Maalik (2025) Movie Movierulz

Maalik, directed by Pulkit and produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani, marks a significant departure for Rajkummar Rao from his usual comedy and drama roles. This Hindi-language action thriller, released on July 11, 2025, features an impressive cast including Manushi Chhillar, Huma Qureshi, Prosenjit Chatterjee, and Swanand Kirkire.

Set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s Allahabad, Maalik explores the dark intersections of crime, politics, and survival. The film’s runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes suggests a comprehensive storytelling approach, with music composed by Sachin Sanghvi and Jigar Saraiya.

Plot and Storyline

Maalik follows the story of a man’s rise to power in the underworld, with Rajkummar Rao playing the titular character. The narrative is rooted in real social issues and explores themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, and ambition.

The story promises to be more than just an action-packed thriller, offering a compelling look at ambition, corruption, and the price of power. The film explores the complex character of Maalik, who is driven by ambition and a thirst for control.

Cast Performance

Rajkummar Rao’s transformation for Maalik has been one of the most talked-about aspects of the film. Known for his versatility in comedy and drama, Rao has undergone a significant physical transformation, building a more muscular physique to suit the demanding role of a gangster.

Manushi Chhillar, making her mark in the action genre, appears to play a significant role in the narrative. Her chemistry with Rajkummar Rao and her ability to hold her own in intense dramatic scenes will be crucial to the film’s success.

Huma Qureshi, known for her powerful performances in crime dramas, brings her experience to the ensemble cast. Prosenjit Chatterjee, a veteran actor from Bengali cinema, adds depth to the supporting cast with his seasoned performance.

Technical Aspects

The film’s production values appear to be of high quality, with extensive shooting schedules in Lucknow and Varanasi. The choice of these locations adds authenticity to the narrative, as these cities perfectly capture the essence of the 1980s North Indian political landscape.

The music by Sachin Sanghvi and Jigar Saraiya is expected to complement the film’s gritty narrative while providing commercial appeal. Vikram Dahiya’s action choreography is likely to be a highlight of the film, given his reputation for creating realistic and impactful action sequences.

Direction and Screenplay

Director Pulkit’s approach to Maalik appears to focus on creating a realistic portrayal of the underworld while maintaining commercial appeal. The film’s treatment of social issues within the framework of a gangster drama suggests a mature directorial vision.

The screenplay seems to balance character development with action sequences, ensuring that the film doesn’t become just another mindless action thriller. The decision to set the story in the 1980s allows for a period setting that adds depth to the narrative.

What Works

The film’s biggest strength lies in Rajkummar Rao’s commitment to the role and his physical transformation. His dedication to building a more muscular physique for the character shows his commitment to authenticity.

The ensemble cast brings together actors from different backgrounds and experiences, creating a diverse and talented group. The choice of realistic locations in Lucknow and Varanasi adds authenticity to the narrative.

I found the film’s approach to addressing social issues within the framework of a commercial entertainer commendable, as it provides substance beyond just action sequences.

Areas for Improvement

The film’s runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes might be challenging for some audiences, especially if the pacing isn’t tight throughout. Gangster dramas often face the challenge of balancing character development with action sequences.

The transition of Rajkummar Rao from his usual roles to a hardcore gangster character, while promising, also carries the risk of not being entirely convincing if not executed properly.

Critical Reception

Early reviews from censor screenings have been highly positive, with one reviewer giving the film 4.5 stars and calling it an absolute firecracker. The review praised the film’s ability to deliver full justice to every second of its lengthy runtime.

The film’s trailer has generated significant buzz among fans and film circles, with many praising Rajkummar Rao’s intense new look and the dark, gripping storyline.

Final Verdict

Maalik represents a bold creative choice for Rajkummar Rao and appears to be a well-crafted gangster drama that doesn’t shy away from addressing serious social issues. The film’s commitment to authenticity, from its period setting to its realistic locations, creates a strong foundation for storytelling.

While the lengthy runtime and Rajkummar Rao’s dramatic transformation present certain challenges, I believe the film’s strengths in terms of cast performance, technical execution, and directorial vision outweigh its potential weaknesses. The positive early reviews suggest that the film succeeds in delivering a compelling narrative.

Rating: 4/5