Intro
Rajkummar Rao breaks away from his usual charm to deliver a hard-hitting performance in Maalik, a violent gangster drama directed by Pulkit. Set in 1988 Allahabad, the film paints a picture of ambition, betrayal, and the hunger for power—with plenty of bloodshed along the way. While the film hits hard with its action and period detailing, the storytelling occasionally falters under the weight of genre clichés.
Plot
Maalik follows the brutal rise of Deepak, aka Maalik (Rajkummar Rao), the son of a servant who refuses to bow to a life of servitude. Protected and manipulated by a local political don, Dadda (played with gravitas by Saurabh Shukla), Maalik’s journey from humiliation to power is paved with violence and vengeance. His early act of defiance—beating his own father after a moment of public shame—signals the birth of a monster.
As Deepak climbs the ranks of the underworld, he faces betrayal, rival gangs, and a moral descent that seems unstoppable. Amid the chaos, he finds a sliver of softness in his relationship with Vidya (Manushi Chhillar), adding an emotional undercurrent to an otherwise ruthless story.
Performance & Direction
Rajkummar Rao fully commits to the darkness of Maalik’s world. Gone is the lovable everyman; in his place stands a man consumed by power, addiction, and anger. His performance is gripping—his intensity often anchoring the film during its weaker moments. Saurabh Shukla is reliably strong, and Manushi Chhillar brings a subtle elegance to her role, though her character feels underwritten.
Director Pulkit succeeds in crafting a world that feels raw and real, especially through gritty visuals and realistic action choreography. His attempt to recreate the ‘angry young man’ archetype from 80s Bollywood shows ambition but doesn’t always hit the emotional highs of that era.
What Works
Rajkummar Rao’s fearless transformation
Well-shot action sequences, especially the intense pre-interval showdown
Authentic 1980s setting and production design
A few standout scenes, such as Maalik’s clever maneuvering during a police raid
What Doesn’t
Predictable second half that mirrors many classic gangster arcs
Lack of depth in supporting characters
Overuse of violence sometimes overwhelms emotional impact
Final Words
Maalik is a gritty addition to the gangster genre that rides high on Rajkummar Rao’s powerhouse performance. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it has enough raw energy and dramatic tension to keep fans of violent crime dramas engaged. It’s a tale of a man who burns everything to rise above his fate—even if the ashes look a bit familiar.
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