Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi’s latest release, Haq, continued its upward trajectory at the box office on its second day, showing promising growth after a modest opening. The Suparn Verma–directed film, which hit theatres on Friday, has attracted positive responses from both critics and audiences, strengthening its performance through strong word-of-mouth. Inspired by the historic Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum case, the film brings to the screen one of India’s most debated legal battles concerning the rights of divorced Muslim women.

Day 2 box office growth

According to early estimates from Sacnilk, Haq collected ₹3.35 crore on its second day, more than doubling its opening day figure of ₹1.75 crore. With this steady rise, the film’s total collection now stands at ₹5.10 crore after two days. For a social-legal drama without the scale of a typical commercial blockbuster, the growth is regarded as a positive sign, driven largely by audience appreciation and emotional resonance.

The surge reflects a pattern seen in content-driven films that rely less on aggressive marketing and more on viewer feedback. As positive reviews amplified online, footfall increased through Saturday, benefiting the film’s overall earnings. If the momentum carries into Sunday, industry analysts expect a healthy first weekend total that could set the tone for the film’s long-term performance.

Audience response and emotional connect

Social media platforms, particularly X, were filled with posts from viewers praising the storytelling, performances and the emotional weight of the narrative. Many commended Yami Gautam for her portrayal of Shazia, a simple, uneducated woman drawn into a long legal battle after her husband divorces her through triple talaq and marries again. Several viewers shared personal stories of how the film touched them, with some calling it one of Yami’s strongest performances to date.

One video that gained traction showed an emotional woman kissing Yami’s hand after a screening, thanking her for “giving her strength to fight.” Yami responded to several such posts, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support. She wrote, “I have worked really hard to reach a point where there is creative satisfaction and audience love. So I shall never get tired of saying these two words from the bottom of my heart to each one of you — ‘THANK YOU’.”

The film’s ability to evoke such reactions indicates its strong emotional impact, especially among women who relate to the themes of justice, dignity and marital rights.

Bringing the Shah Bano case to the screen

Haq draws its inspiration from the Shah Bano case, a landmark 1985 judgment in which the Supreme Court of India ruled that a divorced Muslim woman was entitled to maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The case became a turning point in India’s debate on women’s rights, religion and legal reform. It triggered national conversations and political responses that continue to influence legislation and public discourse.

Director Suparn S Varma uses the real-life legal framework as the backdrop for a fictionalised retelling that centres on Shazia and her fight for justice after being abruptly abandoned by her husband Abbas Khan, played by Emraan Hashmi. Abbas, a respected advocate, uses his knowledge of the law to take advantage of Shazia, only to find himself confronted by a legal process that challenges his actions.

The film portrays Shazia’s transformation—from a domestic, dependent woman with limited education to someone who confronts the system with courage. This arc echoes the larger symbolism of the Shah Bano movement, emphasising empowerment through awareness and legal recourse.

Cast and performances

Yami Gautam Dhar delivers a nuanced performance as Shazia, embodying vulnerability, resilience and emotional depth. Emraan Hashmi’s portrayal of Abbas Khan adds complexity, balancing charm, entitlement and eventual unraveling as his decisions face judicial scrutiny.

The supporting cast includes Vartika Singh, Danish Husain, Sheeba Chadha and Aseem Hattangady, who contribute significantly to the narrative. Sheeba Chadha, in particular, adds gravitas in her scenes, while Danish Husain’s presence deepens the courtroom and family dynamics portrayed in the film.

A legal drama with contemporary relevance

Although Haq revisits events rooted in the 1980s, the film’s themes remain deeply relevant. The legal rights of women, marital abandonment, religious interpretation and personal law reforms continue to be active points of debate in India’s social and political arena. By situating these issues within an intimate story, the film bridges the historical with the contemporary and resonates with audiences who see echoes of ongoing challenges.

The courtroom scenes are carefully crafted, blending legal detail with dramatic tension. The film highlights how knowledge of the law can be weaponised in personal conflicts and how awareness empowers individuals to reclaim agency.

Box office potential

With ₹5.10 crore collected in two days and a strong Saturday jump, the film is positioned for a potentially solid weekend. Industry trackers note that if Sunday follows the growth trend, Haq may emerge as one of the stronger performers among films in its genre. The coming weekdays will reveal whether the film can sustain its pace, but current indicators suggest that positive audience reception may help maintain steady collections.

For Yami Gautam, Haq adds to a growing list of films where she has been praised for performance-centric roles. Emraan Hashmi, too, has received positive feedback for his controlled and layered performance.

Conclusion

By combining a powerful real-life legal milestone with an emotionally engaging fictional narrative, Haq has succeeded in sparking conversations about justice, women’s rights and social change. Its steady box office growth reflects the audience’s willingness to engage with meaningful, character-driven stories. With strong word-of-mouth and an impactful social message, Haq appears poised to continue its upward trend in the days ahead.