Shekhar Kapur’s 40-year-old Masoom Gets a Sequel: Here’s What You Need to Know
Shekhar Kapur, the acclaimed filmmaker who made his directorial debut with Masoom in 1983, is planning to make a sequel to the film that touched millions of hearts with its story of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. The sequel, titled Masoom… The New Generation, will reportedly explore the lives of the characters after 40 years and introduce new ones.
Masoom, which was based on Erich Segal’s novel Man, Woman, and Child, starred Naseeruddin Shah as a married man who discovers that he has an illegitimate son (played by Jugal Hansraj) from a past affair. He brings the boy home to his wife (played by Shabana Azmi) and two daughters (played by Urmila Matondkar and Aradhana Srivastav), who struggle to accept him as part of the family. The film also featured Supriya Pathak, Tanuja, and Saeed Jaffrey in supporting roles.
The film was a critical and commercial success and won several awards, including three Filmfare Awards for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Lyricist. It also had a memorable soundtrack composed by R.D. Burman and sung by Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, and others.
What to expect from the sequel?
According to sources close to the filmmaker, Shekhar Kapur has been working on the script of Masoom… The New Generation for a long time and is expected to make an official announcement soon. He was recently in India and had discreet meetings with potential collaborators for the project.
The sources also revealed that the sequel will not be a remake or a reboot of the original film, but a continuation of the story with new twists and turns. The sequel will focus on how the characters have changed over the years and how they deal with new challenges and relationships. The sequel will also introduce new characters who will be related to the original ones.
The sources added that Shekhar Kapur is keen to retain the essence and emotion of Masoom while giving it a contemporary touch. He wants to make a film that will appeal to both the fans of the original film and the new generation of viewers.
Who will star in the sequel?
The cast of Masoom… The New Generation is yet to be finalized, but it is speculated that some of the original actors might reprise their roles or make cameo appearances in the sequel. Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Jugal Hansraj, and Urmila Matondkar are among the possible candidates who might return for the sequel.
However, it is also likely that Shekhar Kapur will cast new actors for the main roles, especially for the younger generation of characters. The filmmaker is known for discovering fresh talent and giving them a platform to showcase their skills. He has launched actors like Cate Blanchett (in Elizabeth), Anil Kapoor (in Mr. India), Seema Biswas (in Bandit Queen), and Dev Patel (in Slumdog Millionaire) in his films.
The sources said that Shekhar Kapur is looking for actors who can portray complex emotions and have a strong screen presence. He is also looking for actors who can sing well, as music will play an important role in the sequel.
Why is Shekhar Kapur making a sequel after 40 years?
Shekhar Kapur is one of the most respected and versatile filmmakers in India and abroad. He has made films across genres and languages, such as Mr. India (1987), Bandit Queen (1994), Elizabeth (1998), Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007), and Paani (unreleased). He has also directed TV shows like Pradhanmantri (2013) and Will (2017).
However, Masoom remains his most personal and cherished film, as it was his first venture as a director and a reflection of his own life. He has often said that he identifies with the character of Naseeruddin Shah in the film, as he also had a son from a previous relationship who he met later in life.
Shekhar Kapur has also said that Masoom is a timeless story that can resonate with any generation and culture. He believes that the themes of love, family, forgiveness, and acceptance are universal and relevant even today. He wants to explore how these themes have evolved over the years and how they affect the lives of the characters in the sequel.
He also wants to make a sequel as a tribute to his mentor and friend R.D. Burman, who composed the music for Masoom and passed away in 1994. He wants to honor his legacy by creating a musical film that will have the same impact as Masoom.
When will the sequel released?
The release date of Masoom… The New Generation is not yet decided, as the film is still in the pre-production stage. However, it is expected that the film will go on floors by the end of 2023 or early 2024, depending on the availability of the cast and crew.
The film will be produced by Shekhar Kapur’s own banner SK Films, in association with other partners. The film will be shot in India and abroad, as per the requirements of the script. The film will be released in Hindi and other languages, depending on the market demand.
The film will also have a digital release on OTT platforms, as Shekhar Kapur believes that online streaming is the future of cinema and offers more creative freedom and reach to filmmakers.
Masoom… The New Generation is one of the most anticipated films of Shekhar Kapur and Indian cinema. It will be a treat for the fans of Masoom and a surprise for the new viewers. It will be a film that will make you laugh, cry, sing and think. It will be a film that will touch your heart and soul.
