In recent times, it’s rare to come across a truly satisfying film — at least in India. For Tamil cinema fans, this year has been a string of disappointments. Except for a few standouts like Tourist Family, Paranthu Po, and 3BHK, the Kodambakkam dream factory has been running on a forgettable streak.

The picture isn’t much brighter up north either. The Hindi film industry, once hailed as the heartbeat of Indian cinema, seems to have lost its way. But it would be unfair to write off a century-old industry so easily. And just when you start to wonder, a reminder of its spirit arrives — in the form of Superboys of Malegaon.

For cinephiles, there’s a special thrill when certain banners appear on screen. A24, for example, has become synonymous with bold, inventive cinema in the West. Here in India, that reputation belongs to Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby Films. Think of their track record: Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Rock On!!, Talaash, Raees, Toofaan — films that left their mark.

This February, the Akhtar siblings (Farhan and Zoya) carried that legacy forward with an inspiring story set in Malegaon, a small city in Maharashtra. What makes it even more fascinating is that it’s inspired by true events. Reema Kagti’s direction ensures that the film flows with realism, yet delivers an engaging, tightly woven screenplay.

At its heart is Nasir (Adarsh Gourav), a young man who runs a photo lab. His love for cinema pushes him to convert the lab into a theatre, only to discover he doesn’t own the rights to screen the films. A brush with the police forces him onto an unexpected path: why not make a film of his own, for the people of Malegaon? In doing so, he risks not only his romantic life but also his dignity. It becomes a do-or-die pursuit.

What follows is pure joy. Kagti immerses us in the “fun and games” of filmmaking, as Nasir and his friends create a Malegaon-style Sholay. To their surprise, it’s a runaway hit. The ragtag crew is emboldened to make more such films, but the journey isn’t easy. Success goes to Nasir’s head, and he stumbles. Yet, like a true underdog hero, Malegaon’s own Ramesh Sippy learns his lesson and wins back our hearts.

Superboys of Malegaon is more than just a film — it’s a love letter to storytelling itself. Beneath its charm lies a masterclass in screenwriting, neatly coded within the Hollywood-approved 15-beat structure. For those who love cinema, it’s a reminder of why we fell in love with movies in the first place.