Superboys of Malegaon is a heartfelt dramedy that captures the spirit of a small Indian town where Bollywood fantasies offer a fleeting escape from the grimy grind of everyday life. 

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Directed by Reema Kagti and written by Varun Grover, this fictionalized retelling of the real-life story behind the documentary Supermen of Malegaon is equal parts charming, bittersweet, and deeply human.  

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The story centers on Nasir Shaikh (Adarsh Gourav), an amateur filmmaker with a passion for splicing together VHS tapes of Bruce Lee, Charlie Chaplin, and Buster Keaton classics. His makeshift screenings at his brother’s ramshackle cinema—essentially a glorified room with a projector and a sheet—become a local sensation until authorities shut it down for copyright infringement. Undeterred, Nasir rallies his ragtag group of friends to create their own films, sparking a creative revolution in their sleepy town.  

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What begins as a playful, Be Kind Rewind-style romp—complete with lo-fi hijinks and DIY filmmaking—gradually deepens into a poignant exploration of ambition, loyalty, and mortality. The film’s tonal shifts can feel uneven at times, veering between lighthearted comedy and heavy drama, but it finds its footing in the final act. 

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When Nasir’s childhood friend Shafique (a heartbreakingly earnest Shashank Arora) is diagnosed with cancer, the group reunites to make one final movie, giving Shafique the chance to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing a leading role.

At its core, Superboys of Malegaon is a story about friendship—specifically, the enduring bond between Nasir, Shafique, and Farogh (a magnetic Vineet Singh). These three men, each grappling with their own dreams and disappointments, form the emotional backbone of the film. 

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Nasir’s passion for cinema is only ever eclipsed by his ego, and his self-centered nature eventually drives the friends in different directions. Farogh, the brooding writer, yearns to create something meaningful beyond the town’s confines, while Shafique, the quiet soul with an unshakable desire to act, becomes the heart of their collective journey. Their dynamic is messy, tender, and achingly real, reflecting the complexities of lifelong friendships.  

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The scrappy town of Malegaon, in all its vibrant and ramshackle glory, is also an important component of the story, providing a vivid backdrop that feels alive and authentic. It’s a place where dreams are often extinguished by the rigors of a religious and class-driven society, but it’s also a place where three oddballs can stand out and really shine.  

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Gourav anchors the film as the troubled auteur, but it’s the players around him who give the story real weight and depth. Arora’s portrayal of Shafique is a masterclass in subtlety, capturing the quiet desperation—and grace—of a man who has spent his life waiting for his moment in the spotlight. Singh brings depth and nuance to Farogh, the tortured artist who doesn’t have what it takes to succeed in Mumbai and whose unique talents are not always nurtured, even by his closest friends. 

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Muskkaan Jaferi, as Shabeena, and Manjiri Pupala, as Trupti, deliver standout performances in supporting roles, adding much-needed layers of strength and warmth to the narrative.  

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Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. Kagti and her cinematographer capture the essence of Malegaon with a painterly eye, contrasting the town’s humble reality with the glittering Bollywood escapism of its homemade movies. The musical choices, while deeply rooted in Indian culture, might feel unfamiliar to Western audiences, but they add an authentic texture to the film’s world.  

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Superboys of Malegaon is not without its flaws. Some of the humor and cultural references may not land for international viewers, and the pacing occasionally stumbles as the story wrestles with its identity as both a comedy and a drama. But by the time the credits roll, it’s hard not to be moved by the film’s sheer heart and sincerity.  

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This is a movie that demands patience and an open heart, but for those willing to give it a chance, it’s a truly unique and emotionally rewarding experience. With its universal themes, deeply relatable characters, and poignant exploration of friendship, Superboys of Malegaon is a triumph of storytelling that transcends borders.