Maalik (2025) Movie Review: Rajkummar Rao Shines in a Gritty Yet Predictable Gangster Saga

Plot Summary: A Familiar Tale of Vengeance and Power

Maalik tells the story of Deepak (Rajkummar Rao), a young man from a humble farming family in 1980s Allahabad. The narrative kicks off with a tragic incident: Deepak’s father (Rajendra Gupta) a loyal farmer is brutally injured while protecting his employer’s fields from land encroachers. Driven by rage and a thirst for vengeance, Deepak tracks down the perpetrator, a local thug named Langda and kills him in a violent outburst. This act marks the beginning of Deepak’s transformation into “Maalik” a ruthless gangster who rises through the ranks of the criminal underworld with sheer ambition and brutality.

The film traces Deepak’s journey from a small-town boy to a feared crime lord, navigating a world of political louts, betrayals, and moral dilemmas. As he builds his empire, Deepak, now Maalik, faces challenges from rival gangs corrupt politicians and a determined police officer Prabhu Das (Prosenjit Chatterjee). Manushi Chhillar plays a pivotal role as Deepak’s love interest adding a layer of emotional complexity while Huma Qureshi and Saurabh Shukla bring depth to the supporting cast. The story explores themes of power class struggle and the cost of unchecked ambition but it often treads familiar territory, drawing comparisons to films like Vaastav, Satya and the KGF franchise.

Performances: Rajkummar Rao Steals the Show

Rajkummar Rao is the heart and soul of Maalik. Known for his versatility Rao delivers a powerhouse performance embodying the raw intensity of a man consumed by vengeance and ambition. His physical transformation sporting a rugged beard grown over 80 days adds authenticity to his portrayal of a menacing gangster. Rao’s ability to balance ferocity with vulnerability makes Deepak/Maalik a compelling character even when the script falters. His electrifying screen presence especially in high-octane action sequences has been widely praised by audiences and critics alike. As one X user noted “Rajkummar Rao shines in and as Maalik in the film his performance is really electrifying” .

Manushi Chhillar in her first major role of 2025 plays Deepak’s love interest with sincerity but struggles with a poorly fleshed-out character. Her role feels underwritten limiting her impact despite her earnest efforts. Prosenjit Chatterjee as the police officer Prabhu Das delivers a solid performance, though critics have pointed out that his character lacks the depth needed to match Rao’s intensity. Huma Qureshi and Saurabh Shukla bring their trademark gravitas to the film but their roles are underutilized leaving audiences wanting more. The ensemble cast including Swanand Kirkire and Anshumaan Pushkar adds value but the focus remains squarely on Rao.

Direction and Screenplay: A Mixed Bag

Director Pulkit known for his commercial sensibilities, crafts Maalik with an eye for mass appeal. The film’s setting in 1980s Allahabad is vividly recreated with attention to detail in costumes dialogues and cinematography. However, the screenplay while engaging in parts suffers from predictability and clichés. The narrative borrows heavily from successful South Indian films like KGF and Pushpa which have set a high bar for commercial action entertainers in Hindi markets. Unfortunately Maalik fails to bring the same originality or emotional depth resulting in a sense of déjà vu.

The first half of the film is gripping, with a fast-paced setup and intense action sequences. However the second half drags, with an overlong runtime and repetitive plot points. Critics have noted that the film’s excessive violence and gore may alienate viewers outside the mass audience in certain pockets of India. The screenplay also struggles to evoke empathy for Maalik as his actions are driven by personal ambition rather than a broader cause making it hard for audiences to connect emotionally.

Technical Aspects: A Visual and Auditory Treat

On the technical front Maalik scores high. The cinematography by Anuj Rakesh Dhawan captures the gritty essence of 1980s Allahabad with moody lighting and dynamic camera work that enhance the action sequences. The film’s action choreography is a highlight with Rao’s high-energy stunts adding to the mass appeal. However some critics have pointed out that the excessive bloodshed may not resonate with all audiences.

Mangesh Dhakde’s background score is minimal yet impactful using traditional instruments to underscore the film’s emotional and chaotic moments. Unlike typical Bollywood films Maalik avoids dance number focusing instead on music that complements the narrative. The editing however could have been tighter especially in the second half where pacing issues become evident.

Box Office Performance and Reception

Maalik opened on July 11, 2025, facing stiff competition from Hollywood’s Superman and the Bollywood romantic drama Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. The film’s advance bookings were modest with only 6,500 tickets sold in major cinema chains by the eve of its release, signaling a quiet start. On its opening day Maalik earned ₹4.02 crore outperforming Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan but falling short of expectations set by Rao’s previous films. By day two the film’s collections crossed ₹9 crore showing some growth but struggling to maintain momentum. By day five it had yet to cross the ₹20 crore mark indicating a lukewarm response at the box office.

Themes and Symbolism

Maalik attempts to explore themes of power class struggle and the corrupting influence of ambition. The transformation of Deepak into Maalik symbolizes the loss of innocence in the pursuit of power a common trope in gangster dramas. The film also touches on the socio-political landscape of 1980s Uttar Pradesh where land disputes and political corruption were rampant. However these themes are not explored with the depth they deserve often overshadowed by the film’s focus on action and violence.

Some reviews have highlighted the film’s religious and political undertones particularly in an alternate narrative described by Studiovity which portrays the protagonist as Zahid a man caught between faith and manipulation in a socio-political movement. This version directed by Anubhav Sinha seems to diverge from the main narrative focusing on socially resonant themes. However the theatrical release aligns more closely with the gangster drama described in most reviews suggesting that the Studiovity review may refer to a different cut or misattribution.

Why Watch Maalik?

Despite its flaws Maalik is worth watching for Rajkummar Rao’s stellar performance. His ability to carry the film single-handedly makes it a compelling watch for fans of intense character-driven dramas. The action sequences and technical finesse add to the film’s appeal particularly for audiences who enjoy massy entertainers. However those seeking originality or emotional depth may find Maalik lacking.

The film’s setting in 1980s Allahabad offers a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era and its exploration of class struggle while not groundbreaking resonates with the Hindi heartland’s audience. For fans of Rao this is a chance to see him in a new avatar breaking away from his usual middle-class roles to embrace a larger-than-life gangster persona.

Maalik (2025) is a mixed bag a visually striking action-packed gangster drama elevated by Rajkummar Rao’s fiery performance but weighed down by a predictable script and excessive violence. While it succeeds as a mass entertainer in parts it falls short of the originality and emotional depth needed to stand out in the crowded gangster genre. If you’re a fan of Rao or enjoy gritty action thrillers Maalik offers enough to keep you engaged. However those looking for a fresh take on the genre may find it too formulaic.