6 minutes agoAuthor: Ashish Tiwari
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Many films are released on the big screen every Friday. Some make the audience laugh, some cry and some inspire. On February 28, a similar film is going to come in the theater, which will probably feel all three feeling together. The name of the film is ‘Superboys of Malegaon’. The director of this film is Reema Kagti. The film is produced by Reema Kagti, Zoya Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. ‘Superboys of Malegaon’ has been highly appreciated at many different film festivals.
The film is inspired by the documentary ‘Superman of Malegaon’. Which is the story of the passion of filmmaker Nasir Sheikh and his friends in real life. How these people made their mark in the film world while staying in a small town. Nasir is a self -made filmmaker. He was very impressed by the world of the film. He also wanted to make a film. He made ‘Malegaon Ki Sholay’ on the lines of the Hindi film ‘Sholay’ and ‘Superman of Malegaon’ on the lines of Hollywood film Superman. Nasir and his friends together set up a separate film industry in Malegaon.
‘Superboys of Malegaon’ is the story of Nasir and his friends.
Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar have a special conversation with Dainik Bhaskar. Read interesting things related to ‘Superboys of Malegaon’.
Question- When did you first think of making ‘Superboys of Malegaon’ in your mind?
Zoya- I first met Nasir Sheikh in 2011-2012. We met during a film festival. After that there was a little friendship between us. He told me about his life. We also talked about how his documentary ‘Superman of Malegaon’ became. It was only after listening to his words that I had the idea of ’Superboys of Malegaon’. At the same time it was that it would be quite interesting. But at that time I was busy somewhere else. Reema was also busy with some other work. But Nasir did not have to make this story from anyone else. So this is a long story.
Reema- Zoya came to me meeting Nasir and told me. Both met a bit funny. After watching the documentary, Zoya went to Nasir and introduced herself. Nasir said I know you. I have seen all your father’s films. Things started like this. Then how to make the film and it took us some time to take the rights. Then Kovid arrived, which took a little more time.
Question- What was the special thing about Nasir’s story, which you felt that a film should be made on it?
Reema- The story of the film is of a small town. I too grew up in a small place in Assam. The second reason is my love and attachment to cinema. Apart from film making, the story of this film is. If any person has a dream, then he will be inspired by this film. This film is beyond making. The relay of the film is so much that this will not only be liked by the Indian audience but also by the global audiences.
The ‘Superboys of Malegaon’ got a standing ovation at the Toronto Film Festival.
Question- Tell the story behind choosing actors in the film.
Reema- We both had a long discussion with our casting director about the casting of the film. We have also worked with Vineet Singh, Adarsh Gaurav and Shashank Arora before. We knew about their ability in advance what they could do.
Question- Both your films are Larzer Day Life. In such a situation, the choice of stories like ‘Gully Boy’ and Superboys of Malegaon. What are you thinking?
Zoya- I will tell you that whatever the back drop of our films is, but human experiences are the same. Dreams, passions, rejections, motivations are with everyone. Wherever you have been in life, but at some time you must have struggled. In such a situation, you can relate with feeling and emotion.
I grew up in Mumbai and the film ‘Gully Boy’ is close to me. I know Dharavi. I meet the people there. People there work with me. For me, that place is not like such an alien world. If you know the people around you, things, then nothing will be different. I think Nasir’s journey Larzar Day Life. He is a hero for me.
Reema- I do not think much about audiences or businesses. Zoya and I should like things. It is necessary for me. And I am doing this from my first film. Not only ‘Gully Boy’, if you watch our web series ‘Dahad’, film ‘Talaash’, ‘Honeymoon Travels’, then there is a different story of society in all. Both of us have been showing a different face of the society from the beginning. But sometimes people do not see this. And this does not bother me. I will do what I feel good. Perhaps you also liked it.
Question- What kind of challenges did there come to make this film?
Reema- Every film is a challenge in itself. But it was a little easier to make it than the rest. We were shooting in Malegaon and Nashik. Two-three locations were not successful there. We came back to Mumbai and tried to recreate the small village of the 90s. We actually got a challenge in it.
Actor Shashank Arora in a scene of the film
Question- The film got a wonderful feedback at the Toronto Film Festival. What is the memorable feedback for both of you?
Reema- Nasir’s feedback was the most important for me. When he saw the film, he started crying. It was a very emotional moment for me. He is one of the few people who first saw this film. I don’t think that the reaction will be found again. So I got the best moment.
Zoya- Nasir’s feedback was also most important for me. Two of his friends are no longer in this world. When we were in Toronto and the film got a standing ovation. I remember then I went to Nasir and hugged them. At that time Nasir said that I wish Shafiq and Farooq would have been alive to see it today. I do not think something bigger than this can be something.
Question- There is a dialogue in the film ‘Writer Bap Hai Hai’ has many other scenes, which makes sense that Salim-Javed, the biggest writer of the industry, was given the tribute. Have both seen the film?
Zoya – Yes you can say, Nasir himself has said that he started making films inspired by Salim -Javed’s film. Javed Saheb has seen the rough cut of the film many times, he has also written a song for the film. We are excited to show Salim-Javed ji early and know their reaction from them.
