“Emraan Hashmi’s upcoming film HAQ, inspired by the landmark Shah Bano case, highlights women’s rights, dignity, and the balance between faith and law, without maligning any community.”

Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi, who stars in the forthcoming courtroom drama Haq, has emphasised that the film — inspired by the landmark 1985 Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum case — is meant to be a balanced narrative on faith, rights and law, rather than a commentary designed to malign any religious community.

A landmark case revisited

The real‑life case involved Shah Bano Begum, a 62‑year‑old Muslim woman who in 1978 filed a petition in Indore seeking maintenance from her divorced husband, Mohammed Ahmed Khan. The matter escalated to the Supreme Court, which in 1985 held that divorced Muslim women are entitled to maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
This decision triggered a national debate balancing personal law (religious law) and secular constitutional law — and eventually led to the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986.

Film details & intent

In Haq, Yami Gautam plays the equivalent role of Shah Bano Begum while Emraan Hashmi portrays her husband. Cinema Express+1 Describing the film’s aim, Emraan Hashmi said: “This is a film where, when you step out of the theatre, you will find it is pro‑women … we have raised the issue of dignity, of equality of rights.”
Emraan Hashmi added that although the story addresses women’s rights and dignity, it does not judge or target any community, pointing out that as a Muslim actor from a secular‑upbringing — “I married Parveen, who is a Hindu, in my family my son does puja and namaaz” — he saw no problem with the film’s viewpoint.

Emraan Hashmi went on to note: “We are not pointing fingers. We are just showing you the case in a very unbiased way. And then it is up to you as to how you step out of the theatre.”

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Key themes & take‑aways

The film shines a light on several enduring issues:

• A woman’s voice asserting rights under constitutional law despite personal/religious law constraints.

• The conflict between personal faith/identity and universal laws covering all citizens.

• The story is “not just for the Muslim community… women should see it… men should see it”. As Hashmi said: “It’s a story of a woman’s voice. It’s a story of equality.”

• The narrative underscores how biases in patriarchal society can cost a woman her dignity, and calls for introspection by men as well.

Release & controversy

Directed by Suparn S. Varma and produced by Junglee Pictures (alongside other producers), the film is slated for release on 7 November 2025.
Ahead of release, the film has also encountered a legal notice from Shah Bano’s daughter, who alleges the depiction of her mother’s personal life without family consent.

Why the film matters today

While the original case unfolded over four decades ago, its themes remain relevant: women’s access to justice, equality under law, and the role of personal laws in a pluralistic society. A film like Haq brings this debate to the mainstream, possibly prompting new audiences — especially younger ones unfamiliar with the case — to reflect on these issues. As the actor puts it: “Maybe the younger generation doesn’t know much about this case.”

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