Superboys of Malegaon

Wonderful and incredibly touching, Superboys of Malegaon is a story of enduring friendship and unwavering hope. Inspired by the 2012 documentary by Faiza Ahmad Khan on the amateur film industry within Malegaon, the feature follows Nasir, played charismatically well by Adarsh Gourav. Tired of tending to the rundown cinema managed by his brother and showing pictures that don’t represent the people of Malegaon, he rallies his friends – writer Farogh, aspiring actor Shafique, wedding videographer Akram, and close friends Ifran and Aleem – to make one they can all be proud of. What may at first seem like an exploration of the hardships of chasing dreams and the struggle within the theatre industry is more of a journey into love, friendship and finding hope.

Reema Kagti tackles some very important themes in his feature, mostly exploring the make-or-break business of filmmaking. The script continuously underlines the futility of the characters’s dreams, especially when considering their small community and how it stands against big cities like Mumbai. Movies play a big role in Superboys of Malegaon in general, highlighting the difficulty of making one. It breaks friendships and creates familial strains and financial burdens. There are creative conflicts between writers and directors, and sometimes the bid to follow their dreams precedes spending time with the people they love. But more than its role in the plot, films are a representation of what the characters are striving for: a better life. There’s a constant emphasis on pictures as a form of escapism, with quotes like, “Only in the movies do people quit their jobs and chase their dreams,” littered across the dialogue.

Each character is doing what they can with all that they have, and sometimes that’s not enough. But watching and making films brings them joy, and provides a break from the hardships of life. This notion of using these stories on the big screens as a reflection of the characters, of their world and an escape from the reality they live in, is showcased through the constant use of mirrors. Beyond that, movies are a mark of their friendship; they bring them together, break them up, and it’s how they communicate their love for each other. Even though the men aren’t verbally expressive, viewers can see through their love for filmmaking how much they value and care for each other, and even the frustration they harbour towards one another. This presentation of their relationship dynamic adds further to the emotional depth of Superboys of Malegaon.

Aside from the compelling story of love and friendship, the score and soundtrack are part of the feature’s endless charm. It pairs well with Nasir’s character, carrying tones of the mischief he has with his friends and his reckless bravery in taking chances. Still, there’s nuance to it that complements the more intimate scenes. Most importantly, it works with the lighting to evoke hope and wonder, reminding viewers that magic can be created out of simplicity. Some of the best stories are those of ordinary men and women doing what they can for the people they love, and that’s exactly what Superboys of Malegaon is all about. It’s about tireless hope and friendship expressed through a mutual love of films.

Mae Trumata

Superboys of Malegaon is released nationwide on 28^th February 2025.

Watch the trailer for Superboys of Malegaon here: