'Maalik' Review: Rajkummar Rao Is a One-Man Storm in This Gangster Saga

Maalik (In Theatres)

Rating: 3.5 stars

Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Manushi Chhillar, Prosenjit Chatterjee and more

Directed By: Pulkit

Produced By: Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani.

Rajkummar Rao has often walked the tightrope between intensity and intimacy with remarkable ease. But in Maalik, the actor abandons subtlety to embrace sheer ferocity. Directed by Pulkit and set against the grimy lanes of 1980s Prayagraj, Maalik is a high-octane gangster drama that puts Rao front and centre in a role that's as explosive as it is emotionally exhausting. With a runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes, the film isn't without its flaws, but it burns bright on the strength of its brooding protagonist and a blood-soaked journey of ambition, betrayal, and blind power.

The Plot: From Common Man to Criminal Kingpin

Maalik traces the rise of a simple man caught in the storm of power politics and underworld hierarchy. It's a familiar story: an ordinary individual gets swallowed by the corrupt system, rising through its cracks, and eventually paying the price for dreaming big in a world that eats its own. Set in the caste-driven, politically charged streets of Prayagraj, the narrative begins with slow-burning drama and gradually descends into chaos.

The first half is all about the climb, ambition, camaraderie, and clever manoeuvres. The second half, however, is the fall, bloody, brutal, and personal. The storytelling balances emotional arcs with moral questions, but stumbles a bit post-intermission, losing some of the narrative tension.

Direction & Screenplay: Raw, Real, and Relentless

Pulkit, who previously showcased his skill in Bose: Dead/Alive, returns with a textured vision. In Maalik, he paints a canvas that's both wide and wounded. Long, observational shots, symbolic silences, and sharply written confrontations enrich the viewing experience, especially in the first half. The screenplay by Jyotsana Nath and Pulkit attempts to stitch together themes of caste oppression, corruption, and loyalty with pulpy gangster storytelling. At times, the narrative tries to do too much and ends up stretched too thin.

The writing falters in tightness, and the film feels a bit stretched in the second half.

Action and BGM: Visceral Violence Meets Sonic Precision

If there's one department where Maalik truly nails the pulse of the genre, it's the action. Pulkit avoids over-the-top choreography and instead crafts fight sequences that feel chaotic, desperate, and deeply personal. There's a scene where Rao, bloodied and unrelenting, drags enemies into submission while his eyes scream louder than his words, it's disturbing and unforgettable.

The background score by Ketan Sodha deserves special mention. Unlike many films that drown the drama with thunderous sound, Maalik uses its music wisely. The BGM doesn't just accompany scenes, it elevates them. With razor-sharp drops and haunting motifs, the music acts like a character of its own, echoing the protagonist's descent into madness and power.

Rajkummar Rao: The Master of Transformation

This is Rajkummar Rao's playground and he devours every frame with unmatched ferocity. From his physicality to his dialect, Rao transforms into Maalik with an authenticity that is chilling. This isn't just a performance; it's a metamorphosis. He's rage personified, measured, magnetic, and menacing.

Over the years, Rao has portrayed everything from a hopeless romantic to a political rebel. But with Maalik, he enters a new league. His Maalik is unpredictable, sometimes a protector, sometimes a predator. Whether he's calmly plotting a murder or erupting in emotional agony, Rao owns the screen with a rare confidence. This might just be one of the most powerful performances of his career.

The Ensemble: Hits, Misses, and Scene-Stealers

Manushi Chhillar, playing Rao's love interest, brings a softness to the narrative, though her emotional graph remains uneven. She shines in romantic scenes but falls short during more intense sequences. Prosenjit Chatterjee, as Inspector Das, is unfortunately underutilized. His character lacks depth and seems disconnected from the main arc, a casting misfire in an otherwise well-picked cast.

On the other hand, Saurabh Shukla, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Swanand Kirkire shine like firecrackers. Shukla is delightfully sly, Pushkar adds weight to the friendship angle, and Kirkire, though used sparingly, leaves a lasting impact.

Final Verdict: Grit Over Gloss, Rage Over Romance

Maalik may not redefine the gangster genre, but it certainly reminds us of what makes it addictive: power, pain, betrayal, and redemption. While the second half could have been tighter and some characters better fleshed out, the film still grips you with its raw energy and atmospheric world-building.

But above all, this is Rajkummar Rao's show. His performance in Maalik is a towering reminder of his incredible range. This isn't just a role, it's a reckoning. If you're a fan of dark, emotionally driven crime sagas that don't flinch from blood or betrayal, Maalik is worth your ticket and your time.