Bollywood director says he made actress learn Quran for film, calls it fight against misinformation

Suparn Verma has revealed the depth of research behind his film Haq, saying the project was designed to challenge widespread misconceptions about Islamic law in an era of misinformation.

Speaking on the BBC Asian Network podcast, Verma shared that his team spent nearly a year and a half studying religious and legal frameworks, particularly around issues like Haq Mehr and triple talaq.

One of the most striking aspects of that preparation, he said, involved lead actor Yami Gautam, who spent months learning to understand the Quran and its dialect to authentically portray her role.

“We are quoting the Quran, it’s all there,” Verma said, adding that the film ultimately ends on a single word: “Iqra” (read), a deliberate choice meant to emphasise knowledge and understanding.

The director described the audience response as overwhelming, noting that the film has resonated more deeply than expected. He positioned Haq as a counter to what he called a “warped” information environment, where misinformation — particularly around religion — spreads easily.

Verma also cited personal motivations, saying his long-standing connections with the Muslim community pushed him to approach the subject with care and accuracy. He stressed that concepts like Haq Mehr should be understood in their proper context, describing it as a form of financial protection for women.

Set in 1967, Haq follows the story of Shazia Bano, a woman who takes her fight for justice to court after her marriage unravels. The film, based on a book inspired by real events, stars Emraan Hashmi alongside Gautam.

Beyond its historical setting, Verma believes the themes remain relevant today, arguing that despite decades passing, the challenges faced by women in society have largely remained the same.