Maalik

Watch it only for Raj's phenominal acting. Story is something we all have seen numerous times. A good guy turned to a goon/mafia but it never gives the thrill except for a couple places. Everyone actor did justice to their role but it is the screenplay which does not keep you gripped. First half is extremely boring, it picks up only near interval. Misplaced/unwanted romantic song sequence.

It can be missed or just watch it on OTT.

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 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.

Rajkummar Rao once again proves he's one of the most versatile actors in Bollywood. In Maalik, he delivers a layered, intense performance - playing a man caught between power, loyalty, and inner chaos. You can feel every emotion in his eyes - from quiet rage to silent pain. 🎭

The film blends political drama with psychological tension, giving us a slow-burn story that builds as it unfolds. The writing is smart, though the pacing at times felt a bit stretched. Some subplots could've been tighter.

The cinematography and background score elevate the mood beautifully. And the dialogues? Sharp, thought-provoking, and at times haunting.

The only good thing about this film is the powerful performance by RKR. He brings intensity and depth to every scene he appears in, making his character the only memorable part. But sadly, the rest of the movie doesn't live up to the expectations. It's a typical Bollywood gangster flick with the same old plotlines, forced drama, and over-the-top sequences. The story feels unnecessarily dragged, especially in the second half, where scenes just go in circles. Despite RKR's best efforts, the film fails to leave a lasting impression. Watch it only for his acting - skip the rest.

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