New Delhi: Courtroom dramas based on real-life stories often touch hearts and spark conversations, but they don’t always make a big splash at the box office right away. Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi’s new film Haq, inspired by a landmark legal case, is one such movie.

It has opened to positive reviews with strong performances and meaningful dialogues, though it has seen a modest start in ticket sales. Here’s everything you need to know about this powerful drama.

The film, directed by Suparn Varma, depicts the true story behind the 1985 Supreme Court case of Shah Bano Begum. It highlights the fight for divorced Muslim women’s right to maintenance, a topic rarely explored in Bollywood. Haq hit theatres on November 7, starring Yami Gautam as Shazia, a simple woman whose life changes drastically when her husband, played by Emraan Hashmi, marries a second wife and then divorces her through triple talaq.

On its first day, Haq collected Rs 1.65 crore at the box office, which is considered a slow start despite the critical acclaim and positive audience feedback, according to Sacnilk data. However, the film is expected to gain more viewers in the coming days as word of mouth spreads.

India Today’s review praised the film’s impactful dialogues and powerful messages. It said, “The film touches upon how society protects men, normalises abuse, and teaches women to adjust in the name of peace.” Lines like “Mard ka gussa hai” or “tum sulha kar lo” struck a chord, as these phrases are familiar in many homes. The review added, the theatre even erupted in applause when Yami’s character says, “Kabhi kabhi mohabbat kaafi nahi hoti, izzat bhi zaruri hoti hai.” This line perfectly sums up the film’s core message: love without respect is just another form of control.

The story follows Shazia’s brave legal fight for justice and dignity, mirroring real struggles for women’s rights. The film also made headlines recently when the Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed a petition seeking to stay its release.

With strong performances and social relevance, Haq promises to be more than just a film; it’s a reminder of the importance of respect and equality in relationships, a message that resonates widely in today’s world. Its box office journey might be slow but meaningful, driven by the powerful story it tells.