Oscar-winning composer A.R. 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.
At the film’s launch event in Mumbai, Kapur revealed the fascinating story behind the reunion, the seamless creation of the music, and the star-studded cast.
A 90-Minute Song and a Producer
Kapur confirmed that Rahman joined the project after being deeply moved by the script. The two had previously collaborated on the 2007 period drama Elizabeth: The Golden Age.
“We sat together, and within half an hour, I told him this is the start of the story, this is the climax. On the spot, he started humming a tune on his phone. In 90 minutes, he gave me a song for the film, including the interlude music,” Kapur said.
Impressed by Rahman’s enthusiasm, Kapur decided to expand his role. “He heard the script and asked me, ‘Can I co-produce it?’ So we have already recorded one song with Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal. It took Rahman sir only one hour to compose it,” Kapur added.
Revisiting a Timeless Classic
The original Masoom, directed by Shekhar Kapur in 1983 and starring Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi, is 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.
For the sequel, Shah and Azmi are set to reprise their iconic roles. They will be joined by 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.
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.
With the legendary Gulzar penning the lyrics and Rahman composing the music, the film is already generating significant anticipation among audiences who grew up with the original classic.
