What’s the Deal with Maalik?
Indian cinema has a ton of masala movies and gangster flicks, and Maalik tries its hand at mixing those things together. It’s got Rajkummar Rao (who’s awesome), Prosenjit Chatterjee, and Manushi Chhillar, and it’s set in the rough world of Allahabad (now Prayagraj) back in the ’90s. Think guns, blood, and lots of drama! Does it bring something new? Or is it just another gangster movie? Let’s break it down. Rajkummar Rao did a super great job, it’s a good movie to watch.
The Story: Seen It Before, But…
Okay, so the story in Maalik isn’t exactly new. It’s the classic thing: Regular dude gets screwed over, turns to crime, gets powerful, and then things fall apart. It’s in Allahabad in the late ’80s and ’90s, and it’s about Maalik (Rajkummar Rao), who goes from a normal guy to a gangster people are scared of. It’s kinda predictable: bad stuff happens, so he fights back, gets greedy, and someone will probably stab him in the back. But the first part is cool. It pulls you in with some style, some funny moments, and some intense stuff that makes you care about Maalik’s messy world.
Pulkit and Jyotsana Nath wrote the movie, and they didn’t skip the usual stuff you see in these kinds of movies. So expect big fights, dramatic lines, and a main character who’s both tough and easy to relate to. The story itself hasn’t been done before, but it makes up for it with storytelling. The second half isn’t as good and gets a bit boring.
Rajkummar Rao is Awesome
Seriously, watch Maalik for Rajkummar Rao. People love him in movies like Bareilly Ki Barfi and Stree, where he plays regular guys. But here, he goes all-in on this action thing, and he’s believable doing. He plays Maalik so well. You can see it in the beard, the gold chains, and the cigarette hanging out of his mouth. But he makes Maalik somebody that can get hurt.
There is a scene where Maalik makes a man spit on the floor and lick it, smiling cruelly with a satisfied grin. Whether he’s got a machine gun or shouting lines you won’t forget, Rao makes every scene feel real. Seeing him go from a regular guy to a gangster is awesome.
The Other Actors? Pretty Good
Rajkummar Rao is great, but the others are nice too. Prosenjit Chatterjee is a suspended cop, and he’s really serious and good in the movie. Manushi Chhillar plays Maalik’s wife, who is the story’s moral guide. They work well together, and it makes the movie better. Anshumaan Pushkar is Maalik’s loyal guy, and he does a great job. Saurabh Shukla and Swanand Kirkire are bad politicians, which adds to the movie. Saurabh Sachdeva and Rajendra Gupta act well too.
How It’s Made: Good at First, Then Not as Much
Pulkit directed Maalik and co-wrote it with Jyotsana Nath. The movie has style, especially at the start. It moves fast, and the comedy feels real. The lines sound like people would talk in Allahabad back then. But the writing isn’t great later on.
The movie looks good, feels dusty, and makes Allahabad feel chaotic. The action is pretty cool, but sometimes it’s too much, like when Rao shoots down people with a machine gun. The music is cool, but sometimes it’s too loud during the quiet scenes.
What’s Good About Maalik?
Maalik does have its cool. Rajkummar Rao’s action makes it worth watching. The first half is exciting too. Also, the part where the actors get along.
What’s Not So Good About Maalik?
The story isn’t new. The second is a bit too long. The film just follows old patterns that undermine the first half’s freshness. It just feels like the movie had an opportunity to do bigger things.
Plus, they could have done more with the supporting characters . They are underdeveloped which makes the film unlikeable.
Maalik Movie Review – Key Highlights & Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Maalik |
| Release Date | July 11, 2025 |
| Genre | Gangster Drama / Masala Action |
| Director | Pulkit |
| Writers | Pulkit and Jyotsana Nath |
| Lead Actor | Rajkummar Rao as Maalik – a feared gangster with a complex moral compass |
| Key Supporting Cast | Prosenjit Chatterjee as suspended cop- Manushi Chhillar as Maalik’s wife- Anshumaan Pushkar, Saurabh Shukla, Swanand Kirkire |
| Setting | 1980s–1990s Allahabad (now Prayagraj), India |
| Plot Theme | Rise-and-fall of a common man turned gangster, rooted in revenge, power, betrayal, and redemption |
| Story Strengths | Engaging first half- Grounded storytelling- Stylish sequences and intense drama |
| Rajkummar Rao’s Impact | Transforms convincingly into a gangster; delivers a standout, high-energy performance full of swagger and intensity |
| Direction Style | Mix of local flavor, stylized visuals, and masala tropes; strong on atmosphere but weaker in originality |
| Dialogue & Language | Reflective of the era and setting, with gritty, colloquial expressions that enhance realism |
| Cinematography | Captures the dust, chaos, and tension of 1990s Allahabad effectively |
| Action Sequences | High-octane and well-choreographed; sometimes exaggerated but entertaining |
| Emotional Core | Grounded through Maalik’s relationship with his wife and loyal allies |
| Key Scene Highlight | Rao’s chilling “spit-and-lick” scene displays his acting range and character transformation |
| Pacing Issues | Second half suffers from drag and predictability; lacks the freshness of the first half |
| Weaknesses | Predictable plot structure- Some underdeveloped characters- Overuse of gangster clichés |
| Performance Highlights | Rajkummar Rao: Stellar- Prosenjit Chatterjee: Solid & grounded- Manushi Chhillar: Poised, though limited screen presence |
| Music & Score | Energetic background score; effective in action scenes, but overpowering in emotional moments |
| Running Time | Over 2 hours – slightly stretched in the latter part |
| Target Audience | Fans of masala films, gangster sagas, Rajkummar Rao admirers, and lovers of high-energy action dramas |
| OTT Release | Expected soon on major Indian streaming platforms (TBA) |
| Box Office Presence | Currently running in theaters across India and selected international markets |
| Overall Verdict | A star-driven entertainer that thrives on performance and energy, even though the plot walks a familiar path |
| Star Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5) |
| Should You Watch It? | Yes – if you enjoy gritty gangster dramas, power-packed performances, or Rajkummar Rao’s filmography |
Should You Watch It?
Yeah, Maalik gets a boost from Rajkummar Rao’s skills. If you like him, it’s worth it. The high-energy parts, local humor, and strong acting make it fun. It might not be super original, but it’s perfect for a weekend movie night.
The Final Word: Rajkummar Rao Rocks
Maalik is cool because of its Rajkummar Rao. The actor helps the story. If you like gangster stories or want to see Rao play a gangster, check out Maalik. Maalik thrives because of the lead actor.
Key Things About Maalik
- Rajkummar Rao is Awesome: He turns into a gangster and is the film’s best part.
- First Half is good: It moves fast and the humor is good.
- Story’s not new: The rise-fall’s been done over and over.
- Good cast: The other actors help, good job
- Fun for Gangster movie fans: Action-packed guys will like.
Where’s Maalik Playing?
Maalik is available to watch in Indian theaters and even on OTT platforms.
In short: Worth it?
Maalik is worth it, you will enjoy the show while it lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Maalik (2025)
What is Maalik about?
Maalik is a gritty gangster drama set in 1990s Allahabad (now Prayagraj). It follows the rise of an ordinary man, Maalik, into a feared underworld don. The story explores themes of power, betrayal, politics, and revenge, framed in a classic rise-and-fall narrative style.
Who plays the lead role in Maalik?
The lead role is played by Rajkummar Rao, who delivers a powerful performance as the titular gangster. His transformation into a menacing character marks a bold shift from his usual roles.
Who directed and wrote Maalik?
Maalik is directed by Pulkit. The screenplay is co-written by Pulkit and Jyotsana Nath. The writing combines crime drama with socio-political commentary, particularly in the first half of the film.
Is Maalik based on a true story?
No, Maalik is a fictional story. However, it is inspired by real socio-political conditions and crime dynamics in Northern India during the late 1980s and 1990s.
What makes Rajkummar Rao’s performance stand out?
Rajkummar Rao’s portrayal of Maalik stands out for its intensity and transformation. He fully immerses into the gangster persona, delivering a mix of menace, charisma, and emotional depth that anchors the entire film.
How did the supporting cast perform?
The supporting cast adds significant value:
- Prosenjit Chatterjee plays a layered role as a suspended cop.
- Manushi Chhillar plays Maalik’s wife and moral anchor.
- Anshumaan Pushkar impresses as Maalik’s loyal aide.
- Saurabh Shukla and Swanand Kirkire play corrupt politicians with conviction.
Does the film have a lot of action?
Yes, Maalik features several intense action sequences including street fights and shootouts. The choreography is high-energy and dramatic, especially in the first half.
Is the storyline original?
While engaging, the storyline follows a familiar trajectory of a gangster’s rise and fall. The first half feels fresh with fast pacing and strong character moments, but the second half falls into predictable plot tropes.
How is the direction and cinematography?
The direction captures the gritty, chaotic environment of 90s Allahabad effectively. Cinematography enhances the dusty, raw aesthetic, and the film has a strong sense of place. However, the storytelling in the latter half becomes formulaic.
Are the dialogues impactful?
Yes, the dialogues are infused with local dialects, sharp one-liners, and dramatic flair that suit the film’s tone. They help ground the narrative in its North Indian setting.
What is the runtime of Maalik?
The film has a runtime of just over two hours. While the first half moves briskly, the second half tends to drag due to repetitive emotional and action sequences.
Where is Maalik available to watch?
As of July 11, 2025, Maalik is available in theaters across India and select overseas locations. The film is expected to release on major OTT platforms in the near future.
What are the main strengths of Maalik?
- Rajkummar Rao’s standout performance
- Strong supporting cast with meaningful roles
- Engaging and well-paced first half
- Authentic 90s setting and visual tone
- High-energy action and local flavor
What are the weaknesses of Maalik?
- Predictable plot developments in the second half
- Some supporting characters feel underwritten
- A few action scenes are over-stylized
- Missed opportunity for a more innovative story arc