Ibrahim Ali Khan’s screen entry was mistimed, admits Kayoze Irani while reflecting on Sarzameen’s flaws

Kayoze Irani, the director of Sarzameen, has responded to mixed reviews around the film’s narrative and Ibrahim Ali Khan’s performance, admitting there were loopholes but also pointing out that audiences were “forgiving”.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Kayoze said, “There have been some criticisms. There have been some reviews that are critical, which is fair. What is important is to learn from it and move forward.” He added, “Are there a few loopholes in the film? Maybe. Are there a few things that could have been done differently? Maybe.”

Despite the criticism, Irani said he was “extremely happy” with the audience response and the film’s performance on streaming. Sarzameen, which released on JioCinema last month, marked Ibrahim Ali Khan’s second outing after Nadaaniyan. The film explores a fraught father-son dynamic set against the tension-filled backdrop of Kashmir.

The plot revolves around an Indian Army officer, played by Prithviraj Sukumaran, who discovers that his estranged son has joined a militant group. Ibrahim plays the son, while Kajol appears in a supporting role. Some critics felt her character was underwritten and didn’t add much weight to the film.

When asked what he would change, Kayoze said, “One thing that I would have done differently with Sarzameen was bringing Ibrahim into the film a little earlier, and I would have had more of the cat-and-mouse chase before he is discovered.” He also shared a grounded perspective on learning from the experience. “Ideally, you want every review to be five stars... But this will not be my only film,” he stated, highlighting his readiness to evolve as a filmmaker.

While the film didn’t escape critical feedback, it did manage to spark conversation. “If it’s managed to touch a few people, I can’t be happier than that,” Kayoze concluded. Sarzameen may not be a flawless debut for Ibrahim or a breakout hit for Kayoze, but it appears to have struck a chord with part of its audience.