Maalik

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.

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.

Thanks for reading.

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.

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.