Maalik: Rajkummar Rao’s 2025 Gangster Saga Unpacked

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Maalik: Rajkummar Rao’s 2025 Gangster Saga Unpacked

Introduction

Maalik hit theatres on July 11, 2025, marking Pulkit’s second directorial after Bose: Dead/Alive. Headlined by Rajkummar Rao as Deepak—who reinvents himself as a ruthless crime lord dubbed “Maalik”—the film also stars Manushi Chhillar, Prosenjit Chatterjee and a strong supporting ensemble.

Plot Overview

Deepak is the only son of a humble farmer in late-1980s Allahabad.

  • After his father is viciously attacked over land disputes, Deepak pursues bloody revenge.
  • Drawn into local politics and the underworld, he adopts the moniker “Maalik” and rises through brutal force.
  • As Maalik’s power grows, he faces betrayals—from corrupt cops to rival politicians—culminating in a climactic face-off that tests his own moral compass.


Critical Reception

Early word on Maalik split critics and audiences. Consensus praises Rao’s ferocity but flags predictability and pacing issues.

PublicationRatingKey TakeawayCitation
  • Times Now News
  • ★★★★½ (3.5)
  • “A Rajkummar Rao show; never bores, big-screen worthy”
  • 19
  • Hindustan Times
  • ★★★☆☆ (3.0)
  • “Old wine, new swag—Rao’s energy punches above its weight”
  • 29
  • NDTV
  • ★★☆☆☆ (2.0)
  • “Overlong, ultra-violent; revels in clichés with little new to say”
  • 27
  • Filmfare
  • ★★★☆☆ (3.0)
  • “Visceral at times; Rao at his visceral best, but the second half drags”
  • 31

Common praises

  • Rajkummar Rao’s commanding transformation into a gangster persona.
  • Effective period atmospherics and gritty cinematography.

Common criticisms

  • Formulaic story arc of insult, revenge, rise and betrayal.
  • A bloated second half that saps the film’s momentum.

Performance Highlights

  • Rajkummar Rao immerses himself fully, channeling the swagger and savagery of his character. Reviewers note his screen presence elevates otherwise familiar material.
  • Manushi Chhillar brings earnestness as Maalik’s moral anchor, though her role is sidelined until the film’s latter portions.
  • Prosenjit Chatterjee and Saurabh Shukla lend depth as a dogged cop and a manipulative mentor, respectively, offering standout support.

Box Office Collection

Maalik opened to a ₹3.35 Cr worldwide haul on Day 1, according to Filmibeat’s early estimates. Other trackers reported a domestic range of ₹2.75 – 3.48 Cr, underscoring a moderate start for a mid-budget action drama.

Key figures:

  • Opening Day (Worldwide): ₹3.35 Cr
  • Domestic estimates vary between ₹2.94 Cr and ₹3.48 Cr

With word-of-mouth driving its weekend trajectory, the film’s hold in key North Indian markets will determine whether it can surpass its ₹50–60 Cr breakeven benchmark.

Why Maalik Still Matters

While Maalik doesn’t reinvent the gangster genre, it stands out for:

  • A powerhouse central performance that anchors each brutal set-piece.
  • Authentic UP milieu, from dusty lanes to power-broker backrooms.
  • Potential for a sequel, hinted at in the finale, which could tighten loose ends and sharpen the narrative’s edge.

Looking Ahead

  • Will Pulkit return with Maalik 2 and correct the pacing missteps?
  • Can Rajkummar Rao sustain a new “gangster” image against his repertoire of nuanced everyman roles?
  • What lessons can Bollywood draw about balancing star power with fresher storytelling?

Stay tuned as Maalik continues its run—both at the box office and in the ever-evolving tapestry of Indian crime cinema.

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