What Changed Overnight for Shekhar Kapur's Masoom?
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Synopsis
Shekhar Kapur shares a compelling account of how his film Masoom faced a dismal start at the box office, only to witness a miraculous turnaround. Discover the intriguing story behind its unexpected success and how it shaped his career in filmmaking.
Key Takeaways
- Masoom faced a rocky start with minimal audience turnout.
- A significant change occurred on Thursday, leading to its success.
- Shekhar Kapur's experience underscores the unpredictability of film reception.
- The journey of Masoom demonstrates resilience in filmmaking.
- Memories of the film's initial struggles remain impactful for Kapur.
Mumbai, June 15 (NationPress) Celebrated director Shekhar Kapur took a moment to reflect on how his legendary film Masoom initially struggled to attract audiences to the cinemas.
He mentioned that he was confronted, almost with an accusation, about having created an artistic film.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Shekhar recounted his experience of entering a nearly empty theater: "I walked into the theater... and there were merely two individuals present, one of whom was me! The overwhelming emptiness struck me like a tidal wave. I believed this marked the end of my filmmaking journey, which had yet to truly commence... as Masoom was my debut project. Sadly, it was labeled an 'Article' film by black marketeers... that was the Friday of its release. All theaters were deserted, just as they remained on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday..."
Shekhar revealed that after witnessing the dismal opening, he even considered pursuing a different career.
However, a surprising turn of events unfolded as distributors contemplated withdrawing the film from cinemas, which then took an unexpected positive turn.
"On Thursday, I received a call from them stating that audiences had started to trickle in. By Friday, the theaters were packed. On Saturday, tickets were being sold illegally by those who had once termed Masoom an 'Article' film. The rush to secure more theaters began... and Masoom was ultimately deemed a success. What transpired on Thursday? I remain puzzled. What if they hadn't come on Thursday? The distributors might have pulled it from other theaters, and Masoom could have faded into obscurity..." he reminisced.
The visionary behind Mr. India disclosed that as he gears up to produce Masoom, the Next Generation, the memories of that time continue to linger.
Shekhar concluded his post with a thought-provoking inquiry: "What happened on Thursday? Did my (or the film’s) destiny truly shift overnight?"
Point of View
Shekhar Kapur's recounting of the initial failures and eventual success of Masoom highlights the unpredictable nature of the film industry. This story serves as a reminder of how quickly public perception can shift, and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the initial response to Masoom?
Initially, Masoom struggled to attract audiences, with theaters nearly empty during its premiere.
What changed for Masoom after its release?
A sudden influx of viewers came on Thursday, leading to sold-out shows and a turnaround in its box office status.
Who is Shekhar Kapur?
Shekhar Kapur is a renowned filmmaker known for his impactful storytelling and his work on films like Masoom and Mr. India.
What is the significance of the Thursday mentioned?
The Thursday marked a pivotal moment when audiences began flocking to see Masoom, ultimately transforming its fate.
How did Shekhar Kapur feel about the initial failure?
He felt devastated, believing it might mark the end of his career before it even began.
