Adarsh Gourav Reflects on 'Superboys of Malegaon' Box Office Performance and Future Legacy
Actor Adarsh Gourav has opened up about the theatrical performance of his critically-acclaimed film "Superboys of Malegaon," expressing that he did not expect it to do well in cinemas but believes it will "age beautifully" over time. In a recent interview, Gourav highlighted the challenges faced by films without known commercial actors in attracting audiences to theatres in the post-pandemic era.
Box Office Realities and Audience Shifts
Gourav pointed out that the dynamics of cinema-going have evolved significantly. "It's very hard for a film that doesn't have known commercial actors to pull the audience into the theatre. The reason people go to theatres has changed post-pandemic," he explained. He noted that today's market often demands big-ticket films about major events or star-studded casts to draw crowds, making it difficult for niche projects with lesser-known talent to thrive initially.
Directed by Reema Kagti, "Superboys of Malegaon" is inspired by the true story of Nasir Shaikh and a group of cinema enthusiasts from Malegaon who turn to filmmaking as an escape from their daily lives. The film features Gourav alongside Vineet Kumar Singh and Shashank Arora in lead roles.
Confidence in Long-Term Appreciation
Despite its box office struggles, Gourav remains optimistic about the film's future. "I'm grateful that I got to be part of a film like 'Superboys…' because I know that this film will age. Ten years from now, people will be talking about 'Superboys of Malegaon'," he stated. This confidence stems from his belief in the film's quality and storytelling, which he feels will resonate more deeply with audiences over time.
Strategic Move to Commercial Cinema
While passionate about niche subjects, Gourav is consciously pursuing commercial projects to broaden his reach. His upcoming film, "Tu Yaa Main," a survival drama directed by Bejoy Nambiar, marks this strategic shift. "One of the strongest reasons why I wanted to be part of this film was because I did want to be part of a commercial film. I want a lot more people to know who I am," he admitted.
In "Tu Yaa Main," Gourav plays Aalaa Flowpura, a flamboyant rapper, alongside Shanaya Kapoor. The story follows social media influencers whose romantic getaway turns deadly when they are trapped in a swimming pool with a crocodile. Gourav revealed using animal-inspired acting techniques, choosing a peacock to embody his character's showy nature, a method he has previously employed in roles like in "Mom" and "The White Tiger."
Balancing Art and Accessibility
Gourav hopes that success in commercial ventures like "Tu Yaa Main" will empower him to support independent filmmakers and writers. "I hope it will help me gain more power to invest in the writers, the directors that have been waiting on the line right now because their scripts are not getting greenlit," he said.
However, he clarified that he is not interested in "tentpole" spectacle movies where story often takes a backseat. "I'm more interested in deep-diving into the psychology of an individual from a character's standpoint," he emphasized, preferring projects that allow for character exploration and collaboration with inspiring filmmakers.
Produced by Aanand L Rai, Himanshu Sharma, and Vinod Bhanushali, "Tu Yaa Main" represents Gourav's effort to bridge the gap between artistic integrity and mass appeal, as he continues to navigate the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
