Rajkummar Rao is back on the big screen with Maalik, a gangster drama set in 1990s Allahabad. Directed by Pulkit and co-starring Manushi Chhillar, the film was released in theaters on 11th July. Expectations were high, and fans were excited to see Rao in a new, intense avatar.
Maalik tells the story of a farmer’s son who rises to become a feared mafia kingpin. While the storyline sounds promising, it ends up being quite predictable and heavily inspired by older gangster films. The writing is weak and lacks originality.
But let’s talk about the highlight—Rajkummar Rao. His performance is fiery and powerful, easily the best part of the film. He gives his all to the role, even when the script doesn’t support him. Unfortunately, the rest of the film doesn’t live up to his efforts. Manushi Chhillar struggles to leave an impact, and the direction feels flat.
The background score and music fail to lift the film. Some scenes, meant to be serious, even feel unintentionally funny due to heavy dialogues and lack of convincing delivery. The second half drags, making the climax feel too long and tiring.
In short, Maalik is a below-average gangster drama with one major saving grace—Rajkummar Rao’s performance. If you’re a fan of his, it might be worth a watch. Otherwise, you’re not missing much.
⭐ Verdict: 2.5/5
👍 Watch it only for Rajkummar Rao. Skip it if you’re looking for a strong story.
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