Maalik Movie Review: Rajkummar Rao’s Gangster Drama Wins Hearts but Struggles at Box Office

The Rise and Roar of Maalik: A Real-Time Review

Rajkummar Rao’s latest film Maalik premiered in India today, July 11, 2025, generating buzz across social media and news cycles. Directed by Pulkit, this 2-hour-29-minute action thriller plunges into the criminal underworld of 1980s Prayagraj, exploring ambition, betrayal, and power in a raw, emotional narrative.

Despite strong performances, the movie faces stiff competition and a slow box office start. So why is it trending, and should you watch it?

🎭 Cast & Crew Highlights

• Rajkummar Rao as Maalik — an ordinary man’s rise to underworld dominance

• Manushi Chhillar as Vidya — a love interest bringing emotional weight

• Prosenjit Chatterjee, Huma Qureshi, Saurabh Shukla, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Swanand Kirkire in supporting roles

• Directed by: Pulkit

• Produced by: Kumar Taurani & Jay Shewakramani

• Music: Sachin-Jigar

• Cinematography: Anuj Rakesh Dhawan

🎬 Storyline Breakdown

Set in politically charged 1980s Uttar Pradesh, Maalik is a fictional tale of transformation—from humble beginnings to feared gangster. Key elements include:

• Tension between power and morality

• Internal struggle between ambition and conscience

• The price of loyalty and betrayal

While the plot structure borrows from classic gangster cinema, Maalik attempts a layered character study through emotional depth and moral ambiguity.

🎞️ Performance Review

Rajkummar Rao: A Career-Defining Turn?

Rao delivers a magnetic performance, embodying Maalik’s evolution with chilling intensity. His transformation—growing a beard for over 80 days—is only one part of a nuanced portrayal marked by restrained rage and vulnerability.

Supporting Cast

• Manushi Chhillar is more confident here than in previous roles, adding emotional texture.

• Saurabh Shukla impresses as Minister Shankar Singh, a manipulative antagonist.

• Huma Qureshi and Prosenjit Chatterjee contribute gravitas, albeit with limited screen time.

🎧 Music & Cinematography

The soundtrack elevates the movie’s emotional tension, while the cinematography highlights contrasts—blood-stained streets against political opulence. Sachin-Jigar’s score amplifies Rao’s internal conflict, and Dhawan’s visuals make every frame atmospheric and gritty.

📉 Box Office & Audience Reaction

Despite high expectations, Maalik has had a tepid theatrical opening:

• Advance bookings across India’s major cinema chains are underwhelming, with fewer than 7,000 tickets sold pre-release.

• Opening day estimates range between ₹2–4 crore—far less than anticipated, especially given Rao’s last hit Bhool Chuk Maaf.

Audience Sentiment

• Positive: Appreciation for performances and depth

• Negative: Familiar plot arcs, predictable structure

• Mixed Reviews: “Intense but not groundbreaking” vs. “Rao shines in a tired setup”

Social media trends indicate curiosity about Rao’s performance more than the film as a whole.

📈 Why This Is Trending Right Now

• Rajkummar Rao’s transformation: His method acting and rugged look captured attention

• Genre shift: From socially driven indie roles to mass-market action

• Box office rivalry: Maalik faces competition from Superman and Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, impacting its reach

• Twitter & Instagram: Influencers and fans are divided—calling it “a gritty spectacle” or “predictable pulp”

The buzz isn’t just about reviews—it’s a reflection of Bollywood’s shift toward darker, character-driven storytelling in big-budget formats.

❓ FAQ Section

Q: Is Maalik based on real events? A: No. It's a fictional story inspired by themes of criminal rise in 1980s Prayagraj.

Q: What is the runtime of Maalik? A: 2 hours and 29 minutes.

Q: Who directed Maalik? A: Pulkit.

Q: Why is Maalik trending? A: Due to Rajkummar Rao’s transformation, genre pivot, and strong media buzz surrounding its release.

Q: What are the early box office numbers? A: Estimated ₹2–4 crore on opening day, below expectations.

Final Thoughts

Maalik attempts to redefine the gangster genre in Bollywood through emotional storytelling and powerhouse performances. Rajkummar Rao is the soul of the film, portraying a morally complex character with nuance and restraint. Yet, the film’s success remains uncertain due to a slow box office start and mixed reviews.

For those drawn to character-driven dramas and underworld tales, Maalik offers enough grit to satisfy. Just don’t expect a reinvention of the genre.