Have you ever stumbled upon a story so full of heart that it sticks with you long after the credits roll? That’s exactly what happened to me with Superboys of Malegaon. It is an ode by director, Reema Kagti to small-town filmmakers and their relentless love for cinema. Inspired by the 2008 documentary,
Superboys of Malegaon, by Faiza Ahmad Khan, the film takes us into the world of Nasir Shaikh, played by Adarsh Gourav, an amateur filmmaker with big dreams in a small town.
The narrative is set between 1997 to 2010 in Malegaon, where movies are more than just entertainment—they’re an escape, a common language, and a dream factory. Nasir, who runs a tiny video parlor, struggles to keep his business running. His love for world cinema doesn’t quite match the tastes of his audience.
Thus, he improvises—editing action sequences from old classics and repackaging them in a way that excites the viewers. This creative spark soon turns into something bigger: the idea to make a film of his own, one that speaks to the people around him.
One of the things I absolutely loved about this film is how it balances humor and emotion so effortlessly. Writer Varun Grover has put together a script that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
There is a scene where Nasir gathers his friends and convinces them to make a movie despite having next to no resources. He says, “Bambai nahi jaa sakte, Bambai ko idhar laana padega. Idhar hi picture banaate hai na.” (“If we can’t go to Bombay, we’ll bring Bombay here. Let’s make the film right here.”) That line perfectly sums up the spirit of the film and the passion that drives these characters forward.
Adarsh Gourav is phenomenal as Nasir. He brings out the character’s optimism, frustrations, and unwavering love for cinema terrifically. The supporting cast is just as fantastic. Vineet Kumar Singh plays Farook, a writer who becomes an essential part of Nasir’s ragtag film crew. Shashank Arora plays Shafique, a local mechanic who reluctantly joins the film as an actor.
Muskkaan Jaferi as Nasir’s wife, Shabbena, resembles Alia Bhatt as Safeena in Reema and her long-time movie-making partner, Zoya Akhtar’s 2019 film, Gully Boy. Both the headscarf-wearing characters are supportive of their partners’ passion. Even though Jaferi’s screen time is less, her performance is impactful.
Beyond the filmmaking journey, Superboys of Malegaon also touches on deeper themes like communal harmony and the power of art to bring people together. At its core, Kagti’s film is about resilience. It is about dreaming beyond your circumstances and finding ways to make those dreams come true.
Kagti has crafted something truly special here—a film that’s both a love letter to cinema and a testament to the power of storytelling. It left me feeling inspired, nostalgic, and honestly, a little teary-eyed.
If you love movies about movies, if you have ever chased a passion against all odds, or if you just appreciate stories that celebrate the human spirit, this one is for you.
Superboys of Malegaon is more than just a film—it is a reminder that no dream is too small and no obstacle too big when you have creativity, community, and an unshakable belief in the magic of storytelling.
You can watch Superboys of Malegaon at the theatres near you.
