Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar go down memory lane, share rare 2009 pics with the OG Malegaon Superboys, Nasir and Shafique

Superboys of Malegaon also stars Adarsh Gourav, Viineet Kumar Siingh, and Shashank Arora.

February 28, 2025 - 4:17 PM IST

Superboys of Malegaon has finally released on the big screen. Directed by Reema Kagti, this film brings to life the inspiring true story of Nasir Sheikh and his friends—dreamers from Malegaon who turned their love for cinema into something extraordinary. But this journey didn’t just begin with the film—it started 15 years ago, in 2009, at the Osian’s - Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema in Delhi.

Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar go down memory lane, share rare 2009 pics with the OG Malegaon Superboys, Nasir and Shafique

That year, destiny brought Nasir Sheikh and his friends face-to-face with filmmakers Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar. Their passion for cinema and relentless determination left a lasting impression, sparking a connection that would, years later, transform into something far greater. What started as an inspiring encounter gradually took shape into the story we see today. Moved by Nasir’s unbreakable spirit, the idea of bringing his journey to the big screen began to take form—proving that when a story is meant to be told, it finds its way.

Zoya Akhtar reflected on this journey, sharing a heartfelt post that read, “Where it all began. Nasir, Shafique, Farhan, and me. Osian Film Festival. Delhi. 2009. @shaikhnasir1997 Thank you for trusting @faroutakhtar @ritesh_sid and me with your life story, for sharing your heart with @vidushak, and for waiting all this time so @reemakagti1 could tell it like only she can. For Farogh and Shafique.”

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A post shared by Zoya Akhtar (@zoieakhtar)

Farhan Akhtar also looked back on the moment their paths first crossed, writing, “As Superboys of Malegaon releases today in theatres, couldn’t help but look back at where it all began. In 2009, at the Osian Film Festival in Delhi, our paths crossed with the OG Malegaon boys, Nasir and Shafique. It was here that the seed of what has now grown into this film was planted. It’s been a long journey, and one can only be grateful for all the people who provided sunshine and rain to make it possible.”

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A post shared by Farhan Akhtar (@faroutakhtar)

A collaboration between Amazon MGM Studios, Excel Entertainment, and Tiger Baby, Superboys of Malegaon is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti. Written by Varun Grover, the film features a stellar ensemble cast, including Adarsh Gourav, Viineet Kumar Siingh, and Shashank Arora.

From a moment in 2009 to a story now being shared across the world, Superboys of Malegaon is playing in cinemas across India, the US, UK, Canada, UAE, Australia, and New Zealand. Because when a story is meant to be told, nothing can stop it.

Also Read: Superboys of Malegaon: Katrina Kaif, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Farah Khan shower love on the Reema Kagti film