Superboys of Malegaon

Some movies entertain you, some move you, and then there's Superboys of Malegaon; a film that does both, in the most unfiltered, heartfelt way possible. This isn't just a documentary about filmmaking; it's about dreams, struggles, and a love for cinema that refuses to be crushed by circumstances.

Superboys of Malegaon is the kind of film that doesn't come around often. It's real, it's raw, and it hits you right in the heart. If you've ever loved movies if you've ever dreamed of creating something despite the odds, or if you just want to see what true passion looks like-this, film is for you...

Yaar, kya film hai. Simple, grounded, and refreshingly honest. It's that rare kind of cinema which doesn't shout to be heard, it just quietly moves you.

The story is rooted in reality and doesn't shy away from showing the emotional and financial risks of chasing dreams. It shows how difficult it is to balance passion with practicality, something most of us desi folks have felt at some point.

Characters feel real, flawed, and relatable. No overdone drama, just raw emotions and unfiltered storytelling.

Farogh's obsession with authenticity, his resistance to compromise, and his eventual realization that morals sometimes have to wait till survival is secured is beautifully done. It's rare to see a Hindi film that admits selfishness and emotional clashes exist even in small towns. That felt so fresh.

And films like these aren't even trying too hard to be artsy or message driven. They just stay true to the story, the real story that it is based on, and to the people, and to the rooted emotions. Aur wahi sabse bada impact daal jaata hai. No overacting, no "massy" overkill, no unnecessary tragedy. Just real people trying to live life, juggle dreams and responsibilities, with dignity.

And I loved Nasir and Shabeena's chemistry. This duo of Gaurav and Muskaan should probably think of doing more cinema as a pair. It's rare to see a film handle love and marriage with that kind of emotional maturity, especially without drowning it in melodrama. Just quiet moments of understanding between two people.

Set in the late 90s in the dusty lanes of Malegaon, a small town in Maharashtra, Superboys of Malegaon tells the story of Nasir Shaikh, a wedding videographer who's losing business but not hope. When he decides to make his own films - spoofs of Bollywood blockbusters - with his gang of friends, it kicks off a journey that's as chaotic as it is charming.

They have no money, no fancy cameras, no formal training - just an unmatched love for movies, desi-level jugaad, and friendship that carries them through every setback. What they create isn't perfect, but it's theirs - full of heart, humor, and hustle.

From building a dolly with bicycle parts to casting local boys in hero roles, every moment of filmmaking becomes an act of rebellion - against the system, against expectations, and sometimes even against themselves. As their "film" comes to life, so does their sense of identity and purpose.

Reema Kagti's Superboys of Malegaon is a story based on a real-life group of friends in Malegaon who one day decide to make their own film. The film is an absolute love letter to cinema, yet its core theme revolves around friendship. Varun Grover has written the film and has done a very good job. The dialogues are clever and touching, while the humor is brilliant. If you are a fan of 70s cinema, you will appreciate the comedy even more. However, there are some letdowns in the screenplay, particularly due to tonal shifts in the second half and certain conflicts being treated too casually. Yet, the film makes up for it with a beautiful climax. The production design, costume, and makeup departments have done an excellent job, while the cinematography stands out. The score of the film is a hit and a miss.

The casting is excellent. Adarsh Gourav plays the young boy who dreams of making his own film and delivers a avery good performance. Vineet, as the struggling writer, excels in emotional sequences. The rest of the Superboys and the girls, including Anuj Singh, Saqib Ayub, and Muskkaan, provide solid support. However,the true show-stealer is Shashank Arora, who gives an incredibly innocent and heartfelt performance. The friendship between his character and Adarsh's is portrayed as selfless love, culminating in a brilliant payoff. As the end credits roll and you hear a fellow audience member say, "Iss type ki picture banti rahe,aap apne dosto ko batao ye dekhne ko," you know the film has struck the right chord. Highly recommended!

OVERALL -8/10.

Just got back home after watching this beautiful film, and I'm still carrying its warmth with me. My brother- an emerging filmmaker- took my mom and me (a visual artist) to see it, and we were completely moved. Strangely, the theater was nearly empty, which isn't always the case when a mass entertainer hits the screens. It's disheartening how often mediocrity gets the spotlight while films like this, so rich in depth and honesty, go unnoticed.

The moment I got home, I found myself looking up behind-the-scenes clips, but before I knew it, I was on IMDb, compelled to rate it- not out of habit, but because of the profound impact this piece of cinema had on me. It's moving. It's original. It's honest. Like a warm hug you didn't even know you needed.

I was also reminded of a reel my brother had shared- a clip of filmmaker Aditya Kripalani talking about the importance of rating and reviewing films. That's how change happens- by amplifying voices that deserve to be heard. A powerful message, when shared with honesty, can go a long way. And films like this? They deserve to be seen.