Is Emraan Hashmi's ‘Haq’ a Modern-Day David and Goliath Tale?
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Mumbai, Nov 2 (NationPress) Bollywood star Emraan Hashmi is preparing for the premiere of his forthcoming film ‘Haq’, which he describes as a David and Goliath narrative.
The movie draws inspiration from the pivotal case of Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum. In this case, Shah Bano, a 62-year-old Muslim woman, sought alimony from her husband after being divorced via triple talaq. The Supreme Court ruled in her favor under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, asserting that maintenance is a right for all citizens, regardless of religion.
This ruling incited backlash from conservative Muslim factions, who claimed it infringed upon Muslim Personal Law. Under political pressure, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s Congress (INC) administration enacted the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, effectively overturning the Supreme Court's decision and reinstating the personal law autonomy of the community. This legislation was perceived as an attempt to appease conservative Muslim leaders but faced extensive criticism for compromising women's rights and judicial independence. The case sparked a national dialogue on secularism, minority rights, and the necessity for a uniform civil code.
Discussing the film, Emraan Hashmi, who plays a character inspired by Mohd. Ahmed Khan, stated to IANS, “There is a situation, there's also a dynamic in this film. I don't want to reveal too much, but he’s a lawyer. That’s his realm, and it’s almost like the underdog where Yami Gautam’s character has never set foot in a courtroom. So, it’s like she’s on his ground.”
He further elaborated, “This isn’t a battle of equals. It resembles David and Goliath. Here, you have a man who is a formidable figure in the realm of law, and a woman who lacked basic education and understanding of what the justice system offers, yet she persevered. This dynamic was fascinating to portray as an actor, and while we had some improvisation, we largely adhered to the script and the monologues given to us.”
‘Haq’ is slated for release on November 7, 2025.