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Maalik Movie Review: Rajkummar Rao’s Gritty Gangster Turn

Posted by By Shubhankar Posted inMovies

In a fierce crime saga set in 1980s Allahabad, Rajkummar Rao leads a powerful cast—including Prosenjit Chatterjee, Manushi Chhillar, Saurabh Shukla—and delivers a ruthless rise-to-power drama packed with emotion, action, and unforgettable dialogue.

What Maalik Offers

Rajkummar Rao transforms into a ruthless gangster, commanding the screen with raw energy. Critics and fans alike are calling this his most electrifying and career-defining performance yet.

Plot: From peasant’s son to crime lord eyeing politics, the story follows his violent ascent in 1988 Allahabad. Though some find it predictable and familiar, the gripping screenplay and punchy dialogues still hold attention .

Manushi Chhillar delivering emotional amplitude in Maalik

Standout Side Characters

  • Prosenjit Chatterjee plays the relentless cop hunting Rao. His gritty presence fuels the cat‑and‑mouse tension .
  • Manushi Chhillar gives emotional depth as Rao’s wife. Though initially understated, she delivers one of the film’s strongest performances.
  • Saurabh Shukla, Saurabh Sachdeva, Swanand Kirkire, and Anshumaan Pushkar add layers and authenticity—particularly Pushkar, who carves out a memorable role.
  • Huma Qureshi’s dance number adds glam, but critics felt it didn’t match the film’s tone

Box Office Buzz

Released on 11 July 2025, Maalik opened strongly thanks to Rao’s shift to a mass-action role. Though clashes with Superman and Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan impacted it, word‑of‑mouth is keeping single screens engaged—especially in B and C centers

Music & Score

The soundtrack by Sachin–Jigar includes:

  • Naamumkin – praised for its picturization.
  • Dil Thaam Ke – deemed forgettable.
  • Raaj Karega Maalik – mismatched to the gritty narrative

But the background score by Ketan Sodha earns acclaim for heightening tension and drama

Visuals & Direction

Cinematographer Anuj Rakesh Dhawan captures the era—gritty lanes, flickering streetlights. Action by Vikram Dahiya gets visceral at times . While reviewers praised Pulkit’s confident handling, they also noted pacing issues in the second half, making parts of the film drag .

Final Verdict

  • Performance: Rajkummar Rao powers through with a nearly career-best act; strong ensemble add credibility.
  • Strengths: Engaging screenplay, sharp dialogues, atmospheric score, thrilling action peaks.
  • Weaknesses: Predictable story beats, inconsistent pacing, some unnecessary scenes.

Watch it if you’re in the mood for a gritty gangster drama led by a powerhouse performance.

Author of Fazlamo Express
Shubhankar

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