Some stories are meant to tug at our heartstrings and leave us feeling emotional. Masoom is one such film that captures the essence of human emotions and relationships in a heartwarming way. Directed by Shekhar Kapur, the movie follows the journey of a family as they come to terms with an unexpected addition to their household.
The plot
The story begins with DK Malhotra (Naseeruddin Shah), an architect living happily with his wife Indu (Shabana Azmi) and their two daughters Pinky (Urmila Matondkar) and Mini (Aradhana). However, their life takes an unexpected turn when DK receives a telegram from his old schoolmaster in Nainital, informing him that he has a son named Rahul (Jugal Hansraj) from a previous affair with a woman named Bhavana (Supriya Pathak).
Bhavana has passed away, and DK is now responsible for the upbringing of Rahul. What follows is a tale of emotional turmoil, as the family grapples with the new addition and the complexities it brings to their otherwise happy life. (Also read: Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda (The Seventh Horse of the Sun) – 1992).
The emotions
Masoom is a movie that emotes the second type, where people take it to the heart and bear it all. The film is a masterful exploration of untold emotions, where the pain is hidden beneath the surface. Shekhar Kapur plays with the idea of beauty and cheerfulness by introducing a cute child and keeping it sad, forcing us to emote and feel for the characters.
The movie is about accepting and moving on, about learning to love without conditions. The unexpressed emotions of the child force us to empathize, hate the parents and make us want to take him in our arms and comfort him.
The performances
The movie’s strength lies in its performances, with Nasrudeen Shah and Shabana Azmi delivering a masterful portrayal of the complexities of human relationships. They embody the role of a couple that has to come to terms with an unexpected situation, the wife who forgives, and the husband who struggles to reconcile with his past.
Jugal Hansraj, who plays the role of Rahul, is the real star of the movie. He brings to life the character of a child who is innocent and vulnerable, yet fiercely independent. His nuanced performance leaves an indelible mark on the viewer’s heart, making us root for him and feel his pain.
The direction
Shekhar Kapur’s direction is masterful, as he weaves together the story’s different elements to create a compelling narrative. He infuses the film with a sense of realism that captures the nuances of human relationships and emotions. The movie is a reflection of the director’s vision, where the beauty lies not in the physical appearance but in the emotions and relationships that we share.
The ending
This is one movie that is secretly wished will end in tragedy. The audience is left wanting more, as the film ends with a typical Bollywood happy ending. The movie would have added more punch if it ended in some tragic way rather than the usual happy ending.
Verdict
Masoom is a movie that captures the essence of love and acceptance. It is a tale of human relationships that resonates with us, long after the film has ended. The movie’s success lies in its ability to tap into our emotions and make us feel for the characters. It is a must-watch for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of human relationships and emotions.
