Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has reunited with acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur for a modern sequel to the beloved 1983 classic Masoom. Titled ‘Masoom: The New Generation’ , the film sees Rahman not only composing the music but also coming on board as a co-producer .
A Creative Reunion Decades in the Making
Shekhar Kapur confirmed that Rahman joined the project after being deeply moved by the script. The two have previously collaborated on the 2007 period drama Elizabeth: The Golden Age, as well as the musical theatre productions Bombay Dreams and Why? The Musical .
“He heard the script and asked me, ‘Can I co-produce it?’ and we said, ‘Let’s do it.’ So we have already recorded one song, we are on to the second,” Kapur told Variety India .
Rahman expressed his deep admiration for Kapur, stating, “Working with Shekhar has always been a deeply enriching experience, he has been a mentor and a creative force in many ways. When he shared the vision for this film, I felt compelled to be involved beyond the music. There’s something timeless about Masoom, and reinterpreting that emotional world for a new generation feels both exciting and necessary” .
Revisiting a Timeless Classic
The original Masoom, released in 1983 and starring Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi, is widely regarded as one of Hindi cinema’s finest family dramas. Based on Erich Segal’s novel Man, Woman and Child, it explored delicate themes of marriage, infidelity, guilt, and forgiveness . The film was also noted for its poignant music, composed by RD Burman, with lyrics by Gulzar.
For the sequel, Shah and Azmi are set to reprise their iconic roles. They will be joined by a stellar ensemble cast including Manoj Bajpayee, Nithya Menen, and Kapur’s daughter, Kaveri Kapur .
Themes for a New Generation
Kapur explained that the new film aims to reflect how much society has changed in the decades since the original.
“For a long time, I’ve felt that the themes of Masoom deserved to be revisited through the lens of today’s world. Families, relationships, identity; these ideas have evolved so much, and cinema must evolve with them,” Kapur said in a press release .
While the first film dealt with the disruption caused by an extramarital affair, the sequel reportedly intends to explore contemporary issues of belonging, migration, and modern identity while retaining the emotional soul of the original .
Production Status
Currently in pre-production, Masoom: The New Generation is slated to begin filming later this year. The makers are planning a worldwide theatrical release in 2026 .
