Sapan Verma’s much-awaited courtroom drama Haq is all set to release on 7 November. The National Award-winning filmmaker, known for his bold take on real-life stories, has chosen the historic Shah Bano Begum case as the heart of his latest project.
The Shah Bano vs Mohammed Ahmed Khan case of 1978 remains one of the most debated legal battles in India. After being divorced by her husband, Shah Bano fought a long struggle in court and won. The verdict, however, led to nationwide controversy, as some groups argued it clashed with Islamic law. The case sparked a heated national discussion on personal laws and women’s rights, a debate that continues even today.
Haq aims to present this sensitive subject with realism and emotional depth. Yami Gautam takes on the role of the woman fighting for justice, while Emraan Hashmi plays a central character in the drama. Both actors feature in the film’s first poster, released recently, which shows them flying a kite together — a symbol of freedom and hope.
The film had been announced last year, but silence around the project led to rumours that it might have been dropped. The new poster, however, confirms that production is nearly complete and that the makers are preparing for a full promotional campaign.
Sapan Verma has already proved his ability to spark conversations with projects like The Family Man, Rana Naidu, The Trial, Sultan of Delhi, and Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai. Each of these works touched on controversial or complex themes, earning him both acclaim and attention. With Haq, he continues that tradition by highlighting one of India’s most important legal and social turning points.
With a strong subject, an acclaimed director, and a talented cast, Haq is expected to be one of the most talked-about films of the year. All eyes are now on 7 November, when audiences will finally see how Verma has reimagined this landmark case for the big screen.
