The film Haq, directed by Suparn S Varma, stars Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi in a courtroom drama inspired by the landmark Shah Bano case. The story follows Shazia Bano, an uneducated woman whose husband Abbas Khan, a successful lawyer, brings home a second wife. After being advised to adjust, Shazia leaves with her children. When Abbas stops sending maintenance and ends their marriage through triple talaq, she begins a legal battle for her rights. The film explores questions around secular versus personal law and justice. While the performances are strong and the first half maintains good pacing, the second half follows familiar courtroom drama patterns. The film avoids religious polarization and features Yami Gautam's measured portrayal of Shazia's pain. Despite some storytelling weaknesses, Haq succeeds as a conversation starter about women's rights. The movie has been rated 3.5 stars.
Story and Performances Stand Out Despite Familiar Structure
The narrative centres on Shazia, who marries advocate Abbas Khan and initially enjoys a happy life. Their relationship deteriorates when Abbas brings home a second wife, prompting Shazia to leave with her children. After Abbas stops maintenance payments and divorces her through triple talaq, Shazia fights for justice in court. Yami Gautam Dhar delivers a convincing performance, particularly in emotional moments like when she asks her husband about his second marriage. Emraan Hashmi sheds his usual screen image to portray the calculating Abbas effectively. The first half establishes their relationship well, but the second half follows predictable courtroom drama patterns. Supporting actors Vartika Singh, Danish Husain, and Sheeba Chadha add depth. The film notably avoids religious demonization while addressing women's rights issues.
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