Superboys of Malegaon: The Film That Proves Cinema Belongs to Everyone
Honestly, if this movie doesn’t work at the box office, I don’t know what will for Hindi cinema. Superboys of Malegaon is everything that Bollywood has been missing lately – a strong, emotionally rich storyline, captivating performances, and above all, depth. The kind of depth that many recent Hindi films have forgotten to add to their stories.
Lately, the trend of “based on real life” movies had started feeling forced and uninspired. But Superboys of Malegaon is different. This is exactly the kind of story that deserves to be told – one that introduces us to people we’ve never met, yet makes us feel so close to them.
The film takes us to Malegaon, a small village near Nashik in Maharashtra and introduces us to a bunch of young men. These are men who are so passionate and determined that they created an industry of their own, though not flashy like other Indian movie industries. They don’t think about numbers and business; for them, cinema is about passion, creativity, and the pure joy of storytelling. And that’s what makes this film so special.
Also Read: 10 Indian Indie Movies That Prove Less is More
For these men, cinema is not about the numbers or metrics. For them, cinema has no rigid rules—except one: to entertain.
A Tribute to the Love for Cinema
The film beautifully showcases how everyone, in some way or another, wants to be a part of cinema. Take Shabeena, Nasir’s wife, for example. She lends him money for his film, not expecting repayment but simply asking for a producer’s credit. Or the doctor who initially refuses to come treat Shafique in Malegaon but agrees instantly when Nasir offers him a role in the movie. These small yet powerful moments show how deeply cinema is woven into people’s dreams and aspirations, even in the most unexpected ways.
Through Nasir, we see the journey of a filmmaker unfold—the struggles, the passion, the creative highs and lows, the anxiety of how the movie will perform, the taste of success and fame, the vanity that follows, and eventually, the downfall that comes with being clouded by ego. It’s an honest and unfiltered depiction of what it takes to be a filmmaker.
Strong Writing and Emotionally Charged Performances
While women have limited screen time, their roles are well written and impactful. The heartbreak between Nasir and his first love, Mallika, is portrayed with such sincerity that we truly feel their pain. Later, when Nasir’s marriage is arranged with Shabeena, their small, tender moments bring warmth and joy. Manjiri Pupala stands out as a local performer who plays Basmati, a character inspired by Basanti from Sholay. She delivers a compelling performance, portraying the inner strength of an abused housewife with quiet intensity.
Why Superboys of Malegaon Deserves Your Support
More than anything, Superboys of Malegaon is a celebration of cinema’s universality. It doesn’t matter if you’re from a big city or a small town—movies belong to everyone. It shows that no one has authority over cinema – anyone, anywhere, can take a piece of it and create something incredible, no matter how crazy the idea might seem.
This film is proof that passion can thrive anywhere, that dreams can be pursued regardless of resources, and that storytelling is a powerful force that unites people.
This is the kind of Hindi cinema that deserves all the love and support it can get. If we fail to recognize and appreciate films like this, then maybe there really is no hope left for Hindi cinema.
So go watch Superboys of Malegaon. Experience the magic of pure, unfiltered storytelling. You won’t regret it.
I can’t stop talking about films, so I blog!
I started The FourthWall, my film blog, to share my thoughts on films and shows with fellow movie buffs, and over the years it has become my happy place. Come join in for some interesting conversations on cinema… and sometimes books and fashion!
