Mumbai: Actor Yami Gautam is celebrating the positive reception of her latest release, Haq, which has shown encouraging growth at the box office, largely due to word-of-mouth publicity. Released in theatres on Friday, the film, directed by Suparn S. Varma, has drawn attention for its sensitive portrayal of one of India’s most historically significant legal battles—the landmark Shah Bano Begum case of 1985. As Haq continues to gain momentum over its first weekend, Yami Gautam has taken to social media to express her gratitude and highlight the organic growth of the film, emphasizing that its success is a result of audience appreciation rather than marketing gimmicks or publicity stunts.

Weekend Performance and Growth

Haq opened to a moderate response on Friday, with box office collections reflecting a decent start. However, the film recorded a significant 100% growth on Saturday, indicating a strong word-of-mouth effect as audiences began recommending it to friends and family. By Sunday evening, reports suggested that Haq had collected approximately ₹7.92 crore by 7 PM, with analysts expecting the total for the first weekend to cross ₹8 crore domestically.

Trade observers have noted that Haq’s box office trajectory is consistent with other content-driven films that rely on positive viewer feedback rather than aggressive marketing campaigns. Unlike big-budget commercial blockbusters that often rely heavily on star power, elaborate promotional events, and opening-day hype, Haq’s growth reflects genuine audience engagement and appreciation for its subject matter and storytelling.

The improved occupancy rates over the weekend also underscore the audience’s increasing interest. Initial reports indicate that theatres across urban centres, particularly in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, saw higher footfalls on Saturday and Sunday, reflecting the film’s gradual traction among viewers seeking socially relevant cinema.

Yami Gautam’s Response to Audience Appreciation

Reacting to the film’s performance on her X (formerly Twitter) account, Yami Gautam expressed both surprise and gratitude. She reposted a user’s comment highlighting Haq’s massive growth, which read:

“Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi-starrer shows a MASSIVE 100% growth on Day 2 and is set to soar even higher on Sunday! GOOD FILMS always find their audience — and #HAQ is proving it loud and clear! The positive word of mouth is doing wonders now!”

In her caption, Yami wrote:

“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.”

Yami’s emotional response highlights the rarity of content-driven films in India that succeed purely through organic growth. It underscores the changing dynamics of the Indian film industry, where audience engagement and recommendations are increasingly shaping box office success, particularly for films with serious subject matter and social relevance.

About the Film: Haq

Haq is a courtroom drama inspired by Jigna Vora’s book, Bano: Bharat Ki Beti, which chronicles the life and legal battle of Shah Bano Begum, a Muslim woman who fought for her right to maintenance after being divorced by her husband, Abbas, in 1978. The case eventually reached the Supreme Court of India, where a five-judge Constitution Bench ruled in favor of Shah Bano in 1985, granting divorced Muslim women the legal right to maintenance under Indian law.

In the film, Yami Gautam portrays Shah Bano, capturing the character’s resilience, emotional turmoil, and determination to secure justice in a male-dominated and socially conservative environment. Emraan Hashmi plays Abbas, whose decision to divorce Shah Bano catalyzed a legal struggle that would have nationwide repercussions. The film also features Sheeba Chaddha, Danish Husain, Aseem Hattangady, and Vartika Singh in pivotal roles, each contributing to the narrative’s authenticity and depth.

Critics have praised Haq for its faithful adaptation of historical events, as well as its sensitive depiction of the social, legal, and familial pressures surrounding the case. Unlike conventional courtroom dramas that focus solely on legal arguments, Haq weaves together the emotional and human aspects of the story, providing audiences with a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by women seeking justice.

Legal Challenges and Release

Prior to its release, Haq faced potential legal hurdles. Shah Bano Begum’s daughter filed a petition in the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking a stay on the film’s release, which was subsequently dismissed. This clearance allowed the film to release nationwide, enabling viewers to engage with the story without legal restrictions.

The film’s release comes at a time when socially relevant cinema is gaining traction in India, particularly films that revisit historical events and explore issues of gender justice, legal reform, and societal attitudes. Haq’s success highlights the appetite for stories that resonate on both an emotional and educational level, offering audiences a meaningful cinematic experience.

Significance of Word-of-Mouth Marketing

The success of Haq over its opening weekend is a testament to the power of word-of-mouth marketing in the modern Indian cinema landscape. In an era dominated by digital platforms, social media, and rapid information sharing, audience recommendations can significantly impact a film’s performance, sometimes even more than traditional marketing campaigns.

For Haq, positive audience feedback has translated into increased footfalls, higher occupancy rates, and growing interest across multiple regions. The film’s appeal is not limited to urban centres; discussions about its historical and social relevance have encouraged wider viewership, particularly among audiences interested in real-life legal stories and women’s rights narratives.

Yami Gautam’s Reflections on Haq’s Journey

In her social media posts, Yami emphasized the rarity of films like Haq finding an appreciative audience without relying on marketing gimmicks. She described the experience as a moment she would “cherish for life”, highlighting the personal and professional fulfillment that comes from contributing to meaningful cinema.

Her reaction also underscores the changing role of actors in promoting socially relevant content. By directly engaging with audiences, sharing insights about the film, and acknowledging the impact of word-of-mouth, actors like Yami are fostering a more interactive and participatory cinematic culture, where audience feedback plays a central role in a film’s success.

Conclusion: Haq as a Cultural and Cinematic Milestone

Haq’s first weekend performance reflects a broader trend in Indian cinema: the growing acceptance and appreciation of content-driven films that tackle historical and social issues. The film’s success, achieved without extensive marketing, demonstrates that audiences are increasingly seeking authentic narratives, meaningful performances, and socially relevant storytelling.

Yami Gautam’s heartfelt acknowledgment of the audience’s role in the film’s growth highlights the emotional investment of both actors and viewers in socially conscious cinema. With a strong cast, sensitive direction, and a compelling real-life story, Haq is poised to remain a cultural touchstone in Indian cinema, offering both education and entertainment while sparking meaningful conversations about gender, law, and justice.

As Haq continues its run in theatres, industry observers will be watching how sustained word-of-mouth, critical praise, and audience engagement influence its overall box office trajectory. More importantly, the film serves as a reminder of the transformative power of cinema to inform, inspire, and provoke thought, proving that good films, when told with sincerity and heart, always find their audience.

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