In the bustling city of Malegaon, close to Nashik, a cinematic phenomenon quietly emerged, capturing the hearts of film enthusiasts far and wide. ‘Supermen of Malegaon,’ a Hindi documentary encapsulating this movement, was directed by the talented Faiza Ahmad Khan and hit theater screens on June 29, 2012. The film charts the journey of Malegaon’s very own ‘Superman,’ initially featured in a homegrown production and later celebrated through a documentary. The Malegaon film industry, once nascent and obscure, has been propelled into the limelight, even catching the eye of Bollywood, with a feature film now in development with producers including the acclaimed Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar.
Sheikh Nasir, a director hailing from Malegaon, has been aptly dubbed the ‘James Cameron’ of his locale. Nasir, who carved a niche for himself with parody films, became widely recognized for his work on ‘Yeh Hai Malegaon Ka Superman,’ released in 2009. Notably a ‘cult’ film, it is a testament to his imaginative and resourceful filmmaking, done on an impressively modest budget of only 50 thousand rupees.
Nasir’s cinematic adventures began in the year 2000 within the walls of a small video parlor he ran, showcasing an array of movies to the local community. Even after the parlor’s closure, his fervor for film was unquenched, and he transitioned to creating films himself.
His oeuvre includes ‘Maale Gaon Ki Sholay,’ a home run at the local box office, captivating audiences for an entire month. The film’s dialogues, penned in the regional vernacular, resonated deeply with viewers. Buoyed by this success, Nasir upped the ante with ‘Superman of Malegaon.’ True to the DIY spirit, Superman’s costume was fashioned by a local tailor, and Nasir had envisioned making his hero soar using chroma key techniques. He mounted a green screen onto a truck for video editing—undeniable evidence of his innovative approach to filmmaking.
The characters of this homespun superhero saga brought Nasir’s vision to life, earning the film accolades and admiration from none other than Bollywood icon Aamir Khan. Faiza’s documentary played a pivotal role in celebrating this tale of underdog triumph and has received numerous awards, continuing to be showcased widely even to this day.
The success story of ‘Supermen of Malegaon’ is not just about a film but also about breathing new life into the Malegaon film industry, which now stands with a newfound identity. Nasir’s journey from a small-time video parlor operator to a director with Bollywood aspirations reflects a quintessentially Indian tale of creativity overcoming constraints.
The narrative of ‘Supermen of Malegaon’ encapsulates more than just a film; it serves as a lens through which to view the dynamic and intricate life of a small Indian town striving to create its own mark in the world of cinema. As Nasir’s unique filmmaking legacy continues to inspire, and with Bollywood beckoning, the vitality and spirit of Malegaon’s film industry promise to weave even more compelling stories in the tapestry of Indian cinema.
