Why was Kajol's Sarzameen role cut short? The real reason revealed
Kayoze Irani's Sarzameen was focused on Prithviraj Sukumaran and Ibrahim Ali Khan's story over Kajol's - now know the real reason behind why that happened
Last Updated: 05.14 PM, Jul 30, 2025
All those who watched Sarzameen were up for a surprise when they saw the movie and did not notice Kajol as much in the film. While many simply assumed it was because the story revolved around Prithviraj and Ibrahim Ali Khan's characters Brigadier Vijay Menon and Harman, debutant director Kayoze Irani has now explained why Kajol's role (as Meher) was actually cut short. While talking to Zoom, the actor-turned-filmmaker shared why Kajol's role was cut short in the direct-to-OTT film.
Kayoze Irani spills the tea on why Kajol's role in Sarzameen was cut short
Kayoze Irani explained that the real reason Kajol's role in Sarzameen was cut short not because they had limited time, but to not end up looking insensitive in trying to take creative liberties in portraying her character.
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Kayoze Irani received strong feedback from Indian army
The filmmaker recalled strong feedback from Indian army, which caused him to limit her role in the direct-to-OTT release. "For sensitivity reasons, we decided to cut it," he said, adding how it was important that the movie stay loyal to the men in uniform. For the same, he held a screening for the soldiers and took feedback from them for 30-45 minutes straight. "They gave me a few notes to improve the screenplay and be faithful towards the men in uniform," Kayoze shared.
Sarzameen when and where to watch
Sarzameen is now available for streaming on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium. The direct-to-OTT film, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kajol and Ibrahim Ali Khan in the lead roles with Mihir Ahuja, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Rajesh Sharma and Jitendra Joshi in pivotal roles, released on July 27, 2025. Helmed by Student of the Year actor Kayoze Irani (Boman Irani’s son), the movie is bankrolled by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.
FAQs:
Q. What is sarzameen meaning?
A. Sarzameen literally translates to land, soil, Earth, country and territory. Thus, one may call it Homeland.
Q. What is the story of the movie Sarzameen?
A. The movie Sarzameen is the story of Colonel Vijay Menon (Prithviraj Sukumaran)'s missing son Harman (Ibrahim Ali Khan). He learns that Harman might be involved with the terrorists in Jammu.
Q. Where can I watch Sarzameen movie?
A. Sarzameen can be streamed on JioHotstar which can be accessed with an OTTplay Premium subscription.