Superboys of Malegaon
a love letter to cinema
Reema Kagti's latest feature, "Superboys of Malegaon" fictionalises the fascinating story that was first explored in the documentary of the same name and premiered at Sundance. Inspired by Malegaon's remarkable DIY filmmakers, Kagti creates a heartfelt tribute to cinema's ability to change lives, blind to where you are in the world or your social standing.
The film follows Nasir Sheikh and his dedicated team of textile workers who, amid demanding shifts and power cuts, borrow a camera to create their superhero film. Kagti's gentle direction blends humour with poignant glimpses of village life, capturing those moments of triumph as these unlikely filmmakers aim to bring Mumbai's storytelling magic into their dusty bylanes.
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What elevates "Superboys" beyond a simple adaptation is how Kagti captures cinema's democratising spirit without ever falling into snobbery or condescension.
Cinema is sacred, but she remains open to all. Anyone with a camera and a story finds a welcoming embrace to share their world. This is precisely what the super boys do.
Through perfect period reconstruction of early-2000s Malegaon with its buzzing chai stalls and makeshift projection rooms, as well as standout performances from her ensemble cast, Kagti crafts a love letter to filmmaking itself.
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It is an ode to the magic of the moving image, a reminder that beautiful stories come from anywhere and is both escape and expression, a parallel universe where even the most ordinary life can become extraordinary through the lens of a dusty borrowed camera.
The film follows Nasir Sheikh and his dedicated team of textile workers who, amid demanding shifts and power cuts, borrow a camera to create their superhero film. Kagti's gentle direction blends humour with poignant glimpses of village life, capturing those moments of triumph as these unlikely filmmakers aim to bring Mumbai's storytelling magic into their dusty bylanes.
What elevates "Superboys" beyond a simple adaptation is how Kagti captures cinema's democratising spirit without ever falling into snobbery or condescension.
Cinema is sacred, but she remains open to all. Anyone with a camera and a story finds a welcoming embrace to share their world. This is precisely what the super boys do.
Through perfect period reconstruction of early-2000s Malegaon with its buzzing chai stalls and makeshift projection rooms, as well as standout performances from her ensemble cast, Kagti crafts a love letter to filmmaking itself.
It is an ode to the magic of the moving image, a reminder that beautiful stories come from anywhere and is both escape and expression, a parallel universe where even the most ordinary life can become extraordinary through the lens of a dusty borrowed camera.
16 March 2025