With just a few days left for its scheduled November 7 release, Yami Gautam Dhar and Emraan Hashmi’s upcoming film Haq has hit a major controversy. The movie, inspired by the historic Shah Bano Begum case, is now facing legal action from the late Shah Bano’s family.
Petition filed in Madhya Pradesh High Court
According to Siasat, Siddiqua Begum, daughter of Shah Bano Begum, has filed a petition in the Madhya Pradesh High Court against the film’s release. She claims that the movie uses her mother’s story without any consent from the family and that it misrepresents important facts.
The petition, filed through advocate Tousif Warsi, also alleges that Haq ‘misrepresents Sharia law’ and could ‘hurt Muslim sentiments.’ Warsi, told ANI that the filmmakers did not obtain the family’s consent before using her name or life story. He was quoted as saying, “This film is based on the landmark case of M.A. Khan vs Shah Bano Begum. For the first time in Indian history, a Muslim woman fought for maintenance and won the case… It is mandatory to obtain someone’s consent before using their personal life, name, as this falls under the right to privacy.”
The family has demanded a stay on the film’s release until the matter is reviewed by the court. The case is expected to be heard soon.
Inspired by the Shah Bano case
Haq is based on one of India’s most debated legal cases, the 1985 Supreme Court judgment in the Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum case. The verdict upheld a Muslim woman’s right to maintenance under Indian law, triggering widespread debate across religious and political lines.
The film takes inspiration from journalist Jigna Vora’s book, Bano: Bharat Ki Beti, and aims to bring the real-life story to the screen with a mix of courtroom drama and emotional storytelling.
Yami and Emraan in lead roles
In Haq, Yami Gautam plays Shazia Bano, a woman who challenges her husband and the legal system in her fight for justice. Emraan Hashmi portrays her husband, Abbas Khan, a lawyer who ends up arguing against her in court. Their legal battle becomes both a personal and ideological clash, one that tests love, belief, and equality.
Director Suparn Varma has described the film as a powerful reflection on faith, law, and courage. “It’s a story that asks uncomfortable but necessary questions about equality and justice,” he said in earlier interviews.
Haq movie trailer
The trailer of Haq shows intense courtroom scenes, emotional dialogues, and a dramatic portrayal of a woman standing up for her rights. It promises to be a gripping courtroom drama that goes beyond legal arguments to question deeper societal values, especially how justice and religion often collide in real life.
The movie also has Sheeba Chaddha, Danish Hussain, Aseem Hattangady, and newcomer Vartika Singh in key roles.
What happens next
As the legal petition awaits a hearing, it remains to be seen whether Haq will release on schedule or face a delay. The controversy has added a new layer of attention to the film, which was already one of the most awaited courtroom dramas of the year.
For now, fans and the industry are closely watching the outcome of the court’s decision, which could decide whether Haq makes it to theatres on November 7 or not.