Film review: Superboys of Malegaon is a flawless tribute to Indian cinema

From the very first frame, Superboys of Malegaon captivates you with its raw charm, weaving a heartfelt narrative of dreams, friendships, and the magic of cinema. 

The story is based in the backdrop of the small yet vibrant town of Malegaon, this film serves as an ode to passion, perseverance, and the unbreakable spirit of storytelling. 

Set in the late 1990s in the industrial city of Malegaon, Maharashtra, the film follows Nasir Shaikh (Adarsh Gourav), a passionate cinephile who runs a struggling video parlor showcasing classics by Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. 

To attract a wider audience, Nasir creatively edits these silent films with Asian martial arts movies, producing unique mashups that gain local popularity. Encouraged by this success, he embarks on producing low-budget parodies of Bollywood hits like Sholay, enlisting friends such as Farogh (Vineet Kumar Singh), a serious writer, and Shafique (Shashank Arora), an aspiring actor. 

Their journey highlights the challenges of filmmaking, personal conflicts, and the unifying power of cinema.

Photo courtesy: X/TigerBabyFilms

Adarsh delivers a powerhouse performance, effortlessly stealing the show, while Vineet and Shashank provide impeccable support. 

Their camaraderie feels genuine, and their emotions are profoundly moving. Swapnil S. Sonawane’s cinematography ensures that every shot is crafted with precision, enhancing the film’s visual language. 

Meanwhile, the production design is top-notch, transporting us straight into the world of Malegaon’s dreamers. 

The magic doesn’t stop there—Sachin-Jigar’s music and Javed Akhtar’s evocative lyrics and dialogues create a soul-stirring experience. 

Reema Kagti does more than a justice to the script. But at the heart of it all is Varun Grover’s sharp writing, which seamlessly blends humor, heart, and nostalgia. In short, the writer is the boss! 

If there’s one minor flaw, the movie occasionally slows down in the middle, making you wish the editing was tighter. But even in those moments, the performances and authenticity keep you engaged.

In many ways, Superboys of Malegaon feels like a film born from the best of Anurag Kashyap and Dibakar Banerjee—gritty, honest, and unfiltered storytelling. It carries the rebellious, raw energy of Kashyap’s finest works while embracing the keen observational humor and nuanced character studies that define Banerjee’s cinema. 

At its core, it also possesses the heartwarming friendships and aspirations that made Dil Chahta Hai so special. 

During the climax, you will find your eyes welling up, not just because of the emotions on screen but because of the sheer love for cinema that the film exudes. It is a rare moment when reality and fiction blur, leaving an unforgettable impact. Superboys of Malegaon stands as a rare, beautiful anomaly in an industry often dominated by big-budget spectacles. 

It’s a film that reminds us why we fell in love with cinema in the first place. This one is unmissable if you cherish storytelling that transcends the mainstream and captures the essence of raw, unfiltered passion. 

Here is pure cinema for you, straight from the heart of Malegaon! A must-watch for every true cinephile. I would give the film four out of five stars.