Pooja Bhatt Reflects on ‘Jism’ 23 Years Later: A Bold Film That Transformed Hindi Cinema
Pooja Bhatt celebrates 23 years of Jism, highlighting its bold storytelling, iconic music, and lasting impact on Hindi cinema.
Mumbai, Jan 17 : Filmmaker Pooja Bhatt reminisced about her 2003 erotic thriller Jism as it completed 23 years since its release, calling it a film that quietly reshaped Hindi cinema. Reflecting on the milestone, she noted how the movie captured the sensibilities of its era while subtly redefining conversations around desire, vulnerability, and music in Bollywood.
On Instagram, Pooja shared two pictures of John Abraham, the film’s male lead alongside Bipasha Basu, captioning them: “Jism (2003) A film that changed the times. A hero that represented the times. A song & album that endures through time. Released on January 17, 2003. 23 years ago. Gratitude.”
Inspired by Lawrence Kasdan’s Body Heat itself based on Billy Wilder’s Double Indemnity and James M. Cain’s novel Jism told the story of Kabir, an alcoholic lawyer whose life spirals into danger after meeting Sonia, a mysterious woman married to a wealthy businessman. The plot explores a dark tale of passion, betrayal, and murder, culminating in a suspenseful revelation of Sonia’s true motives.
The film became a turning point in John Abraham’s career and boasted a soundtrack that achieved cult status, with its songs continuing to resonate with audiences decades later.
Pooja Bhatt later directed Jism 2 in 2012, introducing Sunny Leone to Bollywood. The sequel followed adult film star Izna, recruited by an intelligence agency to ensnare her former lover, a feared assassin, and explored her complex emotional journey as love and duty collide.
