Yami Gautam’s ‘Haq’ cleared in UAE without any censorship cuts

Actor Yami Gautam, who will next be seen in the courtroom drama Haq, has revealed that the film has been cleared in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without any censorship cuts. The upcoming film, inspired by the Shah Bano Begum case, has been rated 15+ in the UAE, indicating that it is suitable for viewers above 15 years of age.

Yami, who plays the lead role in the film, said that the absence of any objections from the UAE’s censorship board is proof that Haq does not target or insult any community.

“This is the first time I am sharing that in terms of censorship, Haq faced no cuts in the UAE, and it has been rated 15+. It means everyone above that age can watch it,” she said. “If there are no issues there, that itself shows the film isn’t meant to antagonize anyone from any faith.”

The actor emphasized that the film’s intent has been misunderstood by some based on speculation before its release. “It’s difficult to present stronger evidence before people have even seen the film. We are not making a movie about one community,” she added.

Film’s Context and Inspiration

Directed by Suparn Varma, Haq takes inspiration from the landmark Shah Bano Begum case (1978–1985), one of India’s most debated legal and social battles. The case, which reached the Supreme Court in 1985, centered on a divorced Muslim woman’s right to alimony and triggered a nationwide debate on secularism, gender rights, and religious law.

The story is adapted from journalist Jigna Vora’s book Bano: Bharat Ki Beti, which offers an in-depth look at Shah Bano’s life and her struggle for justice.

In Haq, Yami Gautam portrays Shazia Bano, a character inspired by Shah Bano, while Emraan Hashmi plays her husband, Lawyer Abbas Khan, who is on the opposite side of the legal conflict. The cast also includes Sheeba Chaddha and Vartika Singh in pivotal roles.

Production and Release Details

The film is produced by Junglee Pictures, in collaboration with Insomnia Films and Baweja Studios. Known for its socially conscious productions, Junglee Pictures has backed films such as Badhaai Ho and Talvar.

Haq promises to revisit a defining chapter in India’s legal history through the lens of human emotion, justice, and faith. The courtroom drama is set to release in theatres on November 7.

Industry insiders believe that the film’s positive reception in the UAE could signal smoother approvals in other international territories as well. Given the region’s often strict guidelines on religious sensitivity, the approval adds weight to the filmmakers’ claim that Haq seeks to promote dialogue, not controversy.

Yami Gautam has consistently chosen scripts with social relevance in recent years. Her performances in Article 370, Lost, and OMG 2 have earned her acclaim for portraying strong, socially aware female characters.

With Haq, Yami appears to continue that streak — playing a woman navigating the intersection of personal faith, legal rights, and justice.

As the release date approaches, anticipation is building for how the film will handle the delicate balance between religion and law. Early discussions around censorship have already placed Haq in the spotlight as one of the most anticipated courtroom dramas of the year.