White Tiger actor Adarsh Gourav is hoping to step behind the camera. The actor, who recently appeared in the Prime Video web series Guns and Gulaabs with Dulquer Salmaan, Rajkummar Rao, and Gulshan Devaiah, is headlining the upcoming Reema Kagti film Superboys of Malegaon.
The film is based on true events and the 2008 documentary Supermen of Malegaon, about a group of aspiring filmmakers, made by Faiza Ahmad Khan.
Adarsh, who is bringing to life the tale of real-life filmmaker Nasir Shaikh, said the experience compelled him to try his hand at directing when he feels the time is right.
In an interaction with IANS, Adarsh said, "Storytelling has always fascinated me, not just as an actor but as a creative force in its entirety. I’ve always been drawn to the world behind the camera—the process of building a narrative, shaping characters, and visually bringing emotions to life. My desire has always been to explore all aspects of creative arts, and directing is a natural step in that journey. I want to explore all avenues of acting first and direction I feel will be a natural course.”
On being inspired by Nasir Shaikh, Adarsh says he taught him that "cinema is not just about grand sets and massive productions" but at its core is about "storytelling and the emotions it evokes."
Working on Superboys of Malegaon, he added, was an "eye-opening experience", one which "pivoted" his curiosity about filmmaking in its "purest form".
"Nasir Shaikh’s story is one of sheer passion and determination—he creates cinema with minimal resources but maximum heart. Watching how he navigates filmmaking, with limited budgets, local actors, and raw talent, has been incredibly inspiring. This film has definitely pivoted my curiosity about filmmaking in its purest form. I see myself eventually stepping into direction in the future. Acting has given me a deep understanding of character, emotions, and performance, and I hope to use that knowledge when I transition into directing. For now, I’m focused on honing my craft as an actor, but the idea of directing is always at the back of my mind. I know that when the time is right, I will take that leap.”
Superboys of Malegaon will hit theatres on February 28.
