Kayoze Irani, the debutant director behind Sarzameen, recently opened up about the highs and lows of his first feature film. In a candid interview, he acknowledged the film’s imperfections while expressing gratitude for the audience’s forgiving response. Starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kajol, and Ibrahim Ali Khan, Sarzameen is a poignant tale of family, loyalty, and duty set against the backdrop of Kashmir. Here’s a deep dive into Irani’s reflections and what he’d change if given the chance.

A Promising Debut with Emotional Depth

Sarzameen, which premiered on JioHotstar on July 25, 2025, marks Kayoze Irani’s transition from short films to a full-length feature. The film explores the emotional complexities of a father-son conflict, with Prithviraj Sukumaran playing Colonel Vijay Menon, a duty-bound army officer, and Ibrahim Ali Khan as his son, Harman, caught in a web of ideological struggles. Kajol, as Meher, the mother, attempts to bridge the emotional gap. Irani shared that the story’s emotional core, inspired by his own bond with his father, Boman Irani, resonated deeply with him. “The father-son dynamic felt real and relatable, like the unspoken connection I share with my dad,” he said, highlighting the film’s heartfelt narrative.

Acknowledging Imperfections with Humility

Despite its emotional resonance, Sarzameen received mixed reviews, with critics pointing out narrative loopholes and a lack of originality in its execution. Irani doesn’t shy away from these critiques. “Are there flaws? Perhaps. Could some things have been done differently? Definitely,” he admitted in an interview with Hindustan Times. Yet, he finds solace in the audience’s response, noting that viewers connected with the film’s broader themes and overlooked its shortcomings. “The film worked on a larger level, and the audience was forgiving,” he said, emphasizing the strong viewership numbers and heartfelt feedback, like a viewer who messaged him about hugging their father after watching.

Lessons Learned and Changes Envisioned

Reflecting on his directorial choices, Irani pinpointed one key change he’d make: introducing Ibrahim Ali Khan’s character earlier and amplifying the cat-and-mouse chase before his discovery. “I’d have brought Harman into the story sooner to build more tension,” he shared with Indian Express. Additionally, Irani revealed that Kajol’s role was trimmed following feedback from the Indian Army to ensure sensitivity in depicting military themes. A flashback sequence exploring her character’s arc was cut, a decision Irani made to honor the Army’s request for authenticity.

A Director’s Growth and Future Aspirations

Irani views Sarzameen as a learning curve, shaped by challenges like production delays due to injuries and the complexities of shooting in Kashmir’s harsh weather. He credits his lead actors, Prithviraj and Kajol, for their professionalism and emotional depth, which elevated the film. Looking ahead, Irani plans to approach his next project with a beginner’s mindset, starting “from scratch” to refine his craft. His humility and commitment to growth signal a promising career for this debutant director.

Sarzameen may not be flawless, but Kayoze Irani’s ability to embrace criticism and cherish audience connection makes his journey one to watch. Stream Sarzameen on JioHotstar to experience its emotional depth for yourself.

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