Haq OTT Release: Emraan Hashmi Says Playing This Complex Role 'Felt Heavier On Soul' - EXCLUSIVE

Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam’s Haq, one of the most talked-about films of 2025, recently premiered on OTT! Based on a landmark judgment by the Honourable Supreme Court, the movie is now streaming on Netflix.

Since its release, it has been receiving renewed love and appreciation from audiences. Amid this, we spoke to Emraan about playing the demanding and multifaceted role. In an exclusive interview, he shared his experience portraying this intricate character, exploring its emotional depth, and challenging himself to deliver a compelling and powerful performance on screen.1. Haq sees you stepping into a morally complex space – was this what made you say yes to the script?Yes, very much so. What's the fun in playing characters who aren't complex. What interested me was that in Haq my character is not positioned as right or wrong in an obvious way, he’s shaped by belief, entitlement, insecurity and the need to retain control. The script allows the audience to understand where he’s coming from without excusing his actions. That balance is difficult to write and even harder to play. I said yes because Haq portrays for you real-life disputes exactly how they are.2. You’re known for playing layered, conflicted men. Where does your role in Haq fit within that arc of your career?This role feels quieter but heavier on the soul. In Haq, the conflict isn’t externalised through anger or aggression. So much of it’s internal, ideological and personal. My character believes he is justified, even ethical, in the choices he makes, especially within the legal framework. That kind of conviction is dangerous because it doesn’t feel like villainy to the person holding it. At this point in my career, I’m drawn to characters who don’t announce their dark sides openly but reveal it slowly on screen. This man's control, denial and moral rigidity was such a challenge for me.

3. The film explores justice, guilt, and consequence. Did any aspect of the story make you introspect personally or challenge your usual approach to characters?It did, because Haq doesn’t reward or punish characters in a dramatic way, it shows consequences unfolding over time. While preparing, I had to resist the urge to justify my character emotionally, which is a natural instinct. Personally, I get where this man is coming from but he is so flawed you can't empathise with him. I focused on understanding his logic. That was challenging, because as a person you instinctively respond to the injustice being played out. Separating personal opinion from performance was crucial here, and it made me rethink how much empathy an actor should bring.4. How did working with Yami Gautam influence your performance, especially in scenes that rely heavily on emotional tension rather than dialogue?Yami approaches scenes with a lot of clarity. She doesn’t overplay emotion, which is essential for a film like Haq. Many of our scenes depend on what is unsaid like the glances, pauses, the imbalance of power in a room. Her stillness creates tension without needing dialogue, which pushes you, as a co-actor, to respond. That dynamic elevates the conflict because it feels lived-in.

5. At this stage of your career, what does Haq represent for you?Haq represents intent. It’s the kind of film that reminds you why you chose to be an actor in the first place, to engage with stories that ask questions rather than deliver answers. At this stage, I’m more interested in the impact a story leaves. Haq stays with you because it reflects real fractures in society, and being part of that conversation feels meaningful.6. Junglee Pictures is known for developing layered, content-forward films. As an actor, how did the studio’s approach to storytelling and character development influence the way you inhabited this morally complex role in Haq?Junglee’s approach was very clear - protect the writing. There was no pressure to make him more palatable. That freedom is rare. When a studio trusts the script and the intelligence of the audience, it allows the actor to lean into complexity without fear. In Haq, that meant playing the character honestly. That kind of backing makes a huge difference, especially in a film dealing with sensitive moral and social questions.Haq released in theatres on November 7.