Yami Gautam Dhar’s courtroom drama Haq has sparked widespread acclaim from Bollywood’s biggest names, with Karan Johar and Alia Bhatt leading the chorus of praise for what many are calling the finest performance of her career.
Karan Johar’s Emotional Response
On Sunday, filmmaker Karan Johar took to Instagram to share a glowing review of Haq, expressing regret for missing the film’s theatrical release. “The Shazia Bano story and victory moved me to a puddle of tears,” Johar wrote, posting the film’s poster featuring Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi.
The celebrated director didn’t hold back in his assessment of Yami’s performance: “I don’t think I have been this moved by a performance in many many years… to say that Yami Gautam is Brilliant, outstanding, Pathbreaking is still not saying enough. Her silences, her stares, her last monologue and her stance throughout the film is a master class of craft and conviction.”
Johar praised director Suparn Verma for directing with “such an assured hand,” while calling Emraan Hashmi’s portrayal “his career best,” noting how convincingly he played the insensitive and entitled husband.
Must Read: Haq Movie Review (2025): Yami Gautam & Emraan Hashmi Shine in a Powerful Story of Faith and Justice
Alia Bhatt Joins the Praise
Just a day before Johar’s review, Alia Bhatt had taken to Instagram to applaud Yami’s performance, revealing she personally called the actor to express her admiration. Bhatt declared herself a “self-proclaimed Yami fan.”
Touched by the overwhelming support, Yami responded to Karan’s post: “Your words have left me emotional. Can only thank you with utmost love & gratitude from the bottom of my heart.”
National Award Predictions Intensify
The film has ignited serious National Award speculation, with industry observers and audiences alike championing Yami’s work. At the film’s Mumbai premiere, photographers were captured on video chanting “Agle saal milenge National Award pe!” (We’ll meet next year at the National Awards).
Social media has been flooded with similar sentiments:
- “Just give Yami Gautam the National Award for Haq. Too good, career best performance”
- “Every frame of Haq proves why Yami Gautam is class apart. No hype, just pure talent and conviction”
- “If there is no National Award for Yami Gautam for Haq, then National Awards need to be shut for good”
Netflix Success Story
After a modest theatrical run that collected ₹29 crore worldwide, Haq has found its audience on Netflix following its January 2 premiere. The film has achieved remarkable streaming success:
- Debuted at No. 1 on Netflix India
- Opened at No. 2 globally on Netflix
- Claimed the top spot in 5 countries
- Entered the Top 10 in 14 countries worldwide
About the Film
Helmed by Suparn Verma and produced by Junglee Pictures, Baweja Studios, and Insomnia Films, Haq is inspired by the landmark Supreme Court judgment in Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum. The case dealt with matrimonial rights within Muslim households and became a watershed moment in Indian legal history.
The narrative follows Shazia Bano, a woman who seeks legal recourse after her husband marries his first love and denies financial support for their children. The film explores the complex intersection of personal faith, social customs, and constitutional law.
Critics have particularly noted Yami’s restrained yet powerful performance. One review highlighted: “As Shazia Bano, the woman hurt and angered by her husband’s betrayal, yet someone who holds on to the fraying shreds of her dignity, Yami Gautam Dhar is excellent, keeping flashy histrionics in check even in the mandatory climactic monologue.”
Industry Comparisons
Many reviewers have drawn comparisons between Yami’s portrayal and the iconic performances of Shabana Azmi, particularly in roles depicting women caught between personal faith and public justice. The comparison underscores the depth and gravitas Yami brings to Shazia Bano.
Alongside Yami Gautam Dhar and Emraan Hashmi, the film also features Sheeba Chaddha in a pivotal role. Writer Reshu Nath received praise from Karan Johar for crafting “a solid and poignant film with such strength of narrative.”
Haq is currently streaming on Netflix.
