Reema Kagti’s Superboys of Malegaon has struck a chord with audiences, earning praise for its heartfelt portrayal of dreams, resilience, and the undying spirit of filmmaking. Featuring a stellar cast including Adarsh Gourav, Vineet Kumar Singh, Shashank Arora, and Anuj Singh Duhan, the film has particularly resonated with viewers — and actor Saqib Ayub, who plays Urfan, is basking in the emotional wave of responses.
In a candid conversation with India Today Digital, Saqib shared his awe at the overwhelming reception. “I’m getting some really amazing and fantastic responses,” he admitted, visibly moved by the flood of appreciation. He described how people have been tagging the cast incessantly, sharing heartfelt messages — not just from industry peers, but from everyday viewers. “My message requests are flooded. Friends of friends, extended family, even strangers are reaching out to tell us how much the film touched them. It’s been beautiful.”
Despite the love, Superboys of Malegaon faced challenges at the box office, largely due to limited screen count. Saqib acknowledged the struggle, pointing out that the film secured only around 500-600 screens across India — a stark contrast to major releases that command upwards of 6,000 screens. Still, he remains optimistic, highlighting that theatres in Mumbai and Delhi continue to see 80% occupancy into the second week. He shared a particularly touching anecdote: “A friend told me people stayed back until the end of the credits. The climax left such a powerful impact that audiences applauded at the end. It’s one of those rare moments in cinema.”
The film, a tribute to Malegaon’s grassroots filmmakers who pursue their passion against all odds, hit a personal note for Saqib. “You don’t need a certain background to connect with these characters,” he said. “I grew up in places like Bombay Central, so I understand that life — people making the most of what little they have. That joy, that spirit, is what we wanted to show.”
Saqib also credited the film’s authenticity to rigorous preparation. The cast underwent acting workshops led by Atul Mongia, known for shaping some of Bollywood’s most compelling performances. Additionally, they met the real-life inspirations behind the story — Nasser and Alim — whose unwavering passion for filmmaking deeply influenced the actors’ portrayals.
For Saqib, the film’s most profound takeaway wasn’t sorrow or sympathy, but motivation. “It wasn’t overwhelming; it was inspiring. The people of Malegaon didn’t wait for opportunities — they grabbed a handicam and made their own films. Their determination is unmatched. In comparison, many of us in cities like Mumbai have far more resources but less drive. That contrast was eye-opening.”
Saqib’s journey doesn’t stop in Malegaon. He has an exciting lineup of projects ahead, including a web series titled First Copy on Amazon MX, scheduled for an April release. He’s also part of Hit 3 alongside Nani, an intriguing Indo-Vietnamese venture Love in Vietnam, and a cameo in Vikas Bahl’s upcoming film Darbaza.
It’s clear that Superboys of Malegaon isn’t just a movie — it’s a celebration of storytelling, resilience, and the magic of chasing dreams. And for Saqib Ayub, it’s only the beginning.
