As independent filmmaking gains global recognition—evident in Sean Baker’s Anora winning big at the Oscars and his impassioned speech at the Film Independent Spirit Awards highlighting the struggles of small-budget cinema—the arrival of Superboys of Malegaon couldn’t be more fitting.
In an interview with BBC’s Asian Network Bollywood, Haroon Rashid engaged in a conversation with the film’s lead actors—Adarsh Gourav, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Shashank Arora. The discussion delved into their roles as aspiring filmmakers pursuing seemingly impossible dreams, the real-life inspirations behind the movie, and the profound impact of grassroots cinema. The exchange was filled with insights and moments of laughter, offering a glimpse into the actors’ experiences.
Gourav, recognized for his performance in The White Tiger, portrays Nasir Shaikh, a determined filmmaker from Malegaon. Armed with sheer passion and borrowed equipment, Shaikh brought to life films like Khulay Asmaan Kay Neechay (2008), Yeh Hai Malegaon Ka Superman (2009), and Laal Paree (1991), which resonated deeply with the local community.
Reflecting on his role, Gourav expressed admiration for Malegaon’s filmmaking community. He shared, “I’m in awe of this world that exists so close to Mumbai—where passionate individuals create films for the people, by the people, capturing the town’s essence, culture, and language. Playing Nasir Shaikh has been an incredible experience.”
The Passion of Youth and Creative Ambition
When Rashid asked the actors about youthful pursuits driven by ambition and naivety, Gourav reflected on the mindset required for artistic endeavors. “To be an artist, you need a certain level of delusion—you can’t be completely tethered to reality,” he noted, drawing parallels between his own journey and the unwavering determination of Malegaon’s filmmakers, who overcame countless obstacles to tell their stories.
Singh, who plays real-life editor and Malegaon indie film movement pioneer Farogh Jaffery, responded with a humorous revelation: “Haroon, I studied medicine!” Before becoming an actor, the Chhaava star pursued a medical degree. He discussed how young people often place confidence in different paths, and how his diverse experiences ultimately shaped his artistic career.
In a lighthearted moment, Rashid shared an amusing memory about his father banning him from watching Raja Hindustani due to its famous Aamir Khan–Karisma Kapoor scene. This sparked a discussion on childhood movie restrictions, leading to a hilarious anecdote about Titanic. One of the actors recalled watching the film with family, painfully anticipating its well-known intimate scene, resulting in an awkward silence in the room.
A Tribute to Resilience and Creativity
Superboys of Malegaon is not just a celebration of cinema; it’s a testament to the perseverance of dreamers. Director Reema Kagti was drawn to the project by Nasir’s inspiring journey into low-budget filmmaking. Speaking to Urban Asia, she emphasized how, despite limited resources, he built a thriving video film industry in Malegaon. “The film conveys a powerful message—follow your dreams and don’t let adversity or a lack of resources hold you back,” she stated.
A heartwarming Indian comedy directed by Kagti and written by Varun Grover, Superboys of Malegaon features an impressive ensemble cast, including Gourav, Singh, Arora, and Anuj Singh Duhan. Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, and Kagti under the banners of Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby, the film is inspired by real-life events in Malegaon, Maharashtra. It follows Nasir, a wedding videographer who, alongside his friends, creates low-budget parodies of Bollywood classics, injecting creativity and hope into their community. Superboys of Malegaon premiered in Indian cinemas on February 28 and is now available for streaming on Prime Video.
