wogma rating: Add to 'must watch' list (?)
So much heart. Such a lovely tribute to the passion for cinema, both as makers and as audience. Sure, it slacks for a good 20 minutes post-interval, but we can cut it some slack if we have tears of cinema and tears for cinema, right?
(Likely streaming partner: Amazon Prime)
Read moreFor the entire first half, I was absorbed by the streets of Malegaon and the story of the boys who wanted to tell a story for their crowd, their people. And yet it was a microcosm of the larger world, especially the Hindi film world—where the makers decide what the consumer wants and shoves only that down their senses, Friday after Friday. While the film gets stuck in the middle for a bit—much like its characters—you are in for an ace of a finale. What fine writing!
Yet, and thankfully so, that is not what will stay with us. The cast carries the slump well, too.
And it’s not just that; this is an example of some remarkable film-making. Like the other film I watched today, Crazxy, this one too sets the tone just right in the first five minutes. Two films in a day! What are the chances of that, right?
And this one has your heart beating for its three protagonists, despite their flaws. The characters unravel with the story, without much time spent on separate character exposition. The film is filled with moments of camaraderie and strife in their inter-relationships. You find out about the characters as you observe these interactions, making the film flow so well.
Why-o-why, then, did we need the jumps in the timeline? Surely, people capable of such smooth writing could have connected without the jerky non-transitions. It didn’t help that the middle of the three sections that the film was chopped into went into a slump in terms of the vibe the first part created and the zest that the last part was to bring. Yet, and thankfully so, that is not what will stay with us. The cast carries the slump well, too. They all seem comfortable as if this is their habitat, including the three women with less screen time but disproportionate impact. Not a single actor can be singled out to be better than the rest of the cast. Except for the few times they perform so well that you remember their off-screen name and/or go, “Where have I seen this guy before?”
Anyway, nothing to make you grab your phone to look it up. Yet, adding to the meta milieu maintained throughout the film is the awesome feeling that this is based on real life. So, this warmth exists in the real world.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Amit Bhatia, abplive : ...arun Grover’s screenplay is a masterstroke, reaffirming the film’s core belief in the power of writing. His script remains true to its vision, creating an immersive and thought-provoking experience. Director Reema Kagti, known for her unique cinematic approach, brings this vision to life with remarkable finesse. She allows the writing to take center stage, ensuring that every character is utilised meaningfully. The film is a lesson in how to craft an emotionally resonant narrative without relying on superstar-driven storytelling.... full review
Thumbs up, by Subhash K Jha, Bolly Spice : ...That said, Superboys Of Malegaon is an exceptionally scripted and performed piece of art. At one point, Farogh observes, “Writer baap hota hai.” The proof of the plotting lies in its taste. This film proves it.... full review
Thumbs up, by Smrity Sharma, Bollywood Life : ...Watch Superboys of Malegaon for the sheer love of cinema. The movie brings to life a heart-warming story of a man who dared to dream and made the impossible possible. Watch Superboys of Malegaon for performances that will touch your heart. It is not every Friday that special stories like this get a grand big screen space, so do not miss this chance to celebrate all that is beautiful about Indian cinema.... full review
Thumbs up, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...It’s a film that celebrates the beauty of imperfection, the power of community, and the enduring magic of cinema. For anyone who has ever been moved by the art of storytelling, this is a cinematic experience that will leave you inspired and uplifted. It’s a salute to all the unsung heroes who have kept their dreams alive even in the midst of adversity.... full review
Thumbs up, by Khushi Mishra., Filmi Beat : ...In conclusion, "Superboys of Malegaon" is a celebration of dreams, friendship, and the enduring power of cinema. It is a film that not only entertains but also inspires, making it a must-watch for those who believe in the magic of movies and the strength of the human spirit.... full review
Thumbs up, by Lachmi Deb Roy, FirstPost : ...Muskkaan Jaferi portrays Shabeena, Nasir’s (Adarsh Gourav) is a true pillar of support to her husband and the reason for his success. Riddhi Kumar plays Mallika, Nasir’s love interest, enriching the narrative and making each character an integral part of the story.... full review
Thumbs up, by Baradwaj Rangan, galatta.com : ...When Nasir screens his movie, he tells his audience: “Jo bhi banaya, dil se banaya.” Reema Kagti can say the same. She’s made a movie from the heart, a movie that’s all heart.... full review
Thumbs up, by Tushar P. Joshi, india today : ...Even though there is an overwhelming sense of helplessness at times, the film has its humour in the right place. If you have watched the 1988 classic Cinema Paradiso, then you will know that this love for movies is a subject that has its own charm. Superboys of Malegaon is a must-watch thanks to its performances and its zest for showcasing and celebrating the undying enthusiasm of the human spirit. If you can dream it, you can make it. Now that’s a message that’s definitely worth applauding.... full review
Thumbs up, by Kartik Bhardwaj, indian express : ...Superboys of Malegaon is a fascinating film about the making of films. Its beauty is garnished with the little details writer Varun Grover peppers in the screenplay.... full review
Thumbs up, by Shreshtha Chaudhury, koimoi : ...Superboys Of Malegon does not only deserve all the laurels because of the brilliant performances, filmmaking, and the technical aspects. The film is the story and a tribute to all those who dare to dream. Even if they face several roadblocks to the journey and seemingly give up, their passion and love for their dream ultimately show them the road on the other side of the tunnel. Lastly, every cinema enthusiast will hopelessly fall in love with this one.... full review
Thumbs up, by Mayank Shekhar, MiD DAY : ...Just observe the beautifully running theme, on unrequited love, in this film, that non-fiction probably can’t achieve. Or, aspects of selfishness of the director-lead, or the natural jealousy of his peers.... So much better to show than tell. Just more visceral.... full review
Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...In Superboys of Malegaon, the writer is indeed the boss, but the film, spearheaded by director Kagti and principal cast members Adarsh Gourav, Shashank Arora, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Muskaan Jaferi, is an all-round delight—a spirited, heartwarming, and super (in a quiet sort of way) ode to the movies.... full review
Thumbs up, by SHREYANKA MAZUMDAR, News18.com : ...Superboys of Malegaon is not just a film you watch; it is a film you feel. And that feeling stays. Don’t miss it for anything.... full review
Thumbs up, by Isha Sharma, NewsBytes : ...You will enjoy watching it; 3/5 stars Superboys of Malegaon works best as a human drama when it dissects the pitfalls of fame and how one friend's meteoric rise to success can trouble another. It also underlines the betrayal that often seeps into friendships but does so without villainizing anyone. All in all, Superboys of Malegaon is worth your time because of the way it celebrates the incredible courage to dream.... full review
Thumbs up, by DEBANJAN DHAR, Outlook India : ...Produced by Zoya Akhtar, Superboys of Malegaon locates art within a continuum, gently calming constant anxieties to be original. There’s great reassurance Kagti offers. As long as your story is authentic and rooted, no one can deny its power, its import. It’d be tough to rival this film’s transcendent climax, melding life’s tragedy, art’s immortalising and Sachin-Jigar’s gloriously peaking music. It’s an immeasurably moving, profoundly cathartic experience.... full review
Thumbs up, by Rishil Jogani, Pinkvilla : ...Superboys of Malegaon is a charming, heartfelt ode to dreamers, bolstered by stellar performances and a premise that resonates with anyone who’s dared to chase a passion. While it could benefit from tighter editing and a sharper edge, its sincerity and spirit make it a winner. Fans of Excel Entertainment’s slice-of-life storytelling will find plenty to love here. Catch it in theaters now from 28th Febraury, 2025. It is a heartwarming watch.... full review
Thumbs up, by Deepa Gahlot, Rediff : ...Kagti does not go deep into the economic or communal problems that affect Malegaon. Her film is about the love of cinema, the where-there-is-a-will power of creativity and the sheer joy of making movies.... full review
Thumbs up, by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in : ...Superboys of Malegaon prefers broad brush strokes to a miniaturised portrait of a micro scene. A sprinkling of fairy dust clings to cinematographer Swapnil S Sonwane’s sun-kissed frames and the treatment of Nasir’s wife Shabeena.... full review
Thumbs up, by Rohan Naahar, the new Indian Express : ...Superboys of Malegaon attempts to juggle several narratives, often unconvincingly. But among the few points that it is able to make with relative conviction is that sometimes, an act of cinematic piracy can fuel the theatrical ecosystem. One cannot survive without the other... full review
Thumbs up, by Tanmayi Savadi, Times Now : ...Superboys Of Malegaon is incomplete without Sachin-Jigar’s soul-stirring music. The impact wouldn’t have been the same in its absence. The film is an ode to dreams, passion and friendship. Keep tissues handy as this one will leave you moist-eyed with sincere performances, crisp editing and immersive storytelling.... full review
Thumbs up, by Renuka Vyavahare, Times of India : ...Superboys of Malegaon doesn’t judge or mock the people who try. Set in Khandesh (Maharashtra), this one's a delightful underdog story that makes you smile and weep. You are reminded that nobodies can be somebodies once they let their dreams take flight. “Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”... full review
So-So, by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint : ...on more screens than they could've ever imagined, yet no longer themselves. I wonder if they’d watch this film and say, that’s not me.... full review
So-So, by Sameer Ahire, Movie Talkies : ...Varun Grover and Reema Kagti have brought together some beautiful metaphors that are a treat to watch for people with a cinematic hunger.... full review
So-So, by Anuj Kumar, The Hindu : ...When Farogh pitches the working class characters of Malegaon to a Bollywood producer, he asks him to make them more generic. Ironically, Superboys of Malegaon ends up doing the same to Nasir and his gang.... full review
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