‘Masoom’: Shekhar Kapur’s nostalgic post on his film sparks debate on Twitter

Ace director Shekhar Kapur who is quite active on social media recently shared a nostalgic post on his renowned film ‘Masoom’ 1983. Much to the director’s surprise, his post sparked a debate on Twitter.

Kapur took to his Twitter handle and shared a post recalling how he didn’t listen to people who wanted him to change the script. Soon, Kapur was questioned by Twitterati about the inspiration behind the film.

In his post, the filmmaker had revealed how several people wanted him to change the script of the film, as it had no villain and drama which generally attracts the audience at the ticket counters. Breaking the stereotypes of the film’s plot in that era, ‘Masoom’ went to become one of the blockbusters of its time.

Check out Shekhar’s post below.

So many people that ‘Knew’ wanted me to change the script of this film. People that were famous, experienced and ‘knowledgeable’. Told me it had no drama, no villain. I was naive unknown unskilled untrained. But rebellious. Thank God for that ! pic.twitter.com/Gb6Co3eOo1

— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) August 1, 2019

As the filmmaker calls his decision a rebellious one, his post gave a spark to controversy. Soon netizens started pointing out how ‘Masoom’ was the remake of Hollywood film ‘Man Woman and Child’. Interestingly, the plot of the film-‘Man Woman and Child’ was based on the story of Erich Segal’s novel of the same name.

Now check out how Twitter reacted to his post.

Change the script? But, it was a copy of Man, Woman & Child. Isn’t it?

— Prashant Jain (@bigtimefoodie) August 1, 2019

That is funny, when the story was adapted (or did you only got “inspired”?) from a best seller. Hard to take your word for that. pic.twitter.com/Fx4F6dtl78

— ג׳יקוב | |یعقوب | ജേക്കബ് | Jacob (@Jacobji01) August 1, 2019

You should have at least acknowledged that you got “inspired” from another movie. How can you claim it original when it was just an adoptation? Anyways, the lyrics are immemorial and acting will be remembered forever.

— manjushaمنجوشا (@ManjushaBhagade) August 1, 2019

On top of it, it was already adapted in Malayalam a year ahead of Masoom.
Olangal, directed by Balu Mahendra was released in 1982 (won Filmfare awards), before Masoom in 1983.
So all this pretense might have worked for you in 83 when there was no internet, but it won’t work now. pic.twitter.com/O3WhGc8ydm

— ג׳יקוב | |یعقوب | ജേക്കബ് | Jacob (@Jacobji01) August 1, 2019

Yeah u need to be a rebellion to COPY ..????

— Baalowaala Tadipaar (@mazii1000) August 1, 2019

While there were some who supported the filmmaker by acknowledging the fact that his film is an adaptation and he never shied away from admitting that

Masoom was a TERRIFIC film. It was an adaptation of a novel. There is no crime in that. Also if you watch the Hollywood film based on the book, you will realise why Shekhar Kapoor is a superior filmmaker. https://t.co/KnW1IzwlNo

— Naomi Datta (@nowme_datta) August 2, 2019

🙂 googled an old clip where Shekhar Kapoor talks about the idea behind Masoom. Talks about uncredited source material ( the book)quite openly. Is also quite candid on how terrible his latter Joshilay was. Watch for fun. https://t.co/LAZXCiygG9

— Naomi Datta (@nowme_datta) August 2, 2019

Also Read: Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar asks filmmaker Shekhar Kapur to meet a psychiatrist; here’s why!