Directed by Reema Kagti, Superboys of Malegaon is a heartfelt, comedic, and ultimately inspiring narrative feature that revisits the real-life events chronicled in the 2012 documentary Supermen of Malegaon. The film, which premiered at TIFF 2024, takes audiences into the small-town world of Malegaon, a city where dreams of cinematic grandeur are fueled by an undying love for storytelling. It tells the story of Nasir Shaikh (played by Adarsh Gourav) and his group of friends as they navigate the highs and lows of making movies with virtually no budget.

The story begins in 1997, as Nasir, a cinephile running a makeshift movie theater, realizes the community’s thirst for entertainment. After authorities shut down his operations for piracy, Nasir decides to create original films with his friends, who include loom workers, fruit sellers, and others grappling with limited means. Their first production, a satire of the Bollywood classic Sholay, unexpectedly becomes a local hit, setting the stage for larger dreams—and greater challenges.

One of the film’s standout features is its examination of friendship and creativity. The camaraderie among the characters, brought to life by an impeccable ensemble cast, highlights the joys and tensions inherent in collaborative art. Adarsh Gourav and Vineet Kumar Singh deliver compelling performances as Nasir and Farogh, whose egos and ambitions strain their partnership. The film thoughtfully explores themes of community, ambition, and resilience, ultimately celebrating the power of storytelling to connect people.

Reema Kagti and Varun Grover’s screenplay balances humor and drama effectively. While the first half is filled with comedic escapades as the group tackles the logistical chaos of low-budget filmmaking, the latter half delves into the emotional fallout of success. The narrative also cleverly mirrors Bollywood’s larger-than-life style, adding a meta-layer to the storytelling. However, the pacing falters in some places, particularly in Nasir’s personal subplot, which feels underdeveloped.

The technical aspects of the film complement its themes. Sachin-Jigar’s evocative score captures the magic of cinema, while the cinematography, though subdued, emphasizes the small-town charm of Malegaon. The final sequence, which juxtaposes fictionalized events with real-life footage of the people behind these films, is especially poignant, celebrating the spirit of ordinary individuals achieving extraordinary things.

Superboys of Malegaon is a deeply engaging film that offers more than just a behind-the-scenes look at grassroots filmmaking. It is a tribute to creativity, community, and the enduring appeal of cinema as a medium of hope and expression. Fans of heartfelt dramedies and stories of underdog triumphs will find much to love in this charming, bittersweet tale. Simply put, it’s a Bollywood crowd-pleaser.