The extraordinary journey of Malegaon’s homegrown filmmakers gets a fictionalized yet deeply authentic retelling in Superboys of Malegaon, directed by Reema Kagti. Produced by Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby, the film is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of small-town dreamers who refuse to be confined by economic and societal limitations.
The story, inspired by Faiza Ahmad Khan’s acclaimed 2008 documentary Supermen of Malegaon, follows Nasir Shaikh (Adarsh Gourav), a passionate movie buff who, despite financial hardships, aspires to make films that resonate with his local community. Alongside his best friend and power loom worker Shafique Shaikh (Shashank Arora), alcoholic writer Farogh (Vineet Kumar Singh), and an ensemble of everyday dreamers, Nasir embarks on an unconventional filmmaking journey that blends creativity, ambition, and struggle.
The film steers clear of rags-to-riches clichés, instead portraying the characters as flesh-and-blood individuals navigating ambition, friendship, and love while grappling with the fleeting nature of success. Unlike Bollywood’s over-the-top, hyper-nationalistic spectacles, Superboys of Malegaon delivers a grounded, humanistic narrative, offering a refreshing cinematic experience.
Screenwriter Varun Grover, alongside Shoaib Zulfi Nazeer, crafts a screenplay that captures the magic of the mundane, reflecting how Malegaon’s scrappy yet determined filmmakers channel their struggles into art. The cinematography by Swapnil S. Sonawane and the precise editing by Anand Subaya enhance the film’s realism, lending it an organic, staccato rhythm.
The performances shine with a delicate balance of energy and restraint. Adarsh Gourav, Shashank Arora, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Muskaan Jaferi breathe life into their characters, making them instantly relatable. The film also explores the challenges faced by women in a conservative society, depicted through Trupti (Manjiri Pupala), an actress escaping an abusive marriage, and Shabeena (Muskaan Jaferi), a young law student with a hidden admiration for Nasir.
One of the most compelling aspects of Superboys of Malegaon is how it encapsulates the spirit of filmmaking itself. Nasir’s journey—from running a video parlour screening Chaplin and Keaton films to making parodies of Bollywood hits—is a testament to his resilience. Even when piracy charges force him to shut his parlour, he refuses to abandon his passion, instead turning his modest resources into a creative revolution.
The film underscores the contrast between staying true to one’s roots and chasing a dream in Mumbai. While Nasir remains grounded in Malegaon, Farogh ventures into Bollywood, believing in the power of original ideas. Their divergent paths highlight the broader struggles of artists striving for recognition beyond their immediate world.
Ultimately, Superboys of Malegaon is a moving, humorous, and inspiring tribute to the power of cinema. It captures the essence of storytelling as a means of escape, expression, and survival. With stellar performances, a heartfelt narrative, and a visually compelling style, Reema Kagti’s film is a must-watch for anyone who believes in the transformative power of dreams.
Sources By Agencies
