‘Superboys of Malegaon’ is a heartfelt portrayal of a group of young men who, unable to make it to Mumbai’s film industry, decide to bring the magic of cinema to their own town. This comedy-drama tells the inspiring story of underdogs who, despite their struggles, carve their own path to filmmaking. Based on a real-life story, director Reema Kagti stays true to its essence, seamlessly complemented by Varun Grover's brilliant writing.
The film has its heart in the right place, making audiences both laugh and cry as they root for these lovable misfits.
A journey from struggle to success
The film draws inspiration from the 2008 documentary ‘Superman of Malegaon’ and follows the lives of Nasir (Adarsh Gourav), Shafique (Shashank Arora), and Farogh (Vineet Kumar Singh)—three young men from Malegaon, each engaged in different trades. Nasir helps his brother run a video parlour, Farogh writes for a local newspaper, and Shafique works in a loom factory. The friends share a strong bond and often spend time together. When Nasir’s video parlour suffers a financial blow due to a police raid for piracy, he comes up with the idea of making a parody of ‘Sholay’ to screen in his parlour. He gathers local talent, uses his own camera, and completes the film, which turns out to be a massive success. However, success comes at a cost. The pressure of filmmaking strains Nasir’s friendship with Farogh, and only Shafique remains by his side. The story takes an emotional turn when Shafique is diagnosed with cancer.
Authenticity and cultural richness
The film’s biggest strength lies in its authenticity. The characters feel real, and each has a unique personality trait that makes them stand out. Pop culture references, including nods to Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and Bruce Lee, add depth to the narrative. A particularly striking moment occurs when Vineet Kumar Singh’s character declares, “Writer sab kuch hota hai,” reinforcing the value of storytelling. The film also serves as a tribute to the unifying power of Bollywood, where cinema brings people together regardless of caste, class, or background. The sequences where Nasir and his friends audition actors, select their cast, and shoot scenes using makeshift equipment like thela and cycle for trolley are some of the most charming moments in the film. At its core, this is not just a story about filmmaking but also a touching exploration of friendship and perseverance.
Stellar performances elevate the film
The film’s success is amplified by its outstanding cast. Adarsh Gourav delivers a compelling performance as Nasir, capturing his journey from an ordinary young man to a determined filmmaker. His evolving friendships, particularly as fame changes their dynamics, are beautifully portrayed. Shashank Arora shines in the later parts of the film when his character, Shafique, is diagnosed with cancer. His sensitive and heartfelt performance in these moments manages to leave an impact. Vineet Kumar Singh, playing the writer Farogh, delivers another remarkable performance after ‘Chhaava.’ His portrayal of a struggling writer is nuanced and adds depth to the plot. The camaraderie among the lead actors feels natural, making their journey even more engaging.
Final Verdict
Balancing humour with heartfelt drama, the film offers a compelling exploration of friendship, ambition, and resilience. ‘Superboys of Malegaon’ is a delightful film filled with charm, humour, and poignant moments. The film’s no-frills storytelling keeps it grounded, and the music by Sachin-Jigar is completely in sync with the mood of the film. Reema Kagti once again proves her prowess as a filmmaker, delivering a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. This film highlights the power of a strong plot and storytelling, proving that great cinema can be achieved through these alone.
Cast: Adarsh Gourav, Shashank Arora, Vineet Kumar Singh, Anuj Singh Duhan, Manjiri Pupala
Director: Reema Kagti
Rating: 4/5
('Superboys of Malegaon' will release in theatres on February 28)
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