Haq Review: Yami Gautam’s Boldest Role Yet in a Film That Redefines Justice
Suparn S Varma’s Haq stands tall as one of the most fearless courtroom dramas in recent Hindi cinema. The film revisits the emotionally charged debate between faith and fundamental rights through the lens of a woman’s quiet defiance. It is not loud or theatrical, yet every scene leaves a mark. At its heart, Haq is not about winning a case; it’s about reclaiming dignity in a world determined to deny it.
The story follows Shazia Bano, portrayed with powerful restraint by Yami Gautam, as she drags her husband Abbas, played by Emraan Hashmi, to court after being wrongfully abandoned. What begins as a personal battle slowly unfolds into a larger moral confrontation between religious tradition and constitutional equality. The film’s writing is precise and emotionally layered, exploring not just the legal dimensions of justice but also the spiritual turmoil of those caught between faith and freedom.
Yami Gautam delivers a performance of remarkable depth. She embodies both vulnerability and defiance with effortless conviction, making Shazia a symbol of strength without ever turning her into a sermon. Emraan Hashmi complements her with a nuanced portrayal of Abbas, a man torn between ego, guilt, and tradition. Their courtroom exchanges crackle with restrained emotion, avoiding melodrama and instead finding truth in small gestures and silences.
The direction by Suparn S Varma is understated yet confident. He allows the film to breathe, letting its arguments unfold naturally rather than resorting to cinematic manipulation. The courtroom scenes are gripping not because of shouting matches but because of the moral weight carried in each word. The cinematography captures both the claustrophobia of legal chambers and the emotional isolation of its characters. Vishal Mishra’s music adds quiet power to the narrative, never overwhelming it.
Haq succeeds because it dares to provoke thought without preaching. It raises uncomfortable questions about justice, religion, and gender, but never loses its human touch. The pacing could have been tighter in the first half, but once the film settles into its rhythm, it holds you until the last frame.
As a critic, I would rate Haq 4 out of 5. It is an intelligent, emotional, and relevant film that restores faith in the power of meaningful storytelling. In an industry often afraid to offend, Haq has the courage to speak with honesty and compassion — and that is its greatest victory.
