HAQ has rapidly emerged as one of Netflix's most compelling Hindi releases in early 2026, significantly enriching Suparn S. Varma's cinematic legacy. In an OTT landscape often driven by fleeting trends, this film has achieved sustained traction through both viewership and engaging dialogue, solidifying Varma’s reputation for socially grounded, performance-led storytelling.
Unprecedented Success on Netflix Globally
* HAQ debuted impressively at No. 1 in India and secured the No. 2 spot globally on Netflix’s Top 10 Non-English Films list. * The film captivated audiences, trending in the Top 10 across 14 countries and clinching the No. 1 position in 5 nations. * It has maintained a consistent presence on Netflix India’s charts, outperforming many titles available for longer periods, demonstrating strong international engagement for a thought-provoking Hindi courtroom drama.
Suparn S. Varma's Masterful Direction
Beyond metrics, HAQ has sparked considerable discussion within the film industry. Filmmakers and creators have publicly lauded Varma’s restrained direction and the narrative’s confident use of silence, tension, and ambiguity to convey profound meaning. Reflecting on the film’s impact, Varma stated, “I never set out to make a film that would trend. I wanted to make a film that would stay.” This philosophy underscores the film’s enduring resonance.
Stellar Performances by Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi
At the heart of HAQ are the powerful performances of Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi, who ground the narrative in emotional realism. Gautam delivers a controlled and unflinching portrayal of Shazia, while Hashmi delivers one of his most unsettling and memorable roles to date. Together, they expertly shift the courtroom drama from procedural theatrics towards a nuanced examination of power, faith, marriage, and moral responsibility.
Inspired by the Landmark Shah Bano Case
HAQ draws inspiration from the 1985 Shah Bano case, approaching this pivotal moment in India’s legal history through a deeply personal and human lens. Rather than a mere historical retelling, the film focuses on the lived consequences of legal and social structures, allowing discomfort and complexity to remain central to the viewing experience. Varma highlighted this, saying, “Justice, especially for women, is rarely neat or convenient. The Shah Bano case is remembered as a legal milestone, but behind it was a woman who had to fight simply to be heard. That human cost was always my starting point.”
Suparn S. Varma's Enduring Legacy
With an impressive body of work including "The Family Man Season 2," "Rana Naidu," and "Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai," Suparn S. Varma continues to build a filmmaking legacy defined by moral inquiry, narrative restraint, and performance-driven cinema. As HAQ maintains its momentum on Netflix, it stands as further affirmation that films rooted in complexity and conviction can achieve both significant scale and lasting impact, setting a new benchmark for quality Hindi content.
