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Shekhar Kapur Recalls Masoom’s Empty Opening and Sudden Turnaround

His new account on X frames the film’s unlikely start as he readies Masoom: The Next Generation featuring returning stars and fresh faces.

Overview

  • On release day in 1983, Kapur says only two people—including him—were in the first show of Masoom.
  • He recalls being confronted by ticket black-marketeers who had lost money and warned him against making an “article” (artistic) film.
  • Cinemas stayed empty through Tuesday after opening, distributors withdrew support, and Kapur feared his filmmaking career was finished.
  • By Thursday one hall was full, by Friday queues formed, distributors scrambled to rebook screens, and the film was declared a hit, a shift Kapur still can’t fully explain beyond claims of word of mouth.
  • Kapur is preparing a sequel titled Masoom: The Next Generation with Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah returning, joined by Manoj Bajpayee, Nithya Menen, and his daughter Kaveri; the original later earned multiple Filmfare awards and classic status.