In a move that’s got film buffs talking, Shekhar Kapur is resurrecting his breakout ‘Masoom’ with a sequel tailored for the next generation, revisiting the epic tale of its improbable rise from oblivion.
The 1983 release starring Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi painted a masterful portrait of a family’s unraveling and healing around a vulnerable stepchild. But week one was brutal: skeletal audiences, exhibitors rejecting prints, and Kapur facing public backlash. He recounts the premiere—solo in spirit amid emptiness—followed by street confrontations from peeved patrons slamming ‘arty’ pretensions.
Emptiness reigned through mid-week; hope faded as distributors withdrew. Kapur pondered life beyond films. Then, Thursday’s full house ignited a wildfire—lines formed, collections soared, deficits vanished.
This unsolved enigma fuels Kapur’s sequel vision, announced via X. The original’s nuanced exploration of parental dilemmas and childlike purity endures. Now, ‘Masoom – Next Generation’ beckons, promising evolved narratives for contemporary viewers.
As whispers of production ramp up, the industry reflects on resilience. Kapur’s journey from despair to directorial icon continues, inviting a new era to embrace ‘Masoom’s’ magic.