| Director | Suparn Verma |
|---|---|
| Budget | ₹40 crore |
| Box office | ₹28.7 crore |
In 1970s India, in Sankhani, Shazia Bano is married to lawyer Abbas Khan. Her seemingly stable life is disrupted when Abbas abruptly leaves for Murree, Pakistan on the pretext of work. Months later, he returns with a second wife, Saira. Over the years, Shazia realises that Abbas has long been in love with Saira and no longer cares for her. Devastated, Shazia returns to her hometown with her children.
Although Abbas promises to pay Shazia a monthly maintenance of , he fails to honour the commitment. Seeking justice, Shazia files a legal case against him with the help of lawyer Bela Jain. In retaliation, Abbas divorces her by invoking talaq-e-biddat (instant triple talaq). The case sparks debate over the conflict between religious personal law and constitutional rights. The court initially rules in Shazia’s favour but limits the maintenance amount to per month.
As communal tensions rise in the 1980s, Shazia once again approaches the courts to secure adequate alimony for the sake of her children. Abbas deliberately forfeits the case to escalate it to the Supreme Court, intending to turn it into a national issue by mobilising religious groups to pressure the judiciary.
In the Supreme Court, Abbas presents a strong legal defence, but Shazia’s emotional testimony ultimately sways the judges. The Supreme Court rules in her favour, affirming her right to maintenance. The film concludes with Shazia addressing the audience, urging them to read and understand their religious scriptures to prevent their misuse.