Yami Gautama and Emraan HashmiThe judicial drama haq has found audiences across borders, becoming a hit not only in India but also in Pakistan and Nigeria. Released on January 2, 2026 on OTT, the film, inspired by the historic Shah Bano case of 1985, has resonated deeply in both countries.
After its launch, haq He quickly gained a dedicated and committed following in both Pakistan and Nigeria. The film’s central themes (faith, family, divorce and women’s rights) and its compelling performances have made it a favorite with audiences far beyond its home country.
Directed by Suparn S Varma, haq centers on Shazia (played by Yami Gautam), who embarks on an emotional and legal battle for maintenance against her husband (played by Emraan Hashmi). The story portrays Shazia’s fight for justice in a patriarchal system that often marginalizes women’s rights.
Haq premiered at number one on Netflix India and quickly moved to number two globally for non-English films, while its second week views reached 4.5 million and topped the charts in Pakistan.
Haq tops the list in Pakistan
The film’s impact has been particularly strong in Pakistan, where its portrayal of divorce and women’s financial rights sparked intense conversations. The movie started trending on Netflix Pakistan soon after its release and soon gained popularity among audiences topping the charts.
Pakistani actor, writer and producer Fazila Qazi wrote on Instagram: “The emotional depth of this film is deeply inspiring, it brings me to tears, Yami Gautam! You were absolutely fantastic!”
Maryam Noor, a lawyer, actress and influencer, compared the film to local productions and noted, “Haq, made by Indian Hindus, explains the Quran, family system and divorce more accurately than our own dramas. Our industry still shows the wrong way to announce divorce and unfortunately many still follow it. They learned this years ago. Why do we keep getting it wrong? A must-watch for couples.”
Story continues below this ad.
One viewer wrote: “haq It has to be one of the strongest films that Bollywood has released in recent years. Yami Gautam was unreal in this film.”
Another X user praised the film, writing: “Haq is a beautiful film on the topic of talaq and providing maintenance to a divorced woman in Islam. Yami Gautam Dhar, who played the role of Shazia Bano, acted magnificently. Wish divorce was not a stigma for women and the laws were not tilted in favor of men. You have to see it.”
‘Haq’ is a beautiful film on the topic of talaq and providing maintenance to a divorced woman in Islam. Yami Gautam Dhar, who played the role of Shazia Bano, acted magnificently. I wish divorce wasn’t a stigma for women and that the laws weren’t tilted in favor of… pic.twitter.com/VCSgqJhCl9
-Abdul Majeed Khan Marwat (@koolkopper) January 22, 2026
“HAQ is a very important film and I wish we could make a film like this in Pakistan, but everyone knows that it will be banned (at least) and/or the makers will be outright killed. Everyone likes Sas bahu and maar peeet dramas here,” another user wrote.
In Pakistan, haq sparked uncomfortable but necessary conversations about the misrepresentation of divorce and women’s financial rights in mainstream storytelling.
Story continues below this ad.
Nigeria’s surprising response to Haq
Nigeria’s response to haq It was equally shocking. Shortly after its release, the film reached number one on Netflix Nigeria, reflecting the strong connection viewers felt with the themes of marital justice, child support and the emotional cost of patriarchal control.
Many Nigerian women saw their own struggles reflected in the film’s narrative, as polygamy in the country has deep traditional roots, most prevalent in rural areas and Muslim-majority northern regions.
A Nigerian viewer wrote on X: “I just finished watching Haq on Netflix and I’m honestly disgusted. The misogyny in many African and Asian societies is truly terrifying. Imagine having to take a man to court just to get support for YOUR OWN children. The ego, the control, the evil… it’s appalling (SIC).”
I just finished watching Haq on Netflix and I’m honestly disgusted.
The misogyny in many African and Asian societies is truly terrifying.Imagine having to take a man to court just to get support for YOUR OWN children.
The ego, the control, the evil… it’s attractive.– Akwa ugo 🫧 (@prettyomah_) January 22, 2026
Story continues below this ad.
Another Nigerian woman urged others to watch the film, writing: “When you finish work today, go on Netflix and watch Haq.”
That movie, huh. I was boiling for days. Every time I remember all the madness that the men showed, except the woman’s father, I get angry all over again.
Even thinking it’s a real life event, huh.
— Gbogbolowo from Computer Village 🇨🇦 (@Jesudunni_) January 19, 2026
Haq’s box office response
haqwhich also features Sheeba Chaddha and Danish Hussain, hit theaters in November and collected Rs 19.86 crore over five weeks. However, it was the film’s OTT release that truly amplified its reach, garnering widespread recognition and winning the hearts of audiences across India and beyond.