Maalik (2025) Movie: Rajkummar Rao’s Gritty Gangster Transformation That Almost Works

Maalik is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Pulkit and produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani. The film stars Rajkummar Rao in the titular role, alongside Prosenjit Chatterjee and Manushi Chhillar. The movie hit theaters on July 11, 2025.

This ambitious gangster drama marks a significant shift from Rajkummar Rao’s typical comedy roles. Set against a gritty urban backdrop, the film explores the dark world of crime, politics, and survival with real social issues at its core.

Plot and Storyline

The film follows a man’s rise through the criminal underworld, mixing action with powerful social themes. The story centers around the protagonist’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a powerful gangster figure.

The narrative explores themes of ambition, corruption, and moral compromises. The urban setting provides a stark backdrop for the character’s transformation, highlighting socio-economic disparities that drive people toward crime.

Cast Performance

Rajkummar Rao delivers a bold performance that showcases his versatility as an actor. Known for comedy and social dramas, Rao takes on a physically demanding role that required him to build a more muscular physique. I found his transformation convincing and his commitment to the character impressive.

Prosenjit Chatterjee brings veteran experience to the film with a strong supporting performance. His character serves as both mentor and foil to the protagonist, adding complexity to the story.

Manushi Chhillar provides the emotional anchor, though her character could have been developed more substantially given the film’s focus on male-dominated criminal activities.

Technical Aspects

Director Pulkit demonstrates a clear vision for the film’s tone and atmosphere. The direction effectively captures the gritty urban environment that serves as the story’s backdrop.

The action sequences are well-choreographed and feel authentic rather than over-stylized. The cinematography creates a dark, moody atmosphere that complements the themes of corruption and moral ambiguity.

Music and Background Score

The film’s music complements its dark themes without overpowering the narrative. The background score enhances tension during action sequences and provides emotional depth during character moments.

However, the soundtrack doesn’t feature particularly memorable tracks that would have lasting appeal beyond the film’s runtime.

What Works

The film’s greatest strength lies in Rajkummar Rao’s committed performance and his successful transition into the action-thriller genre. The realistic portrayal of urban crime and its social implications provides depth beyond typical gangster entertainment.

The film’s exploration of political corruption and its connection to organized crime feels relevant and timely. I appreciated how it attempts to balance entertainment with social commentary.

What Doesn’t Work

The film suffers from pacing issues in its middle act, where the narrative momentum occasionally slows down. While it’s refreshing to see Rajkummar playing something different from his typecast, the screenplay lacks the core writing to fully succeed.

Some plot points feel predictable, following familiar gangster movie tropes without adding sufficient innovation. The attempt to balance entertainment with social commentary sometimes feels forced rather than organic to the story.

Critical Reception

Critics have praised Rao’s performance while noting the film’s structural weaknesses. The movie has been described as a gritty gangster drama that promises fire but fizzles midway.

The film may not break new ground in the gangster genre, but it stands tall thanks to its strong lead performance, grounded storytelling, and atmospheric world-building.

Final Verdict

Maalik represents an interesting experiment in contemporary Indian gangster cinema, elevated by Rajkummar Rao’s committed performance and strong technical execution. While the film doesn’t revolutionize the genre, it provides a solid entry point for Rao into action-thriller territory.

The film’s exploration of crime, politics, and social issues provides depth that distinguishes it from purely commercial gangster films. However, its narrative inconsistencies and pacing issues prevent it from achieving the heights it aspires to reach.

For viewers interested in seeing Rajkummar Rao in a dramatically different role, Maalik offers a worthwhile experience. The film works best when it focuses on character development and the moral complexities of its protagonist’s journey.

Rating: 3/5