What a beautiful, timeless piece! Masoom plays on all the chords of human relationships, tugging not only at the innocence of a child on which the title is based, but also striking a chord with every character affected by that very innocence. It absolutely pulverises a father’s heart and plucks at the strings of a stepmother’s.
Masoom has it all. It portrays the pure innocence of children with memorable songs like Lakdi Ki Kaathi, and then settles like deep despair under the brow of its lead. The extraordinary Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi is a song I grew up listening to, and when it finally finds the face of a context, you can’t help but connect with it even more.
It is a film that leaves no loose ends, beautifully crafted, achieving exactly what it sets out to do. Not only is it written with heart, but it also benefits from a direction that makes it one of cinema’s truly timeless pieces.
The Direction of Masoom
Shekhar Kapur‘s direction is so brilliant that you can see the no-nonsense artistry of filmmaking in his shots. The way silence takes over between moments, only to be pierced by pangs of music when necessary, is remarkable. The songs are so aptly placed and so poetic that you are not just hearing them, you are feeling the lyrics.
From the extraordinarily wide frames of lavish living that capture all the characters at once, to the close-up shots of tears and anguish, you can watch the direction in motion and think – “that’s a perfect shot, maybe I could do it too.” There is so much to learn from his framing that it makes you want to pick up a camera yourself.
The beauty of Nainital is captured in sweeping wide-angle shots. The smothering convent halls, the strict edifice of discipline they embody, the bustle of the railway station and the chaos of everyone in a hurry, you can’t help but relate to that one person running to catch a train. The next time you see such a person in real life, you’ll wonder about the urgency of their reason to be there on time.
What elevates everything further is, of course, the extraordinary acting of Masoom’s brilliant cast—Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi.
Gulzar Sahab’s Writing
As you watch Masoom, you are constantly reminded of how wonderfully it has been written. The script carries the right amount of emotional weight. The characters are walking on a thin thread, constantly trying to figure out what to do, or what awaits them. Their world is collapsing, but neither completely gives up. It has shattered both Indu and DK, yet they react in ways that feel heartbreakingly real.
The child’s role has been beautifully woven in by Gulzar sahab. Without his innocence and emotional depth, the story wouldn’t hold the audience captive or justify why he truly deserved a fair chance.
The climactic lines, whether from Suri (Saeed Jaffrey), the quintessential friend, or the emotional dagger of “Aap to mere papa ho na?” are enough to leave you in tears.
Naseruddin Shah as DK (The Father)
Casting Naseeruddin Shah as the father was a masterstroke. He gets broken by a phone call that shatters the very foundation of his world. Even as the film reaches its most devastating moment, you realise how great an actor Shah truly is.
From his happy life with his kids and wife, to the mountain of contrast that crushes him, you can see life drain from his eyes. His cries are enough to bring tears to yours.
The story begins with a picture of a happy family, only to be upended by the sudden arrival of a child he had no idea about. The conflicts he faces and the dilemmas he falls into are deeply palpable. Naseeruddin takes it all like the champ he is and shows every relevant emotion with perfection.
Shabana Azmi as Indu
Introduced as a stern, short-tempered woman who won’t even allow a dog in the house, Indu ends up facing the unbearable stress of having her husband’s illegitimate child forced into her world. The torment on her face makes you realise how phenomenal Shabana Azmi is, and how perfectly cast she was.
Her most powerful moment comes in her monologue towards the end, when she completely breaks down and scolds the boy for disappearing. You can feel her words hit you in the gut, as though your own mother were scolding you. That’s when you see her acting at its very best.
Jugal Hansraj as Rahul (The Masoom)
Casting Jugal Hansraj as Rahul was another excellent choice. His innocent charm amplifies the story’s emotional weight. Not only is he sharp and expressive, but he also carries his emotions beautifully. You genuinely feel the longing in his eyes.
For a child who has lost his mother, his only reason for survival becomes his search for his father. The film is filled with innocent moments that make you realise how fitting the title truly is.
Some Caveats
If there is a flaw, it might be in the slightly negative portrayal of boarding school culture. While many children and parents view it positively, in the film’s context it feels justified. For Rahul, it was an alien world, one he dreaded after finally beginning to accept a new “home.”
There are also some minor editing issues noticeable to keen eyes. Certain cuts feel abrupt, for instance, when Indu dashes out of a room crying, the scene doesn’t flow seamlessly. At times, the darkness in shots feels overdone, or the camera quality seems poor (like in one top-angle platform shot). But these are minor flaws in an otherwise extraordinary vision of storytelling.
The Final Verdict
Masoom remains an absolute masterpiece of cinema. Everyone who loves films should watch it. It draws out emotions you didn’t know existed, making you feel deeply for the little boy. It’s a rare feat where great writing, brilliant direction, and phenomenal acting all come together in perfect harmony.
Masoom (1983)
Pros
- Extraordinary writing
- Great direction
- Complementing Performances
- Emotional and beautiful
Cons
- Some editing bits
- Some Camera issues
