Mumbai

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman are set to collaborate once again on Masoom: The New Generation, a contemporary reimagining of Kapur’s acclaimed 1983 classic Masoom.

The new film will revisit themes of family, identity, relationships and migration through a modern perspective while preserving the emotional essence that made the original a landmark in Indian cinema.

Rahman, who has previously worked with Kapur on Elizabeth: The Golden Age and stage productions such as Bombay Dreams and Why? The Musical, will serve as both composer and co-producer on the project.

Speaking about the film, Kapur said he had long believed that the themes explored in Masoom deserved to be revisited for contemporary audiences, noting that changing dynamics of family, relationships and personal identity call for new cinematic interpretations. He added that Rahman’s ability to create music deeply connected to storytelling makes him an ideal creative partner for the project.

Rahman described Kapur as a mentor and a major creative influence. He said the filmmaker’s vision for the project inspired him to contribute not only musically but also as a producer, adding that reimagining the emotional world of Masoom for a new generation feels both relevant and exciting.

Veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah, who headlined the original film, will return for the new version. The cast also includes Manoj Bajpayee, Nithya Menen and Kaveri Kapur.

The 1983 film, based on Erich Segal’s novel Man, Woman and Child, explored the complexities of marriage, betrayal and parenthood when an illegitimate child enters a seemingly happy family. The screenplay was penned by Gulzar, while the music was composed by R. D. Burman.

The original soundtrack produced enduring classics such as Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi and Lakdi Ki Kaathi.

READ MORE: Hazrat Hajar's sacrifice is part of Eid al-Adha's fable

Production on Masoom: The New Generation is scheduled to begin later this year.