‘Haq’: A Powerful, Thought-Provoking Legal Drama Anchored by Stellar Performances

“Haq” is a compelling and timely legal drama inspired by landmark cases like Shah Bano, delving deeply into issues of justice, women’s rights, and personal law within India’s Muslim community. Directed by Suparn S. Varma, the film centres on Shazia Bano, portrayed with powerful nuance by Yami Gautam Dhar, whose marriage to advocate Abbas Khan (Emraan Hashmi) implodes when he brings home a second wife and divorces her through triple talaq.

The film paints an authentic and emotionally charged portrayal of Shazia’s struggle-from the heartbreak of rejection to her courageous legal battle for dignity and support. The screenplay, penned by Reshu Nath, is marked by its sincerity, clarity, and refusal to oversimplify a complex social and legal issue. It balances the personal with the political, showing human vulnerability on all sides without demonising faith or community.

Yami Gautam delivers her career-best performance, bringing both strength and vulnerability to Shazia’s character, especially in courtroom scenes where her monologues are heartfelt rather than academic. Emraan Hashmi, as the conflicted and egotistical Abbas, offers a restrained but effective counterpoint, allowing the narrative to focus on Shazia’s journey.

While the film’s use of Urdu and heavy legal dialogues might challenge some viewers, it adds authenticity and depth. The direction remains mature and balanced, avoiding preachiness and presenting the nuanced conflict between secular law and personal religious laws concerning triple talaq, mahr, and women’s rights.