Reema Kagti’s latest directorial venture, Superboys of Malegaon, opened to a lukewarm reception at the box office, earning only Rs.45 lakh on its first day. This figure marks the lowest opening for a film in 2025, surpassing the previous underperformer, Loveyapa, which debuted with Rs.1.15 crore.
Box Office Performance
Despite mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, Superboys of Malegaon failed to attract significant audiences on its opening day. The film recorded an overall occupancy rate of 8.85%, with morning shows at 6.05%, afternoon at 6.89%, evening at 9.11%, and night shows peaking at 13.36%.
In comparison, Sohum Shah’s Crazxy, released on the same day, outperformed Kagti’s film, indicating a stronger audience preference for the former.
About the Film
Superboys of Malegaon draws inspiration from the 2008 documentary Supermen of Malegaon, focusing on the life of Nasir Shaikh and other amateur filmmakers in the Indian city of Malegaon. The narrative showcases their passion for cinema and the challenges they face in creating films with limited resources. The cast features Adarsh Gourav, Vineet Kumar Singh, and others. It premiered at TIFF 2024 before releasing theatrically on February 28, 2025.
Critical Reception
Critics praised its heartfelt portrayal of Malegaon’s filmmakers, but low audience turnout raises concerns about its marketing and broader appeal.
Industry Context
The underwhelming performance of Superboys of Malegaon adds to a series of low-opening films in 2025.
Other struggling titles include Badass Ravikumar (Rs.2.75 crore), Azaad (Rs.1.5 crore), and Mere Husband Ki Biwi (Rs.1.5 crore) starring Arjun Kapoor.
Possible Factors for Low Opening
Several factors may have contributed to the disappointing opening of Superboys of Malegaon:
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Limited Marketing and Promotion: The film’s promotional activities may not have reached a wide audience, limiting public awareness and interest.
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Niche Subject Matter: Focusing on amateur filmmakers in a small town, the film’s theme might not have resonated with the mainstream audience, leading to limited appeal.
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Competition: Releasing alongside Crazxy, which garnered more attention, could have diverted potential viewers away from Kagti’s film.
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Audience Preferences: Current audience trends may favor different genres or storytelling styles, leaving Superboys of Malegaon at a disadvantage.
Future Prospects
Despite a slow start, Superboys of Malegaon may recover through word-of-mouth and marketing, attracting niche audiences with its inspirational narrative.
Conclusion
Superboys of Malegaon‘s disappointing opening highlights the challenges faced by films with unconventional themes in attracting mainstream audiences. While critical acclaim is valuable, aligning it with audience expectations and effective marketing strategies is crucial for box office success. The film industry must continue to explore diverse narratives while ensuring they reach and resonate with the intended viewers.
