In a heartfelt tribute to a timeless classic, esteemed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur is set to direct “Masoom: The Next Generation,” an upcoming film pondering the evolving concept of home and the persistent intricacies of familial bonds. The project, which harnesses the expectations from the legacy of the 1983 original, will introduce a new generation to the beloved story, interweaving contemporary issues with narrative threads that resonate universally.
Just as “Masoom,” the film that marked Kapur’s directorial debut, captured hearts nearly four decades ago, its spiritual successor hopes to mirror its deep emotional impact. The original tale, delicately navigating the realms of family and infidelity, presented a narrative pivot around a happy couple’s life turned upside-down by the arrival of the husband’s illegitimate child. Kapur’s new venture, while disentangling similar themes, promises to provide a fresh perspective through the lens of today’s societal context.
The sequel is poised to be a family affair in more ways than one, as it marks the cinematic introduction of Kapur’s singer-daughter Kaveri Kapur. With plans for the film to begin production in October 2024, Kaveri will grace the screen alongside the revered Shabana Azmi, reprising her role in a matrilineal tapestry of characters, this time as Kaveri’s grandmother. The narrative will unfold around two male leads as well, though the details remain under wraps pending the finalization of dates and casting.
Delving into the heart of the film, Kapur shared that the sequel emanates from his reflection on the essence of ‘home’ for contemporary society. Drawing from his mother’s experiences, a refugee who sought solace and stability beyond the physical confines of bricks and mortar, the film is a homage to the deep-seated sense of belonging rooted in familial memories. With the aim to construct a Delhi home that could withstand the turbulence of time and natural disasters, Kapur’s mother’s longing for a steadfast sanctuary is a sentiment he endeavors to capture and convey through his latest cinematic offering.
Kaveri’s personal connection to the original Masoom informs her anticipation and excitement for delving into the sequel. Recognizing the prevalence of anxiety within her generation, she speaks of the script’s empathetic approach to such contemporary challenges. Working under her father’s directorial guidance and alongside a luminary like Azmi, Kaveri views the opportunity as both daunting and enveloping, echoing a familial warmth that transcends off-screen relations. Heightening her involvement, Kaveri is set to contribute musically to the film’s soundscape by penning and performing songs, further entwining her creative expression with the film’s thematic fabric.
The forthcoming “Masoom: The Next Generation” stands at the confluence of the past and the present, aiming to strike a chord with today’s audience while honoring the cinematic triumphs of yesteryear. As Kapur steers the ship once again, audiences await with anticipation to revisit the world he so captivatingly portrayed, now reimagined for a modern era. In transforming personal narratives into a broader commentary on the universal search for connection, the film is shaping up to be a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, and a fitting entry into Kapur’s celebrated oeuvre.
