Maalik (2025): Blood, Power, and a Violent Ascent
Maalik, released on July 11, 2025, throws viewers into the unforgiving world of crime, politics, and revenge. Director Pulkit, along with writer Jyotsana Nath, crafts a gangster saga set in the 1980s heartland of India. The story follows Deepak, a humble farmer’s son who turns into one of the most feared crime bosses in Allahabad.
The film combines action, grit, and social commentary, with Rajkummar Rao leading the charge in one of his most physically and emotionally demanding roles to date. Tips Industries and Northern Lights backed the project, and Pen Marudhar handled the theatrical distribution.
🔥 Rajkummar Rao Delivers a Career-Defining Performance
Rajkummar Rao transforms completely for the role of Deepak. He changes his physical appearance, voice modulation, and body language to become a ruthless criminal kingpin. Critics and fans agree—Rao dominates the screen. He brings raw intensity, control, and menace to every scene. He doesn’t just play Deepak—he becomes him.
Throughout the film, Rao maintains a perfect balance between ferocity and vulnerability. One moment, he calmly issues an order for violence; the next, he questions his own path. His transformation from a soft-spoken villager to a feared mafia don feels authentic and gripping.
Fans on social media call his performance “electrifying” and “a complete departure” from his previous characters. Despite the film’s predictable story, Rao’s acting alone gives it moments of brilliance.
📖 Plot and Narrative: Solid Foundation but Familiar Execution
Maalik begins with Deepak’s peaceful life in a rural village. His father, a man of integrity, suffers public humiliation at the hands of a local goon. Deepak responds, not with anger, but with calculated violence. That act launches his journey into the underworld.
The narrative spans several years and tracks Deepak’s rise through power circles, crime syndicates, and political machinations. As Deepak grows in influence, he encounters rival gangs, corrupt politicians, and a relentless police officer, SP Prabhu Das.
However, the story treads familiar ground. Audiences have seen similar arcs in films like Vaastav, Satya, and Company. The film uses many genre clichés—violent shootouts, dramatic betrayals, and moral decay. The second half, especially, drags as the script leans heavily on predictable twists and flashbacks.
The film doesn’t innovate, but it tells a classic gangster tale with confidence.
🎭 Supporting Cast: Strong Lineup with Uneven Impact
Prosenjit Chatterjee plays SP Prabhu Das, a police officer committed to bringing down Deepak. Chatterjee brings gravitas to his role and shares intense screen time with Rao. Critics appreciated his commanding presence and measured performance.
Manushi Chhillar plays Shalini, Deepak’s pregnant wife. She delivers a sincere performance, showing warmth and quiet strength. However, the script sidelines her character, limiting her to emotional support and reaction shots. Viewers and critics believe she deserved more screen time and a stronger arc.
Saurabh Shukla, Swanand Kirkire, Saurabh Sachdeva, and Anshumaan Pushkar fill out the supporting cast. While each of them plays their roles convincingly, the writing doesn’t allow their characters to evolve beyond stereotypes. They exist to either propel Deepak forward or oppose him, but none stand out as fully developed individuals.
🎞️ Direction, Cinematography, and Soundtrack
Director Pulkit keeps the action brutal and the tension high. He focuses on Deepak’s transformation and doesn’t shy away from graphic violence. The confrontations feel real, the shootouts feel chaotic, and the world feels lived-in.
Anuj Rakesh Dhawan’s cinematography captures the gritty environment beautifully. He uses shadows, dim lighting, and rustic locations to build the atmosphere. Several scenes, especially those in abandoned warehouses and crowded city streets, look visually striking.
Ketan Sodha’s background score adds depth. He uses haunting strings and percussion to underline the emotional and violent beats. The music doesn’t overpower the narrative, but it complements the tone perfectly.
The production design, costumes, and makeup reflect the 1980s aesthetic well. The film doesn’t overdo nostalgia, but it pays attention to detail in every frame.
📉 Where the Film Falls Short
Despite the strong acting and technical quality, Maalik suffers from weak writing. The story follows a familiar pattern: personal loss, rise to power, peak, and fall. Viewers can predict most of the major twists early on.
The film also feels too long. The second half adds flashbacks and exposition that slow down the momentum. Instead of tightening the narrative, the screenplay stretches thin.
The script introduces powerful ideas—revenge, justice, corruption, loyalty—but doesn’t explore them deeply. Characters talk about morals and legacy, but the film doesn’t push those themes far enough.
🗣️ Audience Buzz and Social Media Reactions
Audiences shared mixed reactions online. Many praised Rajkummar Rao’s performance and the film’s gritty tone. Viewers posted clips and photos on social media with captions like “Rao at his finest” and “True gangster cinema.”
However, others criticized the film for playing it safe. Some found the pacing slow and the ending underwhelming. A section of the audience also pointed out the lack of strong female characters and meaningful subplots.
Social media buzz helped generate strong opening-day numbers, especially in urban centers. Early reports suggest Maalik collected solid figures at the box office, thanks to star power and pre-release hype.
📸 Behind-the-Scenes and Latest Updates
In the lead-up to the release, the entire cast visited Bangla Sahib Gurudwara to seek blessings. Photos from the visit went viral, adding a spiritual touch to the film’s promotion.
In a heartwarming personal update, Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha announced that they are expecting their first child. Rao mentioned in an interview that fatherhood motivates him to take on more challenging roles and build a meaningful legacy.
Prosenjit Chatterjee faced a minor controversy at a press event when a comment about language sparked online criticism. He later clarified that he chose to speak in Hindi to ensure inclusivity for all media professionals present. His statement calmed most of the backlash.
✅ Strengths and Weaknesses Recap
Strengths:
- Rajkummar Rao’s intense, layered performance
- Gritty and authentic visuals
- Engaging first half and solid action
- Strong supporting cast performances
Weaknesses:
- Predictable and formulaic plot
- Weak female characterization
- Sluggish second half
- Limited emotional depth
🎤 Final Verdict
Maalik serves as a showcase for Rajkummar Rao’s range and commitment. His performance gives the film a solid emotional and dramatic core. The visuals, music, and action add texture and intensity. The film succeeds in delivering a raw, high-octane gangster drama.
But it doesn’t break new ground. The story sticks too closely to genre conventions, and the screenplay misses the chance to offer something original or thought-provoking.
If you love gangster films and want to see Rao in a bold new role, Maalik offers enough to justify a trip to the theater. If you seek fresh storytelling or nuanced characters, the film may leave you wanting more.
Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
A gritty gangster flick carried by a powerhouse performance but held back by a familiar story.
