroom Drama |
Yami Gautam takes the role of Shazia Bano—a character based on Shah Bano, who filed a maintenance case against her husband Ahmad Khan in 1978, and won. Meanwhile, Emraan Hashmi plays Abbas, based on Ahmad Khan, who was an affluent advocate in Indore.
The Teaser That’s Creating Waves
The teaser begins as what appears to be a tender love story but quickly transforms into a gripping marital dispute that escalates into a fierce courtroom battle. The teaser shows Emraan Hashmi telling Yami Gautam that if she were a true Muslim and a virtuous and faithful wife, she would never have said such a thing. To this, Yami Gautam replies, ‘I am just Shazia Bano. Our fight has been for only one thing: our rights.’
The intensity peaks when Shazia Bano confronts the court system directly. Later, she approaches the court for justice, where she is told to consult a Qazi, to which she replies, ‘If someone’s blood is on our hands, will you still say the same thing to me?‘
The Real Story Behind HAQ
Historical Context | Details |
---|---|
Year | 1978-1985 |
Plaintiff | Shah Bano Begum |
Defendant | Mohammed Ahmed Khan |
Key Issue | Maintenance rights for divorced Muslim women |
Legal Provision | Section 125 of Criminal Procedure Code |
Supreme Court Verdict | 1985 ruling in favor of Shah Bano |
In 1978, 62-year-old Shah Bano, a mother of five children, was given triple talaq by her lawyer husband, Mohammed Ahmed Khan. When she sought alimony under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, he refused to pay her, citing Muslim personal law.
The case reached the Supreme Court and in 1985, the court ruled that Section 125 applies to all Indian citizens and divorced women should receive alimony, regardless of their religion. The verdict was a landmark one, reinforcing the principles of gender justice and a secular Constitution.
Yami Gautam’s Powerful Performance
The teaser showcases Yami Gautam in one of her most challenging roles to date. Wronged and abandoned, she bravely approaches the court to claim her ‘HAQ’ for herself and her children under Section 125.
Her character delivers the powerful line: “I am not just a Muslim woman, but an Indian Muslim woman, born and brought up in this soil. The law must look at me in the same way it does other Indian women“.
Following her critically acclaimed performance in Article 370, this marks another significant milestone in Gautam’s career as she continues to choose socially relevant subjects that challenge conventional narratives.
Emraan Hashmi’s Complex Character
Emraan Hashmi delivers a compelling story, with Hashmi playing the role of a razor-sharp and celebrated lawyer. His portrayal of Abbas presents a morally complex character that adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the internal conflicts within traditional patriarchal structures.
Director Suparn S Varma’s Vision
Director’s Previous Work | Notable Projects |
---|---|
Web Series | The Family Man, Rana Naidu |
Films | Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai |
Other Projects | Sultan of Delhi |
Suparn Varma is known for his work in Aatma, Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena, Acid Factory, Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, Karam and Zameen. His expertise in handling sensitive legal dramas, particularly evident in “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai,” makes him an ideal choice for this complex subject matter.
Production Excellence
Produced by Junglee Pictures, in association with Insomnia Films and Baweja Studios, HAQ is a searing and intense drama inspired by the landmark judgement. Junglee Pictures, the studio behind acclaimed films like Raazi, Talvar and Badhaai Do, continues its tradition of backing content-driven cinema that challenges societal norms.
Contemporary Relevance
The film arrives at a time when debates around the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) remain highly relevant in Indian political discourse. HAQ is a fictionalized and dramatized version of events stated in the book titled ‘Bano: Bharat ki Beti’ written by Jigna Vora, and revisits one of the most controversial cases in the India of the 80s.
The narrative raises pressing questions that continue to resonate: shouldn’t the opportunity of justice be equal for all? Is it time for one nation, one law? Where do we draw the line between personal belief and secular law? Should there be a Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?
Supporting Cast and Production Details
The film features a stellar supporting cast including Sheeba Chaddha, Danish Hussain and Aseem Hattangady in key roles, with the script written by Reshu Nath. The production team has reportedly completed filming, with post-production currently underway for the November release.
Box Office Expectations
Given the subject matter and the star power of both Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi, HAQ is positioned to be both a critical and commercial success. The film’s timing, releasing during the festival season in November, could work in its favor for maximum audience reach.
The combination of stellar performances, relevant subject matter, and Junglee Pictures’ track record with socially conscious films suggests HAQ could become one of the year’s most significant releases, potentially sparking nationwide conversations about gender justice and legal reform.
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FAQs
When is HAQ releasing in theaters?
HAQ is scheduled for theatrical release on November 7, 2025.
Is HAQ based on a true story?
Yes, HAQ is inspired by the landmark Supreme Court case of Mohammed Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum from 1978-1985.
Who plays the lead roles in HAQ?
Yami Gautam plays Shazia Bano (based on Shah Bano) and Emraan Hashmi plays Abbas (based on Ahmed Khan).
What is the significance of the Shah Bano case?
The 1985 Supreme Court verdict established that divorced women of all religions have the right to maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Who directed HAQ?
The film is directed by Suparn S Varma, known for “The Family Man” and “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai.”