Reema Kagti’s Superboys of Malegaon is a heartfelt tribute to the magic of amateur filmmaking, chronicling how Nasir Shaikh and his friends turned their small-town dreams into cinematic reality. Inspired by the 2008 documentary Supermen of Malegaon, the film captures the joy, struggles, and passion of creating movies with limited resources.
If you were moved by its themes of indie creativity, childhood dreams, and the power of cinema, here are 10 films that share its spirit—whether through celebrating outsider filmmakers, paying homage to cinema, or exploring the journey of making movies against all odds.
Supermen of Malegaon (2008)
Before Superboys of Malegaon, there was the documentary that started it all—Faiza Ahmad Khan’s Supermen of Malegaon. The film follows Nasir Shaikh and his friends as they set out to make Malegaon ka Superman, a low-budget parody filled with ingenuity, humor, and pure love for cinema. More than just a documentary, it’s an uplifting tale of passion triumphing over hardship, as the people of Malegaon—a town struggling with economic hardships—find an escape through filmmaking. If you want the real-life story that inspired Superboys of Malegaon, this is essential viewing.
Cinema Bandi (2021)
What happens when an auto-rickshaw driver finds an expensive movie camera? In Cinema Bandi, he decides to use it to make a film, enlisting a barber as his leading man and a wedding photographer as his cinematographer. This Telugu-language indie film is a hilarious and heartwarming ode to grassroots filmmaking, much like Superboys of Malegaon. It proves that passion, creativity, and a love for storytelling can be more powerful than any budget. The film is filled with humor, optimism, and a deep appreciation for cinema, making it a must-watch for fans of films about unlikely filmmakers.
Harishchandrachi Factory (2009)
India’s first feature film, Raja Harishchandra (1913), was made by Dadasaheb Phalke against all odds, and Harishchandrachi Factory tells this remarkable true story. The film follows Phalke as he overcomes financial difficulties, lack of technical knowledge, and societal skepticism to create the foundation of Indian cinema. With its charming storytelling and inspiring message about perseverance, it perfectly mirrors Superboys of Malegaon’s themes of filmmaking as a labor of love.
Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
Eddie Murphy shines as Rudy Ray Moore, a struggling comedian who reinvents himself as the over-the-top blaxploitation hero Dolemite. With no support from Hollywood, Moore self-finances his absurdly entertaining kung-fu action movies, proving that raw passion can outshine a lack of resources. Much like Superboys of Malegaon, Dolemite is My Name celebrates the rebellious spirit of underground filmmakers who create against all odds. Murphy’s charismatic performance and the film’s infectious energy make it an essential watch for anyone who loves stories about ambitious dreamers.
The Disaster Artist (2017)
The cult classic The Room is often called the worst movie ever made, but behind it is a fascinating story of friendship, ambition, and the absurd determination of Tommy Wiseau. James Franco’s The Disaster Artist hilariously and heartbreakingly captures Wiseau’s misguided but passionate filmmaking journey, much like Nasir Shaikh’s in Superboys of Malegaon. Both films highlight outsider artists who refuse to give up on their dream, no matter how bizarre the journey.
Cinema Paradiso (1988)
Few films capture the magic of cinema like Cinema Paradiso, an Italian classic about a young boy’s love affair with movies. Growing up in a small village, Toto is mentored by Alfredo, the local projectionist, who teaches him about the power of storytelling. Just like Superboys of Malegaon, this film is a nostalgic tribute to the way movies shape our lives. Filled with warmth, passion, and unforgettable moments, Cinema Paradiso is a must-watch for anyone who has ever fallen in love with cinema.
8½ (1963)
Federico Fellini’s 8½ is a masterpiece about the chaos of filmmaking. The film follows a famous director struggling with creative block, lost in a surreal world of memories, dreams, and expectations. While more abstract than Superboys of Malegaon, it captures the inner turmoil, ambition, and artistry behind making movies. With its breathtaking visuals, poetic storytelling, and introspective look at cinema, 8½ remains one of the greatest films ever made about filmmaking itself.
Son of Rambow (2007)
Two British schoolboys, inspired by Rambo: First Blood, set out to make their own action-packed home movie. With its hilarious and heartfelt exploration of childhood friendship and DIY filmmaking, Son of Rambow feels like a spiritual cousin to Superboys of Malegaon. It highlights the pure joy and creativity of making movies as kids, using whatever resources are available. Full of imagination, nostalgia, and charming performances, it’s a delightful tribute to the dreams of young filmmakers.
Ed Wood (1994)
Tim Burton’s Ed Wood is a loving tribute to one of Hollywood’s most infamous outsider filmmakers. Johnny Depp stars as Edward D. Wood Jr., the notoriously optimistic yet talentless director of cult classics like Plan 9 from Outer Space. Like Nasir Shaikh, Wood’s passion for cinema outweighs his technical skills, resulting in movies that are bad—but made with love. With Burton’s unique style and a fantastic supporting turn by Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi, Ed Wood is a touching, funny, and deeply inspiring look at the spirit of filmmaking.
Superman (1978)
Why is Superman on this list? Because without Christopher Reeve’s iconic portrayal of the Man of Steel, Malegaon ka Superman wouldn’t exist. This classic set the standard for superhero movies, bringing hope, wonder, and pure cinematic magic to the screen. Much like how Superboys of Malegaon shows how films inspire ordinary people, Superman reminds us why we fall in love with heroes and storytelling in the first place. Watching it now, it’s easy to see why Nasir Shaikh and his team wanted to create their own version of Superman—proving that great films inspire great dreams.
How to watch the best movies like Superboys of Malegaon streaming online in India
Superboys of Malegaon celebrates the resilience, creativity, and passion of indie filmmaking, and these 10 films capture that same spirit. Check out JustWatch’s guide to know how and where to watch these heartwarming odes to filmmaking and inspiring coming-of-age stories on streaming platforms in India. The list below also provides offers to buy, rent, or watch these movies for free (if available).
