Superboys of Malegaon

Cast: Adarsh Gourav, Shashank Arora, Vineet Kumar Singh, Anuj Singh Duhan

Director: Reema Kagti

Rating: ★★★★

In a particularly captivating moment in Superboys of Malegaon, a confrontation unfolds between two pivotal characters—the director and the writer—who argue over the true architect of their film's success. In a fit of anger, the writer exclaims, "Writer baap hota hai!" This declaration creates a sensation akin to breaking the fourth wall, as it seems to address the film industry directly.

Under the direction of Reema Kagti, this work serves as a poignant reminder of the reasons we fell in love with cinema. It stands as a proclamation to an industry grappling with the challenge of rekindling audience interest in theatrical experiences.

What is Superboys of Malegaon about

Superboys of Malegaon centers on a true story featuring Nasir (Adarsh Gourav), who, in 1994, screens English classics like those of Charlie Chaplin, while the quiet town of Malegaon remains fixated on Hindi masala films. Following the demolition of his movie theatre by the police due to film piracy, he resolves to create his own film, Malegaon ka Sholay. He is joined in this endeavor by his friends—Shafique (Shashank Arora), Farogh (Vineet Singh), and Akram (Anuj Singh Duhan). Will they achieve success? To discover the outcome, one must watch the film.

The genre of films about filmmaking deserves its own classification, and the Akhtars are among the most credible voices in this realm. Zoya Akhtar’s directorial debut, Luck By Chance, offered insight into the workings of Bollywood. This film, inspired by the 2008 documentary Supermen of Malegaon, is produced by the Akhtars. Remarkably, it features real-life characters from an authentic narrative, allowing viewers to witness their stories as the film concludes.

What works

Superboys of Malegaon is an engaging experience, filled with light-hearted, poignant, and thought-provoking moments that ensure there are no dull intervals. Credit is due to writer Varun Grover for crafting such a captivating narrative.

The screenplay follows a linear progression, transitioning from 1994 to 2004 and then to 2010, with each scene feeling purposeful. Reema and Varun have infused the script with a wealth of content, addressing the struggles of writers in Mumbai and offering a critique on how financial gain and success often overshadow genuine passion, shedding light on the industry's current challenges. Thus, Superboys of Malegaon holds significant relevance.

Turning to the performances, Adarsh Gourav and Shashank Arora deliver outstanding portrayals. The former's fervor combined with the latter's naivety creates a seamless dynamic. Shashank's character, Shafique, aspires to fly on an airplane, and this ambition is beautifully captured by Swapnil S. Sonawane. The stirring conclusion is sure to evoke tears, so it is advisable to have a tissue at hand.

The impact of Javed Akhtar on this film is profoundly felt. The legendary duo Salim-Javed, who made waves in the film industry during the 1970s and early 1980s, demanded respect, much like the outburst from Vineet Singh's character when a producer critiques his narrative. Vineet, enjoying success with his recent film Chhaava, is finally receiving the recognition he deserves. The entire cast merits commendation.

To sum it up

In conclusion, Superboys of Malegaon is an essential tribute to cinema and serves as a reminder that audiences seek entertainment. While filmmakers deliberate on creating franchises, sequels, or similar projects based on past successes, movie enthusiasts are willing to embrace even the most trivial content, provided it offers enjoyment. This brings to mind Himesh Reshammiya’s recent work, Badass Ravikumar.

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