By Satish Mehra
Published on July 11, 2025
The much-anticipated Maalik, a Hindi-language action thriller directed by Pulkit, hit theaters on July 11, 2025, promising a raw and intense dive into the underworld of 1980s Allahabad (now Prayagraj). Starring Rajkummar Rao in the titular role, alongside Manushi Chhillar, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saurabh Shukla, and others, the film aims to blend gritty action with social commentary on caste and power. Here’s a point-by-point review of Maalik, consolidating insights from top critics and audience reactions, as featured on Bollymoviereviewz and other sources.
Point-by-Point Review
- Story and Themes: Set against the backdrop of 1980s Allahabad, Maalik follows the journey of a common man (Rajkummar Rao) forced by circumstances into the criminal underworld. The narrative explores ambition, betrayal, and survival in a world ruled by guns and greed, subtly weaving in themes of caste-based exploitation. While the story doesn’t break new ground in the gangster genre, its grounded approach and emotional depth make it engaging, though the second half feels dragged and predictable.
- Performances: Rajkummar Rao delivers a standout performance, embodying a ruthless yet layered gangster with intensity and nuance. Critics praise his ability to carry the film, particularly in emotional scenes, though some feel the role doesn’t fully suit his strengths. Saurabh Shukla and Anshumaan Pushkar provide solid support, while Prosenjit Chatterjee’s role as a Bengali cop lacks depth. Manushi Chhillar’s performance as Shalini is described as refreshing but underwhelming, and Huma Qureshi’s cameo feels unnecessary.
- Direction and Writing: Director Pulkit, known for Bhakshak, crafts a visually compelling first half with long shots and authentic action sequences. However, the screenplay by Jyotsana Nath and Pulkit falters post-interval, with a bloated runtime of 152 minutes and a lack of narrative grip. Critics note that while the film tries to balance action, romance, and betrayal, it borrows heavily from classics like Satya and Vaastav, lacking originality.
- Action and Cinematography: The action, choreographed by Vikram Dahiya, is a highlight, offering bone-crushing sequences that appeal to fans of gritty cinema. The film’s visuals, set in the rustic backdrop of Prayagraj, are striking, though some find the violence excessive. Cinematography adds to the atmospheric world-building, but the pacing slows down significantly in the second half.
- Music and Soundtrack: The soundtrack by Sachin-Jigar, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, includes tracks like “Naamumkin,” “Dil Thaam Ke,” and “Raaj Karega Maalik.” However, audience reactions on X suggest the songs fail to leave an impact, with some calling them lackluster. The background score complements the film’s intensity but doesn’t stand out.
- Audience and Critic Reception: Reviews are mixed. Taran Adarsh gives Maalik 3/5 stars, calling it “massy” and praising Rao’s “savage avatar,” though he notes the stretched second half. Other critics, like India TV, echo this, appreciating Rao’s performance but criticizing the predictable climax and weak supporting roles. On X, netizens are divided—some hail Rao’s fiery portrayal, while others label the film a “messy disaster” or “outdated,” with ratings as low as 1/5. Bollymoviereviewz aggregates these views, reflecting a polarized response.
- Box Office and Impact: Early reports estimate an opening day collection of Rs 1.5–2.5 crore, indicating a slow start, especially against competitors like Superman. While the film’s gritty storytelling and Rao’s performance are draws, its lack of novelty may limit its commercial success. Fans of gangster dramas may still find it worth a watch for its emotional and action-packed moments.
Conclusion
Maalik is a bold attempt to revive the classic Bollywood gangster drama, powered by Rajkummar Rao’s commanding performance and Pulkit’s atmospheric direction. However, its reliance on familiar tropes, a sluggish second half, and underwritten supporting characters prevent it from being a genre-defining film. For fans of Rao and gritty crime sagas, it’s an engaging, if flawed, ride. Bollymoviereviewz rates it a mixed bag, averaging 2.5–3 stars across critics.
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