There are a few filmmakers in Hindi cinema whose limited body of work has left an enduring legacy. Shekhar Kapur is one such name, and Masoom remains one of the most striking examples of his storytelling. Released more than four decades ago, the film continues to be remembered for its sensitive narrative, powerful performances and timeless music. Songs such as Lakdi Ki Kaathi remain immensely popular even today, ranking among the most listened-to Hindi film tracks on digital platforms.

Starring Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Jugal Hansraj and a young Urmila Matondkar, Masoom eventually emerged as one of the biggest successes of its time. However, its journey to success was anything but smooth. The film opened to shockingly poor box-office collections, pushing its director into deep despair and forcing him to reconsider his future in filmmaking.

Empty Theatres and a Director in Crisis

Recalling those difficult days, Shekhar Kapur recently shared a throwback photograph from the sets of Masoom, featuring himself with Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Jugal Hansraj, Urmila Matondkar and other cast members. Along with the image, the filmmaker narrated a candid and emotional anecdote from the film’s release period.

Kapur wrote that on the first day of the film’s release, he went to the main theatre to gauge audience response, only to find just two people inside the hall—one of them being himself. At the time, black marketing of cinema tickets was widespread, with groups purchasing tickets in bulk and reselling them at higher prices. After the first show, the theatre stood completely empty, and the black marketers outside were furious, having suffered losses.

One of them reportedly warned Kapur against making “article films” if he wished to survive in the industry, referring to serious, artistic cinema. The situation worsened over the next few days, with theatres remaining empty from Friday through Tuesday. Distributors began pulling out, and keeping the film in cinemas became increasingly difficult.

A Sudden Turn of Fortune

Kapur recalled walking the streets of Mumbai after distributors abandoned the film, unsure of what to do next and believing that his filmmaking career was effectively over. Then, unexpectedly, everything changed on Thursday. A friend called to offer help in selling tickets, but to Kapur’s surprise, theatres were suddenly full. By Friday, audiences were lining up, and Masoom was officially declared a hit.

Industry insiders attributed this dramatic turnaround to strong word-of-mouth publicity. What began as a box-office failure transformed into a sleeper hit, eventually attaining cult status. Reflecting on this extraordinary shift, Kapur admitted that even today he wonders whether the magic lay entirely in audience recommendations.

Box Office Success and Lasting Legacy

Despite its weak opening, Masoom went on to earn approximately ₹6 crore worldwide, placing it among the top 20 highest-grossing Hindi films of 1983. The film also featured Saeed Jaffrey, with lyrics penned by Gulzar and music composed by R.D. Burman—elements that further strengthened its emotional depth and longevity.

Decades later, Masoom continues to be celebrated as a landmark film, a reminder that commercial success does not always arrive immediately, and that genuine storytelling can eventually find its audience—even after days of empty theatres.