With compelling performances and a moving narrative, Superboys of Malegaon captures the grit, camaraderie, and relentless spirit of filmmaking.
With around a hundred genres of films and a thousand sub-genres within them, certain kinds of films always have my heart. As a film journalist and an ardent cinephile, I have a special fondness for films about films. I know that is a lot of “film” in one sentence, but the entire process of filmmaking has so many layers that often go unnoticed.
I agree when people say that films have always been a source of entertainment and will continue to bring joy to audiences. But I firmly believe that cinema does much more than just entertain—it shapes perspectives, fuels aspirations, and gives people something to dream about. Superboys of Malegaon does exactly that.
With Kaagaz Ke Phool, Om Shanti Om, Luck By Chance, and many others already on my list of films that explore the world of cinema, I now add Reema Kagti’s Superboys of Malegaon.
Cast and Crew
Superboys of Malegaon boasts a stellar ensemble led by Adarsh Gourav, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Shashank Arora, each delivering performances brimming with raw sincerity. The film also features Anuj Singh Duhan, Muskkaan, and Manjiri Pupala, whose compelling portrayals add layers to the narrative.
At the helm is the acclaimed Reema Kagti, working from a screenplay crafted by the ever-brilliant Varun Grover. Cinematographers Swapnil S. Sonawane and Parnil Vishwasrao capture the essence of Malegaon’s vibrant yet struggling film scene with stunning visuals, while Sachin-Jigar’s evocative score deepens the film’s emotional core. Backed by the Akhtars, Superboys of Malegaon carries the unmistakable imprint of Salim-Javed’s storytelling legacy, blending humor, grit, and an undying love for cinema.
Plot
Set in Malegaon, a town renowned for its scrappy yet spirited filmmaking culture, Superboys of Malegaon follows Nasir (Adarsh Gourav), a small-time theatre owner who dreams of making his magnum opus despite relentless financial constraints. Alongside his loyal yet ambitious friends—aspiring writer Farogh (Vineet Kumar Singh) and self-proclaimed star Shafique (Shashank Arora)—Nasir embarks on an audacious journey to create Malegaon ka Sholay.
As their film unexpectedly finds an audience, success brings creative conflicts, egos flare, and their camaraderie begins to crack. But when a personal crisis shakes one of them, the trio reunites, bound by an unbreakable friendship and a shared passion for storytelling. What follows is the making of Superman of Malegaon—a powerful testament to resilience, dreams, and the magic of cinema. The film culminates in a rousing finale, paying tribute to every underdog who dares to create.
What We Like
Let’s start with the performances. I am a huge fan of Adarsh Gourav, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Shashank Arora—actors who have consistently delivered remarkable performances. Superboys of Malegaon is no exception.
Adarsh’s portrayal of Nasir, along with the character’s development, is beautifully done. Vineet Kumar Singh is, as always, exceptional. This man gave us Kavi Kalash in Chhaava and Farogh in Superboys of Malegaon in consecutive weeks—a perfect showcase of his incredible range as an actor. Shashank Arora’s role is one that no one else could have pulled off. He has an innate ability to make you feel things, and his performance here is no different. On that note, I must admit that one of the main reasons I watched Made in Heaven was for Shashank’s performance and dialogue delivery, and he never disappoints.
The film has a large ensemble cast, and every single actor delivers. Muskkaan Jaferi as Shabeena and Manjiri Pupala as Trupti bring well-written female characters to the screen. Despite limited screen time, their characters are not merely defined by their connection to the male protagonists. They have depth, and their arcs feel complete rather than abruptly cut off.
Sachin-Jigar’s background score strikes an emotional chord, complementing the beautifully written dialogues. The film blends humor and heartbreak effortlessly, making you laugh and cry while radiating the camaraderie of its protagonists. The writing ensures that no character feels sidelined; each one has a well-structured arc, and the conflicts between the friends—their struggles, confrontations, and eventual reconciliation—never feel forced.
At 127 minutes, the film delivers a compelling narrative while allowing audiences to soak in its highs and lows. Most importantly, Superboys of Malegaon stands out for featuring an all-Muslim lead cast, not as caricatures or stereotypes, but as dreamers, artists, and friends. It is a much-needed change of pace and a refreshing addition to the cinematic landscape.
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