Maalik Movie Review: Routine Gangster Flick with a Stellar Performance by Rajkummar Rao
Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2.0/5)
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Language: Hindi
Director: Pulkit
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Manushi Chhillar, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saurabh Shukla, Anshumaan Pushkar
Maalik Movie Overview
Maalik, directed by Pulkit, is a gritty gangster drama set in the politically charged landscape of 1988 Allahabad. With Rajkummar Rao leading the charge as the fearsome Deepak aka Maalik, the film promises intensity, bloodshed, and high-stakes conflict between crime and justice. However, despite solid performances and a few thrilling moments, the film struggles to rise above its predictable plot and dated treatment.
Maalik Movie Review Storyline (Spoiler-Free)
The film follows Deepak (Rajkummar Rao), an influential gangster in Allahabad, operating under the political protection of Dadda (Saurabh Shukla). Trouble brews when Deepak brutally murders a police officer who interferes with his operations, leading the MLA Balhar Singh (Swanand Kirkire) to take action. Enter SP Prabhu Das (Prosenjit Chatterjee), a hardened officer with 98 encounters under his belt. With a personal vendetta and justice on his mind, Prabhu sets out to eliminate Maalik, even as Maalik’s personal life and violent empire spiral into chaos.
Maalik movie review:
Pulkit attempts to blend raw crime elements with emotional depth and massy entertainment. While certain sequences — particularly the interval block and final confrontation — have a cinematic flair, the screenplay lacks novelty. The story feels recycled, borrowing heavily from films like Vaastav, Shootout at Lokhandwala, and even recent OTT shows like Khakee: The Bihar Chapter. The gangster-police-politician triangle, while compelling on paper, unfolds in a way that’s far too familiar.
The direction is more effective in extracting performances than in storytelling. Pulkit crafts a grim atmosphere but doesn’t fully capitalize on the tension or stakes. The pacing in the second half suffers, stretching scenes beyond their emotional impact. Some transitions, particularly in the Calcutta segment, feel unnecessary and dilute the film’s core.
Maalik movie review: Performances
Rajkummar Rao delivers a committed, intense performance. He fully transforms into Maalik — from his body language to his unflinching brutality. A standout scene where he hangs four men showcases his range and dedication. However, despite his stellar effort, the character lacks depth and a compelling arc.
Manushi Chhillar, in her second half appearance, surprises with a grounded portrayal of Shalini, a village girl caught in Maalik’s orbit. She brings grace and innocence, offering emotional balance to the film’s violence.
Prosenjit Chatterjee plays the seasoned cop with subtle menace. While his screen time is limited, his calm intensity leaves a mark. He deserved more.
Anshumaan Pushkar (as Badaun) is impressive and adds emotional weight, while Saurabh Shukla and Swanand Kirkire bring reliability and gravitas. However, their characters feel underutilized.
Supporting actors like Saurabh Sachdeva, Rajendra Gupta, and Baljinder Kaur do justice to their roles but fade out after initial scenes.
Huma Qureshi appears in a special dance number, though the song itself doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
Music & Technical Aspects
The soundtrack is a weak link. Songs like ‘Dil Thaam Ke’ and ‘Raaj Karega Maalik’ fail to elevate the film’s tone. ‘Namumkin’ works visually but lacks musical longevity.
Ketan Sodha’s background score is functional but doesn’t reach the intensity the narrative demands.
Cinematography by Anuj Rakesh Dhawan captures the rugged terrains and interiors of Allahabad with competence.
Editing by Zubin Sheikh could have been tighter, especially in the second half.
Production design and costumes lend authenticity to the time period.
Strengths
- Powerful performance by Rajkummar Rao
- Strong setup and intense intermission
- Manushi Chhillar’s surprise transformation
- Realistic backdrop and gritty tone
Weaknesses
- Highly predictable plot
- Overlong second half
- Weak music and forced emotional beats
- Lack of fresh perspective in gangster genre
- Unnecessary subplots dilute impact
Final Verdict
Maalik had the potential to be a memorable addition to India’s gangster cinema. With a powerful cast and an atmospheric setup, it tries to recreate the success formula of past underworld dramas. However, its overdependence on clichés and uneven narrative pacing prevent it from achieving greatness. The film may appeal to fans of massy crime thrillers and single-screen audiences in smaller towns, but for those looking for something fresh, Maalik offers little beyond Rajkummar Rao’s intensity.
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