Superboys of Malegaon Movie Review: A Heartwarming Ode to Creativity and Cinema

Introduction: A Ray of Hope in a Bleak Bollywood Landscape

In a time when formulaic storytelling dominates the Hindi film industry, Superboys of Malegaon comes as a breath of fresh air. Directed with tenderness by Reema Kagti and beautifully penned by Varun Grover, this film is not just about making movies—it’s about the joy, the madness, and the magic behind them. It’s a celebration of the underdog spirit, a tribute to dreamers with limited means and unlimited imagination.

Plot Overview: A Love Letter to Grassroots Filmmaking

Set in the late 1990s, the story follows Nasir Shaikh (played with infectious enthusiasm by Adarsh Gourav), a cinephile running a humble video parlour in Malegaon. Nasir dreams of introducing world cinema to his audience, but his love for Keaton and Chaplin doesn’t resonate in a town that prefers Bollywood blockbusters. When a pirated VCR sparks his curiosity about editing, Nasir starts remixing old films into quirky mashups—earning both laughter and trouble.

After a police raid on his parlour, Nasir and his band of local misfits decide to make their own movie—a parody of Sholay, Malegaon-style. What begins as a shoestring production turns into an unexpectedly profitable venture, but egos clash and friendships fracture. Eventually, they reunite for one final film, made not for fame, but for a dying friend.

Characters That Stay With You

Each character in Superboys of Malegaon feels lived-in and layered. From the resourceful Nasir to the melancholic writer Farogh (Vineet Kumar Singh), every role is treated with care. Shafique, the quiet loom worker turned reluctant actor, emerges as the emotional anchor. Played soulfully by Shashank Arora, his portrayal reminds us of every unsung artist who dares to dream.

Even side characters are thoughtfully developed. Trupti, who plays Basmati in their parody film, hides a heartbreaking domestic struggle beneath her smile. Without heavy exposition, the film subtly portrays her pain through quiet, observational moments—like limping to a shoot or pocketing food for her child.

Craft & Direction: Warmth in Every Frame

Reema Kagti directs with remarkable restraint and compassion. The film’s aesthetics are grounded yet evocative, from the warm yellows of wedding scenes to the DIY filmmaking chaos. There’s a standout moment when Nasir, while filming a wedding, captures not only the bride’s vidai but also the farewell of his own past love—rendered with poignant simplicity.

The screenplay by Varun Grover sparkles with irony and humor. In one clever scene, Farogh accuses Nasir of selling out by promoting a local matchbox brand—while himself lighting a cigarette. These small, sharp details enrich the film’s emotional and satirical layers.

Performances That Shine Bright

Adarsh Gourav brings raw energy to Nasir, while Vineet Kumar Singh delivers a restrained, contemplative performance as Farogh. Their chemistry forms the heart of the film—two artists clashing over ideals yet ultimately bonded by passion. Shashank Arora’s portrayal of Shafique is perhaps the most touching, representing the wide-eyed innocence and hope of anyone who ever dreamed big with little.

Themes: Friendship, Art, and the Beauty of Making Do

At its core, Superboys of Malegaon is about friendship—messy, complicated, and deeply meaningful. It’s also about the joy of creating. Whether it’s shooting with borrowed cameras or building makeshift dollies from bicycles, the film captures the essence of filmmaking as a craft of passion over polish.

It also nods to the idea that true art can emerge from the most humble corners. Much like its 2012 documentary predecessor (Supermen of Malegaon), this fictional adaptation finds magic in male bonding, small-town struggles, and big dreams.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Movie Lovers

⭐ Rating: 4/5

Superboys of Malegaon is that rare film which makes you laugh, think, and maybe even tear up a little. It’s about dreams stitched together with tape, friendship tested by ambition, and the boundless spirit of storytelling. In an industry hungry for hits, this movie is a heartfelt reminder of why we fall in love with films in the first place.