When faith, law, and identity collide, the courtroom becomes more than a stage for justice—it becomes a battlefield for conscience. In Rahul Dholakia’s Haq (2025), inspired by the real-life Shah Bano case, that collision erupts into a stirring, heartfelt legal drama that grips from start to finish.
Balancing empathy with fire, Haq doesn’t shout—it argues, persuades, and ultimately moves. Critics have hailed it as “mature, courageous, and quietly revolutionary,” with standout performances from Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi, whose restrained yet charged chemistry anchors the film’s emotional depth.
🎭 Performances: Yami Gautam Roars, Emraan Hashmi Grounds
Yami Gautam, as advocate Shazia Mirza, is magnificent—fierce yet vulnerable, delivering what many are calling a career-defining performance. She commands the screen with calm intensity, portraying a woman who challenges both faith and patriarchy without losing grace.
Emraan Hashmi, playing Advocate Aarif Khan, matches her with quiet brilliance. His subtle, layered portrayal brings emotional grounding to the film’s moral chaos. Their courtroom duels are electric—more philosophical than confrontational, and richer for it.
India Today called Haq “bold and thought-provoking” (4/5), while The Times of India went further with 4.5/5, lauding its “sincerity and balance.” Early audience reviews on social media echo the sentiment:
“Must-watch—career-best for both!” wrote one X user.
Another added: “Finally, a courtroom film that respects emotion as much as evidence.”
Rotten Tomatoes equivalents place the film at high 80s, reflecting critical and audience consensus.
⚖️ Direction & Writing: Courage With Compassion
Director Rahul Dholakia (known for Raees) approaches Haq with maturity and restraint. Instead of sensationalism, he leans into humanity. The screenplay, co-written with Ritesh Shah, balances religious sensitivity with universal emotion, crafting dialogue that hits with quiet power.
Scenes within the courtroom are crisp and purposeful, but it’s the silences—moments of introspection and doubt—that stay with you. Dholakia doesn’t weaponize religion; he humanizes it, showing how faith and justice can coexist when empathy leads the way.
🎬 Technical Brilliance
The cinematography by Avik Mukhopadhyay captures the dignity and tension of the courtroom—soft lights, muted tones, and unflinching close-ups that hold emotion without artifice. The background score by Amit Trivedi blends classical restraint with modern urgency, amplifying key moments without overwhelming them.
💬 From the Cast
At the film’s promotional round, Yami Gautam told The Indian Express:
“Shazia’s resilience is my fire—it’s extraordinary women fighting ordinary battles. This isn’t just a film; it’s a reflection.”
Emraan Hashmi, speaking to Film Companion, added:
“Yami roars; this is restraint with heart. It’s about strength that doesn’t need to shout.”
Their Economic Times interview further revealed the emotional resonance behind the story:
“It’s not about religion—it’s about respect, humanity, and the right to choose,” Hashmi shared.
⭐ Verdict
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Haq is a courtroom drama that stands tall on the strength of its conviction. Intelligent, empathetic, and beautifully acted, it honors the real struggles of women who demand dignity through law and love. Yami Gautam delivers her finest work, while Emraan Hashmi reminds us why stillness can sometimes speak louder than outrage.
It doesn’t preach—it listens. And that makes it powerful.
