2 weeks Ago
A film inspired by the Shah Bano case, starring Yami Gautam Dhar and Emraan Hashmi, releases in late 2025. Directed by Suparn S Varma, it's the second in his courtroom trilogy. On the 40th anniversary of the historic Shah Bano vs.
Ahmed Khan case (Supreme Court 1985), comes a high-octane drama inspired by the life of Shah Bano, a key figure in the fight for Muslim women’s rights in India. The case marked a significant moment in the battle against rigid Muslim personal laws and played a pivotal role in reshaping the legal landscape for women in India. Starring Yami Gautam Dhar and Emraan Hashmi, the film promises to be a gripping drama set against the backdrop of this landmark 1985 Shah Bano vs Ahmed Khan case, which forever altered India’s constitutional history and the relationship between religion, individual rights, and the role of the state.
Emraan Hashmi plays Yami’s husband, a character inspired by Shah Bano’s ex-husband, Ahmed Khan. Audiences can expect powerful performances from the talented cast, bringing this extraordinary story to life. The cast and crew have now wrapped up the shoot of the film.
This film marks the second chapter in filmmaker Suparn S Varma’s ambitious courtroom trilogy. The first installment was the critically acclaimed Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai (2023), starring Manoj Bajpayee. A source told Hindustan Times, “Yami and Emraan are leading this impactful courtroom drama and have finished the shooting schedule.
A lot of research has gone into the script to ensure authenticity and the film boasts of several long and intense courtroom scenes. Yami plays Shah Bano, while Emraan’s character draws from Ahmed Khan." The film has been shot across various locations in and around Lucknow, including Kakori, Sandila, and several other historic and culturally rich spots.
At its core, the film tells the story of Shah Bano’s brave fight against a deeply ingrained system. A woman with no financial resources or societal support, Shah Bano stood firm against the entrenched power of organised religion and the misogynistic practices carried out under its name. Her battle, which started as a David vs.
Goliath struggle, went all the way to the Supreme Court, where, against all odds, she won. Shah Bano’s case, which initially seemed impossible to even discuss in the 1970s, became the catalyst for a legal framework that would pave the way for countless women to claim their rightful due in the face of gender-biased laws. Her fight not only made global headlines but also earned a place among the Top 10 events that shaped Indian democracy and the judiciary.
It continues to be taught in law schools across the country and has served as a vital reference for women from all walks of life, regardless of religion, caste, or socioeconomic status, seeking justice in divorce and marriage disputes. This case also laid the foundation for the ongoing conversation about a potential One Nation One Law under the proposed Uniform Civil Code, further amplifying its cultural and legal significance. Set for a massive theatrical release in India and globally, the film is expected to hit cinemas in October or November 2025.
Shot across several locations in Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh, the first schedule has already wrapped, with production continuing full steam ahead. Yami Gautam Dhar, fresh off the success of her critically acclaimed Article 370, will next be seen in this courtroom drama. Emraan Hashmi, whose upcoming release is the war film Ground Zero, was recently seen in Tiger Zinda Hai and other notable projects.
Directed by Suparn S Verma, who gained acclaim for the multi-award-winning Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hain starring Manoj Bajpayee, this film marks the second installment in Verma’s courtroom trilogy..
