Why Superboys of Malegaon led by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti's is a must-watch for movie buffs in the UAE

Dubai: 'Superboys of Malegaon' isn’t about grand struggles or manufactured triumphs—it’s simply about a group of small-town dreamers who love making movies. With little more than passion and ingenuity, they set out to remake the Bollywood classic Sholay, not for fame but for the sheer joy of storytelling. What unfolds is a charming, deeply human tale of resilience, camaraderie, and the magic of cinema.

Inspired by the 2008 documentary Supermen of Malegaon, this stirring all-heart flick follows Nasir Shaikh and a group of amateur filmmakers in Malegaon.

In conversation with director and writer Reema Kagti, producer Zoya Akhtar, and cast members Adarsh Gourav, Shashank Arora, and Vineeth Kumar, I explored the essence of this film, its inspirations, and the universal appeal of storytelling.

A dream fulfilled

When asked if they were happy with how the film turned out, Kagti and the team expressed their satisfaction. "Yes, very pleased," said Adarsh, before Kagti added, "We’ll be even happier if people turn up in large numbers to watch it in theaters. That’s the dream."

The film highlights not only the struggle of independent filmmaking but also the importance of inclusivity in cinema.

"It raises the question—who gets to be called an artist? Can you dismiss someone like Nasir Sheikh just because he works with minimal resources? The fact that he made a film despite the odds is, in itself, a powerful statement," Kagti explained.

Zoya Akhtar chimed in, emphasising the significance of representation. "Nasir took something beloved—Sholay—and embedded his own life and community into it. Nobody was telling stories about people like him, their humor, their struggles, their lives. He created something uniquely his own, and that’s why his adaptation was the only one that truly succeeded."

One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its honest portrayal of friendships—full of warmth but also punctuated with disagreements and conflicts.

"It doesn’t romanticize friendships or hardships," I noted. The actors agreed.

"What resonated with me was how these characters stood by each other through thick and thin. Their conflicts were real, but so was their support for each other," said Adarsh Gourav, who plays Nasir Sheikh.

Shashank Arora credited the writing and workshops for creating this authentic dynamic.

"The screenplay, written beautifully by Varun Grover, allowed us to tap into these relationships. Our workshops, led by Atul Mongia, were instrumental—we shared meals, stories, vulnerabilities. That created an unshakable bond."

Vineeth Kumar added, "Reema and Zoya are masters at capturing friendships. We weren’t just acting—we had become a group, just like in the film."

Choosing the right talents over bankable stars:

With discussions on box office numbers often overshadowing genuine storytelling, I was curious why the filmmakers chose lesser-known but immensely talented actors instead of banking on A-listers.

"Because we had the freedom to choose any actor we wanted, we picked Adarsh, Shashank, and Vineeth," Kagti said. "We had worked with all three before, and they were perfect for these roles."

Akhtar agreed, adding, "It’s not about commercial actors being bad actors. Some are brilliant. But these guys fit the roles perfectly. Not casting them would have been a disservice to the film."

Many wondered how Superboys of Malegaon relates to the celebrated documentary Malegaon Ka Superhero. Kagti clarified that while they were fans of the documentary, their film aimed to capture a broader narrative. "The documentary covers a specific moment in Nasir’s life. Our film spans a longer period, exploring his journey, the community that rallied around him, and how he inadvertently birthed a parallel video filmmaking industry."

Akhtar added, "Nasir is a real person with a real story. There’s no copyright on life. If anything, I hope more people make films on him—he deserves it."

Keeping It Real

One of the most impressive aspects of the film is how it refuses to romanticise struggle.

"It could have easily been a ‘follow your dreams’ kind of cheerleading movie, but you resisted that temptation. Was it deliberate?" I asked.

"Absolutely," Kagti confirmed. "Nasir didn’t wait for handouts or validation. He worked with what he had, and that’s what made his story so compelling. He made the film he could, and people connected with it. He spent Rs50,000 and made four times that amount—his film was a financial success, however small the scale."

Critical acclaim and looking ahead

With The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw awarding the film four stars, it was a moment of validation for the team. "Bradshaw is tough. Getting four stars from him felt special," I noted.

"We were thrilled, of course, but the real excitement is for the theatrical release," Kagti said. "The film hits theaters on February 28. We urge everyone to watch it on the big screen and spread the word."

Akhtar emphasised the larger impact: "Films like this deserve to be seen in cinemas. If audiences support such films, more diverse stories will get made."

Perhaps the most delightful anecdote came from Adarsh, who visited Malegaon before filming and even made a short film with Nasir Sheikh. "The rickshaw, the bike—everything was still there. The passion for filmmaking in Malegaon remains as alive as ever."

As I wrapped up the interview, it was clear that Superboys of Malegaon is more than just a film—it’s a celebration of the undying spirit of storytelling. It reminds us that passion, not resources, is what makes cinema truly magical. So, if you’re looking for a film that’s raw, real, and uplifting, mark your calendars for February 28. This one’s not to be missed.

Don't Miss It!

Superboys of Malegaon is out in UAE cinemas now