Maalik

Why 1 star?

Script: completely predictable and uninspired.

Direction: lacks nuance or innovation.

Pacing: drags, especially post-intermission.

Characters: beyond Rao, most are one-dimensional or wasted roles.

Only the energy and charisma of Rao holds your gaze, but he's fighting a losing battle. The film does not respect your time or expectations. Maalik suffers from cliched storytelling that repeats gangster tropes without any fresh take

Rajkummar Rao's Acting ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10) Story & Screenplay ⭐ (flat, clichéd) Editing & Pacing ⭐ (much too long) Action & Violence ⭐ (indulgent, hollow) Overall Film Quality ⭐ (unoriginal, forgettable)

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.

Maalik is a full-fledged Rajkummar Rao showcase, with the actor stepping into the shoes of a period gangster as a Lead for the first time - and delivering a compelling performance that carries the film from start to finish. Set in an older era of crime and conflict, the film attempts to blend historical grit with emotional depth, but doesn't always succeed on all fronts.

Directed by Pulkit, Maalik draws inspiration from various period dramas, resulting in a storyline that feels familiar and, after a point, predictable. While the narrative tries to build tension and gravitas, it falls into a formulaic rhythm - and that predictability becomes one of the film's biggest drawbacks.

The screenplay takes its time in the first half, focusing heavily on character setup and world-building, but the slow pace stretches the runtime unnecessarily. Fortunately, the second half gains momentum, offering some visually engaging action sequences and emotional peaks. A particular scene showcasing Rajkummar Rao's expression work stands out as a highlight and demonstrates his range.

The cinematography and music are serviceable, complementing the tone of the film without being particularly memorable. However, certain action sequences are well-staged and inject much-needed energy into the narrative.

Performance-wise, Rajkummar Rao dominates the screen, proving once again why he's one of the most versatile actors in the industry. Manushi Chhillar, though limited in screen time, makes a striking impression with her presence and elegance. The supporting cast adds credibility to the world, each playing their part effectively.

Overall, Maalik is worth a watch for Rajkummar Rao's standout performance and some sharp moments, but its predictable plot and stretched pacing make it more of a one-time experience.

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.

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.