Rajkummar Rao is no stranger to complex roles, but Maalik pushes him into unfamiliar, darker territory. Directed by Pulkit, this Hindi remake of the Malayalam film Malik is a raw and emotionally layered portrayal of power, politics, and revenge. In this Maalik movie review, we take a closer look at how Rao transforms into a feared underworld figure while the story unfolds against the volatile backdrop of 1980s Allahabad.
From the very first frame, Maalik establishes its tone- valiant, layered, and emotionally charged. Rao plays Deepak, a quiet young man from a farming background, who, over the course of nearly three decades, evolves into a feared figure in the city’s underworld. This story doesn’t just trace a rise and fall- it shows how power demands a price and reveals everything lost along the way.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)
Genre: Action | Thriller
Release Date, Director, and Cast
- Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Manushi Chhillar, Huma Qureshi, Saurabh Shukla
- Director: Pulkit
- Release Date: 11 July 2025
- Language: Hindi
A Familiar Story Told with Localized Power
Being a remake, comparisons with Malik are inevitable. However, Pulkit smartly avoids a frame-by-frame recreation. Instead, he takes the essence of the original, a man shaped by systemic injustice and communal politics, and filters it through the lens of North Indian social realities. The setting is rooted in the dust and tension of Allahabad’s streets, giving the story a unique rhythm and regional authenticity.
While Malik explored coastal dynamics and political betrayal in Kerala, Maalik refocuses those tensions around caste, land disputes, and bureaucratic corruption, making the stakes feel fresher, even for those familiar with the original.
Seen Rajkummar Rao in Bhool Chuk Maaf? Don’t Miss Our Honest Review.
Rajkummar Rao’s Boldest Performance Yet
This might be one of Rao’s most physically and emotionally demanding roles to date. His transformation into Deepak, or “Maalik” as he comes to be known, is slow-burning yet explosive. The vulnerability in his eyes never disappears, even as his body language shifts from reluctant rebel to feared gangster. Rao delivers a performance that’s both grounded and brutal, adding texture to a character that could’ve easily become a stereotype.
He doesn’t just act out the rage-he internalizes it. Even in moments of silence, Rao speaks volumes. His evolution is handled through subtle details: posture, clothing, even the way he walks and speaks changes across timelines.
Direction, Visuals & Sound
Pulkit directs with restraint, never letting the film spiral into over-the-top violence or melodrama. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear style, jumping across timelines and perspectives, a technique that might confuse some but adds depth if you’re patient. The pacing lags slightly in the second act, but the final payoff justifies the slow burn.
Anuj Rakesh Dhawan’s cinematography gives the film a dusty realism. The interiors are dim, often lit by practical sources like streetlights or lamps, providing a moody, tense visual palette. Whether it’s the quiet of a prayer room or the chaos of a riot, the camera lingers long enough to make you feel the weight of each moment.
The music and background score by Sachin–Jigar blend seamlessly into the narrative. There’s no song-and-dance interruption, just mood-building, almost documentary-style scoring that keeps tension simmering.
Supporting Cast & Weak Points
The film features strong supporting work by Prosenjit Chatterjee, Manushi Chhillar, Huma Qureshi, Saurabh Shukla, and other seasoned actors. However, most characters feel like tools to push Deepak’s story forward. More time spent on their motivations could have enriched the emotional core.
A few sequences feel formulaic, especially if you’ve seen Gangs of Wasseypur, Raees, or even Malik. For viewers unfamiliar with the source material, the non-linear timeline may take a while to piece together.
Box Office Collection & Reception
Despite the limited pre-release buzz and only around 6,500 bookings, Maalik earned ₹3.35 crore on opening day and ended its first weekend with ₹14.09 crore. Not massive, but decent for a serious, slow-paced gangster drama.
Audience reactions have been mostly positive. Viewers are praising Rao’s performance, the gritty setting, and the emotional intensity. Some have called it “Rajkummar’s best in years,” while others appreciated the restrained storytelling style.
Final Verdict
Maalik is not your typical gangster film. It’s more patient than pulpy, more thoughtful than flashy. With a compelling lead, carefully adapted screenplay and moody direction, it delivers a solid cinematic experience. If you like crime dramas that make you think while keeping you hooked, this one is worth watching in theatres.
FAQs
Q1: Is Maalik a remake?
A: Yes, it’s a Hindi remake of the Malayalam film Malik (2021), originally starring Fahadh Faasil.
Q2: Who plays the lead role in Maalik?
A: Rajkummar Rao stars as Deepak aka Maalik.
Q3: Who directed the movie?
A: The film is directed by Pulkit, known for Bhakshak and Dedh Bigha Zameen.
Q4: Is Maalik available online?
A: No, it’s currently in theatres. The OTT release date is expected soon.
Q5: What genre does Maalik fall under?
A: It’s a political action-drama with a gangster backdrop.
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