SUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON
After winning hearts and acclaim at numerous global film festivals, including a Gala Presentation premiere at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the 68th BFI London Film Festival, the 4th Red Sea Film Festival, and the 36th Palm Springs International Film Festival, the film is set for a theatrical release in India, UK, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and 250+ theatres in the United States on February 28, 2025.
Superboys of Malegaon is a film based on the life of Nasir Shaikh, an amateur filmmaker from the town of Malegaon. The residents of the town look to Bollywood cinema for a much needed escape from daily drudgery. Nasir gets inspired to make a film for the people of Malegaon, by the people of Malegaon. He bands together his ragtag group of friends to bring his vision to life, thereby bringing a fresh lease of life into the town. The film is a poignant yet uplifting take on both filmmaking and friendship – and what happens when those two worlds collide.
An ode to Indian Cinema, Superboys of Malegaon takes inspiration from the life and journey of Nasir Sheikh, an amateur filmmaker from Malegaon who, along with his passionate group of friends brings a cinematic spotlight on the small town of Malegaon, India.
*Here is our review from TIFF ’24*
Director Reema Kagti brings TIFF ’24 audiences a dramatized version of the 2008 documentary Supermen of Malegaon. The film begins in 1997 and follows aspiring amateur filmmaker Nasir Shaikh and fellow hometown artists in Malegaon, India. SUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON is a story of small-town dreams coming true. Get ready to feel all the feels.
Learning editing techniques from local VHS sellers, Nasir makes unique splices to films, selling more and more tickets to his small movie house. But the police halt the illegal viewings, alongside the customary cultural bribe, leaving Nasir and his friends with little hope. Genius sparks when they realize they can make parody versions of their favorite films.
From conception to writing, casting to makeup, dialogue memorization to shooting, SUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON delivers every moment of revelry, hardship, and passion. Egos clash, promises and hearts get broken, hard truths are exposed, and betrayals break friendships. How can such deep-felt hurt heal?
The story jumps to 2004, only to find Nasir’s original success waning. His crew of friends finally grasp how he has coveted the spotlight and the money. When loyalty and interest in Nasir’s parodies wear thin by 2010, devastating news prompts cinematic and relationship magic.
The cinematography by Swapnil S. Sonawane is stunning. Accompanied by Sachin Jigar‘s infectious original score, it establishes the tone immediately. Performances are spectacular across the board. Each cast member gives audiences the full spectrum of their emotional range, and it is damn impressive.
It celebrates the art of indie filmmaking, the community it builds, and how many hands and minds go into the creative process. SUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON is a joy-filled watch, perfectly balanced with hard-hitting emotional journeys. It honors dreamers and doers alike. It is an undeniable crowd-pleaser.
SUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON will be released in India, the UK, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and 250+ theatres in the United States on February 28, 2025.
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