BOTTOM LINE
A Moving Ode to Cinema
PLATFORM
PRIME VIDEO
CENSOR
2Hrs 7Minutes
What Is the Film About?
Shaikh Nasir, who works at a video parlour in Malegaon, rallies his friends to create a low-budget spoof, Malegaon Ka Sholay, and achieves local fame. However, rising ambition and creative clashes test their unity. Amidst personal struggles, they reunite to make a film for a dying friend, showcasing their jugaad spirit and the community’s support. Through their resourcefulness, they transform the village into a unique hub of low-budget cinema.
Performances
Superboys of Malegaon’s primary asset is its terrific casting, where nearly every actor adds value to their part. In Adarsh Gourav’s portrayal of Nasir, one understands how easy it is to get swayed by fame. The performance is sensitive and humanly at the same time. Vineet Kumar Singh, after a fine act in Chhava, yet again shines as a man consumed by his insecurities.
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Shashank Arora goes about his character with a silent dignity and a great amount of assurance, with his hopeful glances, evocative body language and restraint. Amidst the men, Muskkaaan Jaferi makes her presence felt in a heartwarming role. The others – from Riddhi Kumar to Saqib Ayub, Anuj Singh Duhan, Gyanendra Tripathi, Manjiri Pupala – too leave a lasting impact.
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Analysis
Superboys of Malegaon, the acclaimed documentary that inspired Netflix’s Cinema Bandi, now forms the basis for the feature film Superboys of Malegaon. The story charts the journey of small-town men who come together against all odds to pursue their big-screen dreams. Directed by Reema Kagti, the film, which is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, is an unflinching ode to cinema and its power to bring people together.
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Superboys of Malegaon is a fictional interpretation of the documentary. It chronicles the daily realities of its ordinary protagonists with extraordinary dreams, capturing their rise as indie superstars in Malegaon. The dream, however, begins to unravel amidst ego clashes, growing tensions, and financial challenges. Just when all hope seems lost, they give themselves a second, and possibly final, chance at redemption.
The story begins in the late 1990s, with Nasir running a video parlour and screening his own films stitched together from multiple sources. These screenings draw large crowds. Although piracy issues limit his potential, he and his friends Farogh, Shafique, Akram, Irfan, and others plan to make their own film. They choose to create a local spoof of Sholay, using minimal resources and embracing a language and style they truly relate to.
Nasir becomes the face of their filmmaking efforts. He overcomes heartbreak and eventually marries Shabeena. Over time, the two begin to support each other’s dreams. Shafique, who is passionate about flying, also dreams of seeing himself on the big screen. Farogh, who disagrees with the idea of spoofing popular films, storms off to Mumbai in frustration. Akram and Irfan part ways with Nasir, signalling the apparent end of their shared dream before it has a chance to take off.
What brings them back together is the heart of the film. It highlights the idea that limitations and constraints do not have to stand in the way of dreams, especially in cinema. The protagonists create a space to represent their roots on screen and tell stories that speak directly to their local audience. More than anything, the film celebrates the collaborative spirit of filmmaking, where the joy of creating together outweighs individual recognition.
Friendship forms the foundation of their cinematic journey and is also what reunites them after a long pause. In addition to the broader story arcs, Superboys of Malegaon captures several smaller details with care. These include the influence of Bruce Lee and Buster Keaton on local audiences, the ongoing conversation around brand placements in cinema, and the growing importance of crowdfunding for grassroots filmmaking.
The characters are presented with enough depth to keep the viewer emotionally engaged, though their individual journeys are not explored in great detail. Ultimately, what matters most is their shared passion for cinema. Even the devastating news of a terminal illness does not crush their spirit. Instead, they choose to make their friend immortal on screen, offering him a role with a happy ending and a sense of poetic justice.
Nasir’s wife, Shabeena, encourages him to pursue his dreams no matter the obstacles, having found fulfilment in her own path by studying law and becoming an advocate. Farogh’s long-standing resistance eventually fades when he recognises the worth of Nasir’s determination, despite his imperfections. Even Shafique’s deeply personal tragedy is softened by the simple joy of watching himself on screen.
The film leaves us with a powerful reminder that pain may be temporary, but cinema is eternal. Superboys of Malegaon might have been even more effective if the cinematography had embraced the unpolished, homegrown visual style of Malegaon’s films. This would have added another layer of authenticity. One might also wish for a more nuanced portrayal of Farogh’s character, as his arc leans on a familiar small-town-versus-big-city conflict.
Despite these minor shortcomings, such as the predictable nature of some character arcs and a straightforward conflict-resolution structure, Superboys of Malegaon is a moving viewing experience. It reminds us of the enduring magic of cinema, a medium that continues to bring joy and offers a welcome escape from the uncertainties of everyday life.
Music and Other Departments?
Sachin-Jigar’s zesty music score, which is both vibrant and poignant, captures the trials and tribulations of the young men in the film with impressive authenticity. Swapnil S Sonawane’s cinematographic finesse comes to the fore in the visuals, though it could have done with a rawness that represented the film’s spirit. The 129 runtime is just apt for the compact story, where you feel for the characters and their conflicts, minus any exaggeration, while ensuring a crisp narrative.
Highlights?
Tribute to cinema
Excellent performances
Classy storytelling, moving
Drawbacks?
Simplistic character arcs
The conflicts don’t hit you hard enough
Doesn’t always represent the indie-ness of Malegoan’s cinema
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Certainly
Superboys of Malegaon Movie Review by M9
