The Perception of a PostModern Woman . Review on Masoom

A rich and a loving husband, two adorable daughters, a lovely home and a near perfect social life. These are the privileges in life that Indu Malhotra (Shabana Azmi) enjoyed. Why would she bid for more? She assertively rejoiced her sugarcoated existence. She took delight in bringing up her daughters, Rinki (Urmila) and Mini. Rinki was the older of the two and the matured one. Mini was the perky yakety-yak. Apart from domestic gratifications, she and her husband DK (Naseeruddin Shah) had Suri (Sayeed Jaffery) and family, and a belligerent Chanda (Tanuja) for socialization and comradeship. Her husband DK, an architect by occupation, was an epitome of a responsible and a loyal husband unlike that of Chanda's. Or... Was he? Atleast she thought so...

The cardinal sin was committed years ago when she was pregnant with Rinki. DK was in Nainital for an old school reunion. DK's clarification stated that the one night stand with Bhavna (Supriya Pathak) was unintentional and took effect due to a hasty detonation of emotions. The emotional agitation that Indu was subjected to at the divulgence of this long kept secret was far more consequential and devastating than DK ever expected. He broke an inherent rule associated with marriage called ''Trust''. Indu was emotionally liquidated.

The distressing news to Indu came in the form of Rahul (Jugal Hansraj) who is DK and Bhavna's illegitimate son. Rahul has been handed over to DK due to the unforseen demise of Bhavna. The movie deals with Rahul's acceptance into the family. It's about how Rinki and Mini take to the arrival of a new family member. It's about how DK let falls his underlying fatherly affection for Rahul. It's about how Indu finally blackballs her insensitivity towards Rahul and absolves DK for his betrayal. Young Rahul finally finds a footing in the Malhotra household.

Masoom featured the directorial debut of Shekhar Kapoor. The movie is an adaptation of the hollywood flick ''’The Man, Woman and Child''. Unlike other numerous remakes, Masoom accomplishes to capture the viewer's interest. The sensitive subject has been brilliantly handled by Shekhar Kapoor. Shabana and Naseer are simply outstanding. The three child artists add some joyful moments to the movie with their first rate performances. Shabana's portrayal of Indu whose metamorphosis from an authoritative post-modern feminist to an obliging mother and wife is justified.

RD Burman's music backed up Gulzar's lyrics is the highlight of the movie. The two versions of ''Tujhse Naraaz Nahin'' by Lata and Dr. Anup Ghoshal are heart touching. I also like ''Huzoor Is Kadar'' , ''Do Naina'' and ''Lakdi Ki Kaathi''. RD won the filmfare for this movie and so did Gulzar.

Realistic, sensitive and yet a joy to watch, Masoom rocks...