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HAQ — a Hindi courtroom drama that doesn’t just tell a story, but demands to be felt. Recently made available on Netflix after its theatrical release in November 2025, this emotionally intense film runs for 2 hours and 14 minutes and leaves a lasting imprint long after the credits roll.
Written by Reshu Nath, directed by Suparn Varma, and co-produced by Harman Baweja, Rowena Baweja, and others, HAQ is not your typical legal drama. It is raw, unsettling, and deeply human — a film that confronts patriarchy, personal law, and systemic injustice head-on.
Synopsis
The story follows Shazia Bano (Yami Gautam), whose life is shattered when her husband, Abbas Khan (Emraan Hashmi), marries another woman without her consent. Betrayed and emotionally broken, Bano slowly fades into a version of herself she barely recognises.
Rather than showing remorse, Abbas grows increasingly resentful. He emotionally abandons Bano, cuts off financial support, and refuses to provide even the most basic child maintenance for their three children. When repeated pleas for a modest monthly support of 400 rupees are ignored, Bano is left with no choice but to seek justice through the courts.
What follows is a long, exhausting, and emotionally draining legal battle — one that pits a woman’s dignity and survival against rigid interpretations of personal law, patriarchal entitlement, and societal indifference.
My Take
First of all, let me scream in admiration for Shazia Bano’s father — WHAT. A. FATHER. 😭 His quiet strength, unwavering support, and emotional steadiness were profoundly moving. Watching him felt deeply personal; it reminded me of the kind of parental support that becomes a lifeline during life’s darkest storms.
This film wrecked me emotionally. I cried — not polite tears, but full-on sobbing. My chest hurt. I’ve rarely felt this level of rage toward a fictional antagonist. Abbas Khan’s stubborn refusal to provide even minimal support for his own children — all in the name of ego and warped ideology — was infuriating. Who chooses ideology over humanity? Over their own children?
What made it worse was how close to reality it felt. Stories like this aren’t rare. They live among us, quietly unfolding behind closed doors. That relatability is what made HAQ hit so hard.
I found myself shouting at the screen, applauding courtroom scenes, whispering encouragement to Bano during moments of despair — as though she could hear me. This wasn’t passive viewing; it was emotional participation.
Story & Themes
Set between the 1970s and 1980s, HAQ draws inspiration from real historical events that shook India’s legal system. It explores the tension between personal law and fundamental human rights, particularly concerning divorce, maintenance, and women’s protection under Sharia law and the Talaq system.
The film fearlessly addresses themes of narcissism, betrayal, emotional abuse, gaslighting, neglect, courage, resilience, and social exile. Abbas Khan embodies unchecked male privilege, while Shazia Bano represents the quiet power of a woman pushed to the edge — and choosing to fight back.
Performances & Technical Brilliance
The performances are nothing short of exceptional. Yami Gautam delivers one of her most compelling portrayals to date — restrained yet powerful, vulnerable yet unbreakable. Emraan Hashmi is disturbingly convincing as Abbas, making his character all the more detestable.
The direction is deliberate and thoughtful. Yes, the pacing is slow — but intentionally so. This is a film that asks you to sit with discomfort, absorb every emotion, and reflect. The cinematography is elegant, with purposeful framing and camera angles. Costuming, makeup, sound design, and background score all complement the emotional weight of the narrative beautifully.
Key Lessons from HAQ
• Never underestimate a woman because of perceived ignorance — knowledge is power, and Bano proved that.
• This isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a human rights conversation.
• Education — religious or otherwise — can be a powerful tool of self-defence.
• Parental support during marital crises is invaluable.
• Children are observant; resentment often grows from what they witness, not what they’re told.
• Not every “other woman” is the villain — nuance matters.
• Justice may be slow, but it is not unreachable.
What Could Have Been Better
My only reservations: the children’s emotional journey could have been explored more deeply, and a few scenes leaned heavily into melodrama. Still, these choices didn’t diminish the film’s overall impact.
Conclusion & Verdict
HAQ is emotional, educational, and profoundly moving. It challenges outdated systems, celebrates resilience, and reminds us that dignity is non-negotiable. The ending felt earned, natural, and deeply satisfying.
Verdict: 10/10 — Highly, HIGHLY recommended.
Have you seen HAQ yet? What did it make you feel?
Watch Trailer below…
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