A Dream Come True for Suparn S Varma

Suparn S Varma is undoubtedly on cloud nine as his latest directorial venture, 'Haq', receives enthusiastic reviews and performs well at the box office. The success of 'Haq' is a realization of his dreams.

The film was a labor of love for Suparn, who dedicated three years to its development. This included a year of research, diving into legal documents and historical cases like Shah Bano’s, followed by a year focused on writing and then bringing to life the emotional journey of Shazia Bano and Abbas Khan. He describes the narrative as a marriage story that escalated into a national debate, emphasizing that every tale holds political significance when it involves power dynamics, even within a marriage.

Balancing Fact and Fiction

One of the greatest challenges for filmmakers is maintaining the integrity of the story when blending fact with fiction. Suparn acknowledges that when the narrative is rooted in a faith he does not personally practice, the stakes are even higher. He reflects, "I hail from a diverse nation where all religions coexist, and with the right intentions, you connect with the right people. I have been fortunate to have mentors from various faiths, including notable figures like Feroze Khan."

Positive Reception from Peers and Audiences

The film has garnered encouraging feedback, including praise from action director Eejaj Gulab, who remarked, 'This is it.' Writers Hussain and Abbas Dalal also expressed their approval, stating, 'Finally, we are portrayed as proud Indians, not historical figures like Aurangzeb or Khilji. Here, we see a Muslim woman proudly holding the national flag.'

Fans have also resonated with Shazia’s story, including a young Muslim boy who saw parallels with his own mother's experiences. Suparn emphasizes that the struggles women face have not significantly changed, both in India and globally. He notes, 'Women continue to battle gender bias and the glass ceiling. Despite their strengths, they still face challenges.' Characters like Abbas, played by Emraan Hashmi, reflect this complexity, appearing amiable yet harboring deeper issues.

Casting Choices and Creative Vision

Suparn reveals that Yami Gautam Dhar was his first and only choice for the role of Shazia, while Emraan Hashmi was a long-time dream collaborator. He praises both actors for their commitment, stating, 'Yami embodied Shazia for the entire 32-day shoot, and Emraan brought not only enthusiasm but also valuable insights to the script.'

As a journalist, Suparn has a knack for uncovering the deeper truths behind headlines. He expresses a fascination with courtroom dramas, having produced works like 'The Trial' and 'Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai', alongside 'Haq'. He enjoys the intellectual debates and surprises that legal narratives provide.

A Diverse Filmography and Future Focus

Suparn's filmography is diverse, including projects like 'Rana Naidu' and the acclaimed series 'The Family Man 2'. He describes himself as 'genre agnostic' and clarifies that he is not involved in the third season of 'The Family Man' due to his commitments to 'Haq' and 'Rana Naidu Season 2'. Currently, his focus remains on the theatrical success of 'Haq' and conveying its important message to viewers. He insists that whether the film advocates for a uniform civil code is up to the audience to interpret, stating, 'This film is about Shazia's fight for her rights and her victory.'

Creating a Thought-Provoking Film

Crafting a compelling film that resonates emotionally is no small feat. Suparn asserts, 'I strive to create with sincerity and without any hidden agenda.' He believes that when you put your heart into your work, the universe aligns to create something magical. 'Haq' is being celebrated by both critics and audiences as a cinematic masterpiece.