Gangster Epic ‘Maalik’ Review: Spellbinding Performance, but Story Lags

NDC DESK

Mumbai, July 13: Rajkummar Rao steps decisively out of his indie comfort zone in Maalik, an action-packed gangster drama hitting screens on 11 July 2025 . Directed by Pulkit, the film rolls out a familiar tale: a simple farmer’s son, Deepak, metamorphoses into a stone-cold crime boss after a brutal tragedy strikes his family .

The Plot Unfolds

Set against the gritty backdrop of late-’80s Allahabad, Deepak (Rajkummar Rao) takes revenge on the men who harmed his father. This vengeful act unleashes his violent side, transforming him into “Maalik” (the master). The narrative traverses dense jungles of betrayal, political entanglements, and blood-soaked revenge, as an equally determined cop—Prabhu Das (Prosenjit Chatterjee)—and a crooked MLA (Swanand Kirkire) close in .

Strengths
• Rajkummar Rao’s Raw Energy
Rao channels unchecked rage and authority, delivering a performance that’s worth watching even when the story sags .

• Manushi Chhillar’s Presence
Playing Deepak’s wife, Shalini, Manushi brings spark and emotional balance to the on-screen dynamics .
• Technical Craftsmanship
Anuj Rakesh Dhawan’s cinematography vividly captures the raw, rustic charm of 1990s Allahabad. Statuesque visuals are tempered by an editing rate that could have been tighter .

The Weaknesses
• Predictable Plot
Critics agree the screenplay relies heavily on clichés—from melodramatic revenge arcs to redundant political power plays ().
• Length and Pacing Issues
At 149–152 minutes, the second half drags, weighed down by unnecessary violence and predictable twists ().
• One-Dimensional Supporting Cast
Performances from Saurabh Shukla, Prosenjit Chatterjee, and Swanand Kirkire start strong but ultimately fall into well-trodden stereotypes .

Critical Reception

Reviews are mixed-to-negative:
• NDC described it as “a relentless rampage of gore” that sacrifices originality for predictable tropes, concluding that “Maalik sinks into a sea of brutality” .
• The Indian Express called it “too long, too dull, too by‑the‑numbers,” rating it just 1.5/5 .
• Gulte echoed the sentiment, awarding it 2/5 and criticizing its derivative storytelling, especially compared to blockbusters like KGF and Pushpa .
• From Wikipedia: major outlets describe it as a mixed bag—some praise Rao’s energy, others dismiss its clichéd narrative ().

Final Verdict

Maalik offers a powerful central performance from Rajkummar Rao set within a visually immersive world, but it struggles to escape the shadows of gangster-film tropes. Fans might find satisfaction in the brutality and swagger, yet the film remains a by‑the‑numbers journey rather than a fresh cinematic force. Worth a watch for drama enthusiasts—but don’t expect surprises.

Rating: ★★½ out of 5