Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 2: Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi has described his upcoming film ‘Haq’ as a “David and Goliath story,” drawing parallels to one of India’s most debated legal cases — Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum. The film, inspired by the landmark 1985 judgment, explores themes of justice, gender equality, and social reform.

The original case involved Shah Bano, a 62-year-old Muslim woman who sought maintenance from her husband after being divorced through triple talaq. The Supreme Court ruled in her favor under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, affirming that the right to maintenance applied to all citizens irrespective of religion.

The verdict triggered widespread controversy, with conservative Muslim groups claiming it infringed upon Muslim Personal Law. In response, then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s Congress government enacted the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, which effectively nullified the Supreme Court’s judgment. The move, seen as politically motivated, reignited national debate over secularism, women’s rights, and the need for a uniform civil code.

Speaking about the film, Hashmi — who plays a character inspired by Mohd. Ahmed Khan — told IANS, “There’s a very interesting dynamic in this film. My character is a lawyer — that’s his turf — and Yami Gautam’s character, inspired by Shah Bano, has never even stepped into a courtroom. So, it’s not a battle of equals. It’s like David versus Goliath — a man who represents power and intellect against a woman who fights purely out of conviction and courage.”

He added, “It was fascinating to explore that dynamic as an actor. There was room for a bit of improvisation, but we largely stayed true to the script and its powerful monologues.”

Directed by Ritesh Shah, ‘Haq’ promises a gripping courtroom drama that revisits a pivotal moment in India’s legal and social history. The film is scheduled to release on November 7, 2025.