The much-anticipated courtroom drama Haq, starring Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi, hit theatres on November 7, 2025, and opened to a mix of positive reviews and a modest box office performance. Directed by Suparn Varma and inspired by the landmark 1985 Supreme Court case Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum, the film tackles the sensitive subject of divorced Muslim women’s right to maintenance. Its debut day collection, as reported by Sacnilk, stood at ₹1.65 crore—a modest start that industry insiders hope will improve over the weekend with positive word of mouth and audience engagement.

Day 1 Box Office Performance

While Haq has received critical appreciation for its performances and storytelling, its box office opening indicates a slow start. The ₹1.65 crore collection reflects a cautious beginning, possibly influenced by the film’s sensitive subject matter, which contrasts with the commercial, high-octane entertainment that tends to dominate the Indian box office. Analysts expect that the film’s initial momentum could grow over the first weekend, depending on audience reception and reviews from filmgoers, especially in urban centres and multiplexes where content-driven cinema often finds a more receptive audience.

Despite the modest opening, Haq has generated curiosity and discussions online, particularly because of its real-life inspiration. The story draws heavily from Shah Bano Begum’s legal struggle in the 1980s, which led to the Supreme Court granting divorced Muslim women the right to maintenance. The case sparked a nationwide debate on personal law, women’s rights, and religious practices, making the subject matter of the film both relevant and socially significant even decades later. The film’s release faced a legal challenge when Shah Bano’s daughter sought a stay order, but the Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed the petition, clearing the way for its theatrical release.

Plot and Performances

Haq follows the story of Shazia, played by Yami Gautam Dhar, a simple, homely, and uneducated woman who marries Abbas Khan, portrayed by Emraan Hashmi, a successful advocate. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Abbas unexpectedly brings home a second wife and, not long after, ends his marriage with Shazia through triple talaq. The film then chronicles Shazia’s courageous fight for her legal rights, depicting her journey from helplessness to empowerment in the courtroom.

Critics have lauded Yami Gautam’s performance, describing it as a nuanced portrayal of pain, resilience, and dignity. An excerpt from the Hindustan Times review notes: “What keeps you seated throughout are the performances. Yami Gautam Dhar delivers a well-measured portrayal of Shazia. She remains consistent from start to finish, yet knows exactly when to raise the intensity. Her stunned disbelief as she asks her husband, ‘Aapne doosri shaadi kar li?’ is one of the film’s most affecting moments. Yami channels Shah Bano’s pain and helplessness with conviction.”

Emraan Hashmi, playing the role of Abbas, delivers a performance that captures the complexity of a character who is at once authoritative and flawed. While the film is primarily focused on Shazia’s journey, Emraan’s presence adds depth and tension to the narrative, particularly in scenes that explore betrayal, societal expectations, and legal intricacies.

Supporting actors including Sheeba Chaddha, Danish Husain, Aseem Hattangady, and Vartika Singh contribute to the film’s layered storytelling, especially in courtroom sequences where legal arguments and emotional confrontations intersect. The courtroom scenes, while compelling, are occasionally critiqued for tipping into melodrama, perhaps in an effort to appeal to a wider audience. Nevertheless, the performances and narrative drive ensure that the film maintains audience engagement from start to finish.

Critical Reception and Audience Response

The film has been met with largely positive reviews from critics, who have appreciated its sensitive handling of a socially relevant issue. Many reviewers have highlighted the emotional depth of Yami Gautam’s portrayal, particularly in conveying the frustration and resilience of a woman navigating a patriarchal and legal system stacked against her. The courtroom drama format allows the film to combine tension, legal discourse, and human emotion, making it both informative and emotionally resonant.

Early audience reactions on social media also reflect appreciation for the performances and storytelling, though some have noted the melodramatic elements in certain courtroom sequences. Comments suggest that viewers were moved by the depiction of Shazia’s struggle, with several praising the film for shining a light on women’s rights in a culturally specific context. However, the slower pace of the narrative and the heavy focus on dialogue-driven courtroom scenes may have contributed to the modest box office numbers on day one, as audiences accustomed to fast-paced commercial cinema may take longer to engage fully.

The Social Context of Haq

Haq holds particular significance for its social commentary and historical relevance. The Shah Bano case was a landmark in Indian legal history, shaping debates on women’s rights, personal law, and the intersection of religion and the judiciary. By adapting this real-life struggle into a narrative drama, the filmmakers aim to educate audiences while also delivering an emotionally compelling story. The film highlights not only the legal battle but also the personal courage required to challenge entrenched societal norms, making it both a courtroom thriller and a socially conscious drama.

The film’s release during a period when conversations about gender equality and women’s empowerment are increasingly prominent adds to its relevance. By portraying the challenges faced by Shazia, Haq encourages audiences to reflect on historical legal struggles and ongoing societal issues, emphasizing the importance of awareness, advocacy, and resilience.

Box Office Outlook

While the ₹1.65 crore opening may seem modest, industry experts note that content-driven films often build momentum through word of mouth rather than relying solely on initial box office hype. With positive critical reception and audience appreciation for the performances, especially Yami Gautam’s, Haq could see a significant uptick in ticket sales over the weekend and beyond. Multiplex audiences in urban centers are likely to respond positively, and sustained interest could further enhance the film’s box office trajectory.

The film’s performance also reflects the evolving dynamics of the Indian film industry, where socially relevant cinema competes with mainstream commercial films. Films like Haq often benefit from critical acclaim and engaged audiences who value storytelling and cultural significance, even if initial collections are moderate.

Conclusion

Haq has opened to a measured start at the box office with a ₹1.65 crore collection on day one. The courtroom drama, inspired by Shah Bano Begum’s historic legal battle, offers compelling performances, emotional depth, and social relevance. Yami Gautam Dhar’s portrayal of Shazia has been particularly praised for its nuance and conviction, while Emraan Hashmi and the supporting cast provide substantial contributions to the narrative.

Although the first-day collections are modest, the combination of positive reviews, audience engagement, and the cultural significance of the story suggests that Haq has the potential to gain traction over the weekend. Its success will ultimately depend on sustained word of mouth and the willingness of audiences to engage with a sensitive, content-driven film that balances legal drama with human emotion.

By blending historical context with cinematic storytelling, Haq not only entertains but also educates, reminding viewers of the ongoing importance of women’s rights and legal empowerment in contemporary society. The film’s performance in the coming days will be closely watched, as it has the potential to become a significant entry in the growing genre of socially conscious Indian cinema.