Maalik

"Maalik," a gritty gangster drama directed by Pulkit and starring Rajkummar Rao in the titular role, has arrived with a thud, leaving audiences and critics with sharply divided opinions. Released on July 11, 2025, the film attempts to chart the familiar path of a man's rise from humble beginnings to a feared underworld kingpin. While it boasts a stellar central performance, its predictable narrative and uneven execution prevent it from becoming a definitive entry in the genre.

The film's plot is set in the late 1980s and early '90s in Allahabad. We are introduced to Deepak (Rajkummar Rao), a young man whose life is irrevocably altered after a violent incident involving his farmer father. Seeking retribution, Deepak commits a brutal act that sets him on a path of crime. Adopting the moniker "Maalik" (Master), he systematically builds his criminal empire, navigating a web of corrupt politicians and rival gangs. His journey is a constant struggle for dominance and survival, while his personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife Shalini (Manushi Chhillar), offers a contrast to his public persona. A determined police officer, Prabhu Das (Prosenjit Chatterjee), enters the scene with the sole mission of bringing Maalik down, adding another layer of conflict.

What is universally agreed upon is Rajkummar Rao's powerful performance. He fully commits to the role, convincingly portraying the transition from a vulnerable young man to a menacing gangster. His portrayal is lauded for its intensity and nuance, with some critics even calling it one of his most layered acts to date. Even in a familiar narrative, Rao's screen presence and ability to embody the character's internal conflicts make him compelling to watch. Prosenjit Chatterjee, in a brief but impactful role as the seasoned cop, also earns praise. Manushi Chhillar, as Maalik's wife, brings a sense of groundedness to her character, serving as the film's moral compass. The supporting cast, including Saurabh Shukla and Swanand Kirkire, also lend able support.

However, the film's strengths are largely confined to its performances. The screenplay, written by Pulkit and Jyotsana Nath, is a major point of contention. Many critics found the story to be cliché and predictable, borrowing heavily from a long line of gangster films like Vaastav and even more recent works. The narrative struggles with a convoluted and at times tedious pace, particularly in the second half. While some action sequences are shot with finesse, the overall storytelling is seen as uninspired and lacking the emotional depth needed to make the viewer truly connect with the characters' journey. The film's attempts at creating a moody, realistic world are often undercut by its adherence to worn-out tropes, including inevitable betrayals and predictable plot twists.

In conclusion, Maalik is a film that presents a mixed bag. It stands as a showcase for Rajkummar Rao's immense talent, and his dedicated performance is the primary reason to watch. The film attempts to be a gritty, grounded political drama, but its lack of originality in storytelling and an uneven narrative arc prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it may appeal to fans of the gangster genre who are looking for a familiar ride, those seeking a fresh and innovative take on the subject might find themselves disappointed. Maalik is not a bad film, but it is one that feels like a missed opportunity to truly distinguish itself from the countless gangster sagas that have come before it.

Mostly actors performed great. BUT Prosenjit Chatterjee was wasted. Repetitive after interval. BUT cinematography is perfect. I was reaallllyyy exited because of the trailer but the movie disappointed me a bit. But the great thing is that Rajkumar tried something different and he shines in it. The story has FLAWSSSSS but Maanushi's performed was too good in compare to his older works like samrath prithviraj. AND I LOVE THE GUY WHO WAS THE MENTOR OF MANOJ KUMAR SHARMA IN 12TH FAIL IN THIS MOVIE. SWANAND KIRKIRE sir was a add on in the film. But film was not able to explain the conflict between RAJKUMAR and SAURABH SHUKLA well and this point was stretched a bit. Overall fun watch for first time.

Mallik has an interesting premise and moments of solid drama, but the overall execution feels uneven. The performances are sincere, especially from the lead, but pacing issues and predictable plot twists weaken the overall impact. The music is decent and the visuals capture the mood, yet the film doesn't quite rise above mediocrity. Worth a watch if you like character-driven stories, but don't expect anything groundbreaking.

Maalik is a gangster drama which tries to be so much but lacks the core writing to land at that level. Although it's refreshing to see Rajkummar playing something other than his typecast and he does a good job with his looks and acting. Manushi is just decent and does her minimal job. Saurabh Shukla and Saurabh Sachdeva tend to be strong characters of this world but their characters have been written terribly and lack any context or motivation. The Maalik title score is good but hasn't been materialised well in the film and many scenes which could have been better are let down by an underwhelming background score that doesn't give them the elevation needed.

The movie's biggest flaw is its screenplay and writing. 3/3

fails to connect you with its emotions and the motivations of its characters. The first half is mostly dull and gradual, except for the interval act which creates the high the film needs. Few dialogues have been written well. Just when the movie begins to pick up grip and pace, it gets interrupted by the romantic plot between Raj and Manushi and completely forgets about the crucial event that had taken place. The action cinematography and gun fighting look good in the setup, but the audience is unable to connect with those intense emotions. Overall, Maalik comes with Rajkummar's strong act but due to a weak script, it just does not turn out to be that praiseworthy.

OVERALL -4/10.

Maalik tries to swagger into the world of gangster epics but ends up as a formulaic slog that offers nothing new beyond a strong central performance by Rajkummar Rao. With its familiar tropes, a dragged-out second half, and a total lack of narrative surprises, the film is yet another forgettable entry in the overpopulated gangster-politics crossover space. The treatment lacks freshness, and the tonality feels uneven.

There is absolutely nothing in the storyline that hasn't been done and done better in countless gangster films before it. The screenplay has a few serviceable moments, but for the most part, it trudges along predictably. There's little to no narrative tension, and the film leans heavily on archetypes instead of creating compelling characters. If you're a die-hard fan of gangster dramas and can overlook predictability in favor of gritty performances, you might find some value here.

Rajkummar Rao, as always, gives it his all. He slips into the role of a hardened gangster with convincing intensity, and even when the film falters, his performance remains grounded and compelling. Manushi Chhillar, Saurabh Shukla, and Swanand Kirkire delivers decent performance. Anshumaan Pushkar is a pleasant surprise. Coming off his powerful performance in 12th Fail, he delivers another nuanced act. Saurabh Sachdeva and Prosenjit Chatterjee start strong, with menacing screen presence, but their arcs fade quickly into predictable caricatures. Huma Qureshi's item number is as forgettable as it is unnecessary.

Direction 2/5 Acting 2.5/5 Dialogues 2/5 Story 2/5 Screenplay 1.5/5.