Nasir Shaikh, the person behind Malegaon Ke Sholay and Malegaon Ka Superman, on Superboys of Malegaon: ‘I used to be supplied an enormous movie, however I by no means meant to go to Mumbai’ – Unique | Hindi Film Information

Because the Reema Kagti movie Superboys of Malegaon, produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti, hits theatres on February 28, Nasir Shaikh—the filmmaker behind Malegaon Ke Sholay and Malegaon Ka Superman, on whom the movie is predicated—not too long ago mirrored on his filmmaking journey in an interview with ETimes. He shared how ardour fueled his dream regardless of restricted assets.
“This story is essential as a result of we didn’t have the mandatory assets to make a movie. Ardour was the one factor we had,” Shaikh instructed ETimes. “I used to run a video parlour and present movies like Rambo, Jackie Chan films, and Charlie Chaplin movies. I felt that I must also make a movie. I received a VHS digicam and began taking pictures weddings.”
“I used to chop three-hour movies down to 2 hours, and that’s how I discovered modifying. Earlier than that, I used to be concerned in drama, which made me notice that we may shoot performances as properly. Earlier than my movie, a film was made in Malegaon with a funds of Rs 10,000. My movie was made with a funds of Rs 50,000. My brother supported me with the digicam and financing. The video parlour was his personal. I began with modifying, after which course occurred.”
“I didn’t have a trolley, so I used a bicycle. I noticed that cranes had been used lots in movies, so we used a bullock cart as a crane. After we made Sholay, we didn’t have the funds for horses, so we confirmed the bandits arriving on bicycles. We used a bus as an alternative of a practice. Basanti turned Basmati, Gabbar Singh turned Rubber Singh, and we made a parody.”
“I aimed to make the movie for the individuals of Malegaon, therefore the title Malegaon Ke Sholay. I used to be nervous about how individuals would react to it and whether or not my movie could be appreciated. However the day I screened it at my video parlour, it ran houseful for 2 months. I made the movie for Rs 50,000, and it earned Rs 2 lakh.”

Shaikh recalled how trade figures took discover of his work. “Anurag Kashyap got here to assist us after we organized a particular present of our movie. Producer Sunil Bohra noticed a documentary about our work and preferred it. He gave me the possibility to make Malegaon Ka Superrman. Deepti Bhatnagar gave me a possibility with the TV serial Malegaon Ka Chintu.”
His journey even caught the eye of filmmaker Zoya Akhtar. “I met Zoya Akhtar at a movie pageant, the place she instructed me she wished to make a movie on my life. She requested me about my experiences and mentioned she’d name me after returning to Mumbai. I began gathering my photograph albums, outdated movies, newspaper clippings, and so on. She was impressed by that.”
Regardless of gives from Mumbai, Shaikh selected to remain in Malegaon. “I by no means meant to go to Mumbai as a result of I heard tales of wrestle from individuals who had been there. I wished to make movies beneath the model of Malegaon—movies made by the individuals of Malegaon. In a documentary, I even mentioned that I didn’t wish to go to Mumbai. I used to be supplied an enormous movie, however I wished to remain true to my roots. Many artists from Malegaon go to Mumbai to grow to be heroes, however they find yourself struggling as a result of they don’t get work. My goal was to create work alternatives for them in Malegaon itself. There are gifted writers, poets, singers, and musicians right here, and I gave them the possibility to work in my movies.”

Nevertheless, cultural constraints introduced challenges. “There’s a conservative Islamic tradition in Malegaon, and girls are inclined to avoid taking part in songs and dances. So, I had to usher in ladies from touring orchestras or drama corporations to behave in my movies.”
Shaikh credit the assist of the Malegaon neighborhood for his capacity to proceed filmmaking. “Hindus and Muslims work collectively right here. After we wanted areas, individuals vacated their homes and allowed us to shoot.”
Reflecting on his journey, he added, “It seems like a dream, seeing my story on display screen.”

Now, producer Sunil Bohra is ready to re-release Malegaon Ka Superman with up to date grading, re-editing, and a brand new tune. The movie holds deep emotional significance, as its lead actor, Shafique Shaikh, handed away from most cancers in 2011.