The hype around Maalik has been massive, and a lot of it revolves around one name Rajkummar Rao. Known for his honest, emotional portrayals in films like Shahid, Newton, and Stree, Rao dives deep into the gritty world of 90s gangsters in this intense drama.
This time, he sheds his relatable middle-class image and transforms into a hardened criminal. With a thick beard, gold chains, and a cold stare, Rajkummar Rao looks almost unrecognizable in the role of Maalik. From the very first scene, his presence demands your attention.
Rajkummar Rao Shines in Maalik
Let’s be clear Rajkummar Rao owns this film. His portrayal of Maalik is raw, fearless, and intense. Whether he’s intimidating a victim with a chilling smirk or commanding power with machine guns and mafia deals, he’s completely in control.
Even in the slower moments, especially those with his on-screen wife (played by Manushi Chhillar), Rao brings depth to his character. He’s not just a gangster; he’s a man with emotions, regrets, and vulnerabilities. Rajkummar Rao’s performance alone makes Maalik worth a watch.
A Familiar Story That Fails to Match Rao’s Brilliance
While Rajkummar Rao shines, the story falls into predictable patterns. The rise of a small-time criminal to a feared underworld kingpin feels like something we’ve seen many times before. Sleazy politicians, corrupt cops, betrayals the usual gangster film tropes are all here.
Directed by Pulkit, Maalik takes us to the dusty lanes of 90s Allahabad. The setting is promising, but the execution loses steam, especially in the second half. The film, which runs over 2.5 hours, often feels stretched and repetitive.
Maalik Cast and Direction
Maalik has a strong lineup of supporting actors, but most of them don’t get enough to do. Prosenjit Chatterjee plays a conflicted cop with his usual gravitas, but the character lacks depth. Saurabh Shukla and Swanand Kirkire are convincing as corrupt politicians but are given stereotypical roles.
Anshumaan Pushkar, as Maalik’s right-hand man, delivers a solid performance, though his arc is highly predictable. Manushi Chhillar, in the role of Maalik’s wife, brings emotional balance but isn’t given enough screen time to truly shine.
Visuals, Music, and Technical Aspects
The film tries hard to recreate the gritty vibe of 90s Uttar Pradesh. While some moments feel authentic, others fall short due to uneven production design. The action sequences are decent but lack the punch and originality expected from a top-tier gangster drama.
The background score by Ketan Sodha sometimes feels too loud or overly dramatic, though Sachin-Jigar’s music does create the right atmosphere in parts. Overall, the technical side of Maalik feels like a hit-and-miss.
Audience Reactions – Divided But Curious
Reactions to Maalik have been quite mixed. Fans of Rajkummar Rao are calling his performance a masterclass, saying he alone makes the movie engaging. For them, Rao’s dedication overshadows the film’s flaws.
Some viewers enjoyed the first half but felt the second dragged too much. They praised Rao but criticized the lack of tension and surprise in the storytelling. Others were less forgiving, calling the film clichéd and disappointing, especially the climax.
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