Surge in Public Interest Surrounds Shah Bano Case After ‘HAQ’ Film Release

New Delhi, November 9, 2025 – The release of the Bollywood courtroom drama HAQ, inspired by the landmark 1985 Shah Bano case, has ignited widespread curiosity and discussions across India. Google searches, online trends, and everyday conversations have seen a massive surge in interest around the #ShahBanoCase, fueled by the film’s powerful portrayal of the historic legal battle over Muslim women’s rights to maintenance after divorce.

Starring Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi, HAQ revisits the Supreme Court judgment in Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum, which triggered national debates on gender equality and the uniform civil code. Since its release on November 7, the film has not only drawn strong box office numbers but also sparked public demands to make it tax-free. Viewers across the country are urging the government to waive entertainment tax, arguing that broader accessibility will allow more people to engage with this significant story on the big screen.

Here’s a day-wise breakdown of the film’s India net box office collections so far (in ₹ crore, early estimates):

The growing online buzz and public support highlight cinema’s ability to revive historical issues, spark meaningful dialogue, and inspire reflection and change in society. Despite facing pre-release legal hurdles from Shah Bano’s family over privacy concerns, the film cleared all obstacles and is now resonating deeply with audiences nationwide.

That’s the power of true cinema — it doesn’t just entertain, it educates and empowers.