Superboys of Malegaon

I've taken a break from writing reviews due to my busy schedule, but my love for movies remains strong. Recently, I heard great reviews about Super Boys of Malegaon and made an effort to watch it-what a remarkable film! Undoubtedly one of the best in recent years, it's an impactful masterpiece, much like 12th Fail.

Director Reema Kakati once again proves her brilliance after Talash and Dahaad, showcasing her impeccable storytelling. The performances were outstanding, with special mentions to my favorites-Vineet Kumar Singh, Adarsh Gourav, and Shashank Arora. Kudos to writer Varun Grover for another stellar job-I also miss your stand-ups!

Don't let its box office numbers deter you; this is the kind of cinema that keeps our love for movies alive. We need more films like this!

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.

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.

I just came out of an extremely bittersweet "special screening" of Superboys of Malegaon. The movie was simply fantastic with a perfect mix of heartwarming emotional drama and sweet realistic humor, augmented by terrific performances by an exceptional group of actors. The bitter part of the experience was the aspect of the "special screening" of the movie. Sitting absolutely alone in a theater on the opening weekend of a truly amazing piece of cinema. A beautifully crafted movie that deserves an audience, had absolutely no audience. Such a shame especially in a world where so many complaint about lack of originality, art and quality cinema.

Reema Kagti has done a terrific job making a movie about fans who love movies so much that they make their own movies. The story is based on the true story of the real Superboys of Malegaon who created their own mini film industry (un)known for its spoof comedies of great Bollywood and Hollywood movies. These Superboys first (almost) came into the limelight with the 2012 documentary "Supermen of Malegaon" which inspired Reema and team to bring their story to life on the big screen.

The movie is fast and entertaining with a healthy dose of scenes and performances that will make its viewer smile a lot, feel warm and good inside, think about things that are important in their lives and even tear up a bit. A simple and powerful story, passionately captured on camera with a superb group of artists infusing their characters with heart and soul.

Adarsh Gourav gives another exceptional performance as the movie's main superboy and is brilliantly supported by Vineet Kumar, Shashank Arora, Muskkaan Jaferi, Manjiri Pupala and practically every actor and actress in the movie. Each performance is truly heartfelt, real, wholesome, uplifting and awe inspiring. Which is why it was such a bittersweet experience watching such a well made movie in an empty theater.

It would be absolutely correct for people to say that such movies are meant for OTT and not for the big screen. However it is important for all to understand and recognize that this is the reason why such heartwarming movies cant find any place in theaters anymore. The Bollywood box office has completely transformed itself from a place where a big budget Ramesh Sippy blockbuster could play side by side with a heartwarming Hrishikesh Mukherjee movie to one that only has an appetite for over the top commercial cinema.

Such movies need and deserve support from their target audience. So if you want to experience a heartwarming tale about real people with dreams to become superheroes, grab a seat in the nearest empty hall near you that is still playing Superboys of Malegaon. It will not disappoint. Absolutely loved it. 9/10.

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.