Mumbai: The courtroom drama Haq, directed by Suparn S. Varma and starring Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi, has concluded its first weekend at the box office with a total collection of approximately ₹8.61 crore in India. Released on Friday, the film, which is based on the landmark Shah Bano Begum case, has seen a steady rise in audience interest over its opening weekend, driven primarily by strong word-of-mouth publicity and the relevance of its social and legal themes.

Weekend Box Office Performance

According to trade tracker Sacnilk, Haq opened with a modest ₹1.75 crore on Friday. The film witnessed a sharp jump in collections on Saturday, recording approximately ₹3.35 crore, marking a 91% spike over its opening day. This upward trajectory continued on Sunday, as the film collected around ₹3.51 crore, bringing the domestic three-day total to ₹8.61 crore. Globally, the film earned ₹7.50 crore in its first two days, highlighting a growing interest among the Indian diaspora for content-driven cinema.

Occupancy figures indicate a gradual improvement in audience engagement. On Saturday, theatres reported an occupancy rate of 19.35%, which further increased to 23.36% on Sunday. Analysts note that while the film’s opening was modest, the incremental growth over the weekend suggests a positive reception from viewers, especially for a film without major commercial gimmicks or mass-market appeal. The industry will be closely watching how Haq performs during the weekdays, as content-driven films often rely heavily on word-of-mouth for sustained success.

About the Film

Haq is a courtroom drama inspired by Jigna Vora’s book, Bano: Bharat Ki Beti, which narrates the life and legal struggle of Shah Bano Begum. The film explores the legal and social complexities surrounding her case, which began in 1978 when she was divorced by her husband, Abbas. Her legal battle eventually reached the Supreme Court of India in 1985, where a five-judge Constitution Bench ruled that Muslim women are entitled to maintenance under Indian law.

Yami Gautam plays Shah Bano, portraying her resilience and determination in the face of social and legal adversity. Emraan Hashmi plays Abbas, the husband whose actions set off the chain of events leading to the landmark judgment. The ensemble cast also includes Sheeba Chaddha, Danish Husain, Aseem Hattangady, and Vartika Singh, each contributing to the depiction of the era and the courtroom dynamics.

The film has been praised for its sensitive handling of a controversial and emotionally charged subject. Critics have highlighted the performances of Yami and Emraan as nuanced, emphasizing the moral and legal dilemmas faced by the characters. Beyond the courtroom, the narrative delves into societal pressures, the role of media, and the impact of personal decisions on the broader community, making it relevant even in contemporary discussions about women’s rights and legal protections in India.

Audience and Critical Reception

Haq’s success over its first weekend has largely been attributed to word-of-mouth promotion, which, according to Yami Gautam, has been exceptionally positive. On X (formerly Twitter), Yami shared her gratitude for the reception, writing, “The power of ‘Word of mouth’. No foul-play or any gimmicks. Straight from our hearts to the audience. Even from trade & media perspective, I feel a lot of positivity that they want a film like ‘HAQ’ to be a success. It’s a rarity & I shall cherish this moment for life.”

Critics have echoed similar sentiments, noting that the film’s strength lies not in star power or mass entertainment elements, but in its substance, performances, and relevance. The Shah Bano case remains one of the most discussed legal milestones in Indian history, and Haq manages to present the story in a way that resonates with modern audiences while remaining faithful to historical facts.

The film’s appeal also stems from its ability to balance courtroom drama with human emotion, illustrating the societal pressures and personal consequences of landmark judgments. The narrative highlights the courage required by individuals like Shah Bano to stand against societal and familial pressures, offering both educational and emotional value to viewers.

The Shah Bano Case in Context

The Shah Bano case is historically significant for several reasons. It was a legal milestone in women’s rights in India, particularly concerning Muslim women and maintenance after divorce. The Supreme Court’s 1985 judgment sparked nationwide debate and political discourse, eventually leading to the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986. The case has remained a reference point in discussions about gender equality, legal protection, and the intersection of religion and law.

Haq, by dramatizing these events, introduces the story to a younger generation that may not be familiar with the historical and legal context. It also serves as a reminder of the struggles women have faced in seeking justice, and the courage required to challenge societal norms.

Commercial Prospects and Weekday Performance

While Haq has had a promising opening weekend, its long-term commercial performance will depend heavily on sustained audience engagement and critical endorsement. Content-driven films in India often experience slower starts but can see steady growth if the story resonates with viewers. With a domestic total of ₹8.61 crore and positive word-of-mouth, Haq has the potential to maintain occupancy rates through the weekdays, especially among urban audiences who prefer socially relevant cinema over commercial blockbusters.

Trade analysts suggest that while the film may not compete with large-scale commercial releases, it represents a successful model of socially conscious filmmaking, demonstrating that films rooted in historical events and social justice can carve a niche in the market. The current trend in Indian cinema shows a growing appetite for films that combine education, historical significance, and strong storytelling—criteria that Haq meets convincingly.

Actor Perspectives and Promotion

Both Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi have been actively engaging with audiences on social media, discussing the historical and emotional significance of the film. Their engagement has helped build a bridge between the story’s historical context and contemporary viewers, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of issues surrounding gender equality, legal rights, and societal responsibility.

Yami’s statement about the film being “straight from our hearts to the audience” underscores the emotional investment of the cast in presenting a story that is both accurate and impactful. Emraan Hashmi, known for his diverse filmography, has reportedly taken on the role of Abbas with careful attention to the historical record, ensuring that the portrayal remains respectful while highlighting the personal and social consequences of the case.

Conclusion: Haq’s Impact and Legacy

Haq’s first weekend performance illustrates the growing market for intellectually and emotionally engaging cinema in India. With a total domestic collection of ₹8.61 crore and increasing audience engagement over three days, the film has demonstrated that a well-told story about historical and social issues can find both critical acclaim and commercial viability.

As the film moves into its first full week, analysts and trade observers will be closely watching its weekday occupancy and long-term impact. Beyond box office numbers, Haq contributes to a broader discourse about women’s rights, legal history, and the courage of individuals to challenge societal norms. By bringing the story of Shah Bano to contemporary audiences, the film not only entertains but educates, providing a platform for reflection on the progress of social justice in India.

Yami Gautam’s heartfelt reflections and the film’s critical reception suggest that Haq will remain a cultural touchstone, remembered for its commitment to telling an important story with sensitivity, depth, and integrity. In a cinema landscape often dominated by commercial spectacles, Haq stands out as a film that prioritizes substance over style, and social relevance over box-office spectacle, marking a significant achievement for both its makers and its audience.