Director Suparn S. Varma believes a substantial portion of women in society continues to be marginalized, a sentiment that profoundly shapes his upcoming film, ‘Haq’. This cinematic endeavor, featuring Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi, is inspired by the landmark 1978 Shah Bano case. The film aims to delve into the intricate challenges surrounding women’s rights and their ongoing struggles.
Varma recently discussed these societal issues, highlighting that women globally are still contending for their basic existence and respect. He stated that despite widespread recognition of various marginalized groups, women collectively represent the largest “backward class” in the world. His observations underscore a persistent imbalance that ‘Haq’ seeks to illuminate.
The director emphasized the unchanging nature of gender inequality, noting a proverb that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” He believes this adage reflects the current condition of women, where the fundamental disparity between genders remains. These universal issues form the emotional core of ‘Haq’, specifically through the narrative of Shazia Bano, directly inspired by the Mohammed Ahmad Khan vs. Shah Bano Begum case.
Beyond the film’s powerful social commentary, Varma highly praised Yami Gautam’s transformative performance. Gautam portrays Shazia Bano, while Emraan Hashmi takes on the role of her husband, lawyer Abbas Khan. Varma spoke at length about Gautam’s dedication and skill in embodying such a complex character.
He commented on Gautam’s usual on-screen presence and her distinct mannerisms. For ‘Haq’, however, she completely reinvented herself, immersing deeply to craft the character of Shazia Bano. Varma recalled that during the entire 32-day shoot, the team saw only Shazia Bano on set, never Yami Gautam. He regards this as the best acting performance of her career, anticipating even greater accomplishments for her moving forward.