Supermen of Malegaon

wogma rating: Add to 'must watch' list (?)

quick review:

One of the most pleasant hours spend in the theater. This subtly satirical documentary is engaging and entertaining. A must watch for sure, in theaters if you are keen.

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Director: Faizan Ahmad Khan
Running time: 70 minutes
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Malegaon ka Superman - the title sounded funny the first time I heard it, the kind of funny one should avoid. Yet it was intriguing, having known of the little village and a few people from it - those who have suffered the communal riots mentioned in passing in this documentary. What we see is not the film itself, but it's making - a film about the supermen of Malegaon who tried making Malegaon ka Superman. And I haven't seen anything as heart-warming in a really long time.

Supermen of Malegaon is soaked in sweet irony. You blink and you might miss one. And it all done without being overt or direct. The simplicity and subtlety with which things are talked about and issues are covered is remarkable - from the intentional mockery of film-making in India to the hypocrisy that a film-maker exhibits in keeping his brother from making a career out of making films.

In fact, this making of Malegaon ka Superhero is an advanced lesson on jugaad. The number of innovative fixes to overcome the budget issues while making the film or simple lack of knowledge is just amazing. And these are just the fixes that the documentary decided to focus on.

That doesn't mean that we'll like Malegaon ka Superman. But just the number of hilarious things they have Superman do or the characteristics this most unlikely Superman (played by Late Shafique) has might be enough for the ticket money. That besides, how can you not encourage such enterprising filmmakers?

Who would've thought we'd be watching a documentary, the making of an almost-no-budget (in today's times) film in mainstream theaters. We have come a long way, and yet it seems only a beginning - worth celebrating, nonetheless.

- meeta, a part of the audience

16 reviewers(?) - 16 yays 0 so-so 0 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by Anna M.M.Vetticad , annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...It’s poignant, it’s comical, it’s heart-breaking and hysterical. It’s socially conscious and politically aware, it’s got a feminist voice and chronicles a communal divide. It’s an ode to the human spirit.... full review

Thumbs up, Buzz in Town : ...'Supermen of Malegaon' is a poignant, hilarious ode to filmmaking. Its a local film produced and consumed locally.... full review

Thumbs up, by Nandita Dutta , DearCinema : ...Supermen of Malegaon is one of those rare documentaries that are enjoyable and enlightening at the same time.... full review

Thumbs up, by Rony Dcosta, Desi Martini : ...Supermen of Malegaon will entertain, inspire and move you... full review

Thumbs up, by Kshitij, Desi Martini : ...It shows you the extent to which people go to achieve their dreams & it does all this by putting a smile on your face.... full review

Thumbs up, by Blessy Chettiar, DNA : ...Supermen of Malegaon is full of heartrending moments, juxtaposed with unavoidable satire... full review

Thumbs up, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...The five star rating is for the concept, content and delivery style. But more importantly, it is for the fearless manner in which this idea has been given shape to. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...It's brisk, enjoyable, and will have you smiling from ear to ear... full review

Thumbs up, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...Rarely have I seen such a joyous celebration of the madness cinema is.... full review

Thumbs up, Movie Talkies : ...If you're a film-buff, don't mind documentaries and want to have a good time, watch Supermen Of Malegaon!... full review

Thumbs up, by Karan Anshuman, Mumbai Mirror : ...This is the funniest film I’ve seen in a while, and yet it is laced with the kind of irony and pathos that, should you for even a moment sidestep the superficial aspect, will make you weep... full review

Thumbs up, by Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com : ...Supermen Of Malegaon is one of the rare endearing gems to make it to theaters.... full review

Thumbs up, by Preeti Arora, Rediff : ...Supermen Of Malegaon is independent documentary filmmaking at its most heartfelt, most sincere, and most enjoyable... full review

Thumbs up, by Swati Rohatgi, STARDUST : ...Supermen Of Malegaon is hilarious, moving, delightful and inspiring. A definite watch to all for a cinema, celebrating the spirit of mankind such as this, needs to be encouraged.... full review

Thumbs up, by Gaurav Malani, Times of India : ...Superman of Malegaon is the celebration of the inherent fantasy of any average human being who dreams of being either a star or a star-maker, irrespective of their eligibility... full review

Thumbs up, by Srijana Mitra Das, Times of India : ...Cinema in India makes us laugh at our weaknesses, applaud our strengths, watch with tenderness and heart our grim lives and eternal hope. That is what makes it precious. And it is this quality of understanding that makes Supermen of Malegaon a beautiful film... full review

58 tweeters(?) - 58 yays 0 so-so 0 nays

z_maahir: Watch "supermen of malegaon" to understand the most important thing, is to have a dream..the rest just falls into place

weeny: Watch one of my favourite flicks, the delightful Supermen of Malegaon which finally plays theatres across the country starting tomorrow!

VIVECKVASWANI: And supermen of malegaon is a tribute to the sheer indefatigablity of the spirit that made Indian cinema survive 100 years!

varun067: Guys I seriously recommend everyone watch Supermen of Malegaon (running in PVR) directed by a friend Faiza Khan.... http://fb.me/1c3ctVq9Y

TyagiGeetika: Salaam to Supermen of Malegaon.

thehindurss: Passion and paisa vasool: Faiza Khan’s documentary, Supermen of Malegaon, turns the spotlight on the makers of r... http://bit.ly/QGXMjl

talib_h: just watched Supermen of Malegaon, brilliant n hilarious. You'd never think these things..these talents exist in India. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcN-7HBUcs0

snigdhapoonam: "In some ways, Superman from Malegaon is more amazing than Hollywood’s Superman and Spider-Man could ever be." http://bit.ly/MTK9wB

saurshaz: «@IamOnir «@VIVECKVASWANI After kshay, now PVR brings you 'supermen of malegaon!', its playing worli, juhu, goregaon PVRs! Must not miss!»»

sapnabhavnani: Supermen of malegaon today. Did u see it? Do not miss it!

Sangeetha_Devi: Watch Supermen of Malegaon if it's releasing in your city. Super fun, I had the chance to watch it in EFLU during a screening.

Sachobytes: Supermen of Malegaon. Must watch.

ruhanibaatein: Don't miss Supermen of Malegaon, playing in your near by PVR cinemas! Charming film.

Ruchira_roy: Please watch Malegaon ka Superman-a satirical documentary.very innocent,real,earthy...Loved it.we remembered Malegaon for diff reasons sofar

ronyd: 1hr of supermen of malegaon is more fun than 2hrs of Spiderman.

pratik_salunke: Deres much into Malegaon than power looms and tragic blast memories. Kudos to Supermen of Malegaon-the documentary.

PoppadumArt: Loooved Supermen of Malegaon! Such a fun movie after so long! Go watch!! cc @supermenofmgaon

Navjotalive: There was a standing ovation for 3.5 minutes. Need I say more? Go watch Supermen of Malegaon NOW!

mrajshekhar: saw supermen of malegaon today. came back with deep respect for nasir sheikh and his crew. SoM definitely a must watch!

miyaamihir: In the 100th year of Indian moviemaking, you can't have better tribute to this magical medium then docu 'Supermen Of Malegaon'. Don't miss!

Metrollhead: Malegaon ka superman!omfg i died laughing!its releasing tomorrow in India,must watch for everyone!!

mesopystic: Supermen of Malegaon is quite great. Very funny. Watch Watch.

Mehndi7692: Loved Supermen of Malegaon. Its a must watch! :)

Mediatator: Supermen of Malegaon: Highly recommend watch. One of the best Indian documentaries seen. Very heartening to see a houseful show in PVR.

mayurpuri: I STROOOOOONGGGLY RECOMMEND 'SUPERMEN OF MALEGAON'. If you are a human being, you must watch it.

ManushkaKhisty: The cure for cynicism hits bombay tomorrow! It's called Supermen of Malegaon! Go watch it at PVR. it will change your life!

madammalai: Go watch Supermen of Malegaon. That is all.

kunalmandekar: This week's best pick is Malegaon ka superman. Do watch it its hilariousssss. 5/5

kaymatthews: May I suggest if you have the chance to see Supermen of Malegaon this week, you take it? It is wonderful, & I loved it: http://is.gd/dJoT7H

karlgomes: Supermen of malegaon = pain cooler

JescKy_L: Supermen of Malegaon...a must watch, this film. And it NEVER gets old!! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=460391347307169&set=a.459413250738312.109918.138173336195640&type=3&theater

iAswathi: Supermen of Malegaon! Go watch NOW!! Funny, sincere and made me emotional. Movie with a heart. Well done!

hussainthelal: Supermen of Malegaon is the most honest piece of work I've seen. cinema or otherwise. Its beautiful. Please watch, One show daily at PVR.

hardik_radhe: Saw 'Malegaon Ka Superman' some time back. What a fantastic film! Really loved it! I believe it has released today. Go for it!!!

gyandeep4a: "आवाज़ वैसी नहीं है, लेकिन हम गाना गा रहे हैं" - 'Supermen of Malegaon' is tht rare film which celebrates filmmaking itself. Terrific stuff!

freakomalay: Supermen of malegaon poster is sooo good. Also a must watch - janta saying

DitaVie: Supermen of Malegaon! GO WATCH! In select theatres this week. Superb movie!!!!! Don't miss it!

dipperr: Hatta saawan ki ghata Spiderman. Today I'm rooting only for Supermen Of Malegaon! Must watch, twice over!

DipikaThawani: Supermen of Malegaon...is a super funny movie=D :p =))

dhruvpande: Do yourself a favour. Watch "Supermen of Malegaon"

delhisultan: Supermen of Malegaon is an endearing film. It needs all the support it can. Technically a documentary that doesn't let you feel it is one.

deepakyen: If you're still not convinced #supermenofmalegaon is a #MustWatch, shubhra gupta's review should do the trick: http://goo.gl/fb/E3GHA"

DarthBobTarkas: Supermen of Malegaon was very funny and very touching. Loved every moment of it, and ended up wishing for more.

DarshanBangera: Just watched Supermen of Malegaon with the crew in a packed house at Juhu PVR. Insanely Hilarious!!!! Go Watch

CrazedDiamond: Supermen Of Malegaon is definitely a must see!

CilemaSnob: Saw Supermen of Malegaon. Great fun! was happy to see the big audi at PVR Juhu completely full (except 1st row) n ppl clapping in between.

chuck_gopal: Saw Supermen of Malegaon. What a lovely little documentary. Catch it before it goes out of theaters. Highly recommended.

ChelseaSaldanha: Review: Supermen Of Malegaon is heartbreakingly hilarious http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-supermen-of-malegaon-is-heartbreakingly-hilarious/20120629.htm

BlessChet: Supermen of Malegaon - A cute documentary on making films for the love of it. MUST MUST WATCH

bhalomeye: plz plz plz plz plz go and watch Supermen of Malegaon!

azeem2112: If u really wann c an honest and heart touching film actually soul inspiring go watch supermen of malegaon ..

avehimenon: I've watched Supermen of Malegaon twice. Went again today and it still moved me. You shouldn't miss it. Playing at a PVR near you.

atifaslam12345: Supermen of Malegaon is hilarious http://goo.gl/fb/Ndy9O #faroghjafri #akramkhan #sheikhnasir #shakeelbharati

archthegr8: I totally second! "@aamir_khan: Saw 'Malegaon Ka Superman' some time back. What a fantastic film! Really loved it! Go for it!!!"

akinak87: If you haven't already, go watch 'Supermen of Malegaon'. It's incredibly funny and poignant at the same time. 1/2

AbhinavBhatt01: 60 odd minutes of smiles that is 'Supermen of Malegaon'. Thank you @shiladityabora

aaaishwaryaaa: Go watch Malegaon ka Superman it is gna be one awesome movie!afterall I was born there!its gt a touch of my awesomeness!!#OhYeah! Haha :D

_kunal_pradhan: Have seen Supermen of Malegaon a few times, at festival screenings, home. Wonderful documentary, funny, poetic. Def a #MustWatch.

2 readers - 2 yays 0 so-so 0 nays

Want to Watch, by Aditya : Is it the same?

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Housefull 2 : Very nice video

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Manuel Neuer : So good

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: None. Just mention of communal riots.
  • Language: Clean.
  • Nudity & Sexual content: None.
  • Concept: The making of a movie called "Malegaon ka Superhero".
  • General Look and Feel: Documentary.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:

Supermen of Malegaon - Cast, crew, links

Supporting Cast:
Story:
Running time:
70 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:

Comments (3)

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This is amazing!

Is this the same documentary that was shown on Discovery Channel a few years ago?

Wondering why they need to show the same thing on a theater screen.

No clue what was shown on Discovery Channel? But this one is just worth the trip to the theater. Just because it is simple and heart-warming. :D

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