Maalik Movie Review: Power, Rage and a Performance You Can’t Ignore

Maalik Film Review:  When cinema attempts to dive into the gritty bylanes of political hooliganism and personal vengeance, it often walks a fine line between authenticity and melodrama. Pulkit’s latest directorial venture, Maalik, tries to balance both. While Rajkummar Rao delivers a towering performance that becomes the film’s strongest pillar, the narrative doesn’t rise to match his effort.

Rajkummar Rao as Deepak: A Career-Defining Performance

In Maalik, Rajkummar Rao plays Deepak, a common man from Prayagraj who gradually transforms into a feared gangster. His portrayal is intense, layered, and emotionally gripping. Whether it’s the simmering rage in his eyes, the pain of lost dignity, or the hunger for power that eats him from within, Rao’s screen presence is magnetic. Every frame rests on his shoulders, and he never lets it sag.

This film gives Rao the kind of solo lead space rarely offered in mainstream cinema. His arc in Maalik echoes the emotional depth seen in his earlier critically acclaimed films like Shahid and Omerta, but here, the screen belongs to him entirely.

The Rise and Fall of a Story Full of Promise

The opening sequences are powerful and atmospheric, drenched in the raw realism of Allahabad’s streets. The cinematography, use of light and shadow, and production design transport viewers into a world where justice is often traded for blood. The dialogue is crisp, and the tension is palpable. We are introduced to a brewing conflict where Deepak is neither a textbook villain nor a heroic rebel—he’s a byproduct of circumstance.

However, once the film crosses its midpoint, the narrative loses momentum. What begins as a focused character study slowly begins to veer into conventional territory, embracing tropes that dilute the initial gravitas. The second half bends toward commercial elements, like dramatic confrontations and unnecessary emotional arcs, straying away from its original tone of political realism.

A Supporting Cast That Struggles to Leave an Impact

The film features a star-studded ensemble: Manushi Chillar, Anshuman Pushkar, Saurabh Shukla, Prosenjit Chatterjee, and a guest appearance by Huma Qureshi. Unfortunately, most of them fail to rise above the script.

Manushi Chillar’s character feels underwritten, and her expressions remain one-note throughout her brief screen time. The chemistry with Rao lacks spark, and their pairing fails to evoke any emotional connection. Saurabh Shukla, a powerhouse in his own right, is given a role that feels too familiar, almost recycled. Prosenjit Chatterjee adds star value but lacks narrative weight.

However, Anshuman Pushkar emerges as a standout. Sharing intense scenes with Rajkummar Rao, especially in the climax, Pushkar brings depth, sincerity, and a sense of unpredictability to his role. His character feels authentic, and his presence enriches the film’s emotional core.

Huma Qureshi’s Item Number: A Missed Opportunity

Huma Qureshi’s appearance is fleeting and underwhelming. Unlike her striking performance alongside Rajkummar in Monica O My Darling, here, she’s reduced to a few glamour-driven minutes that add little to the storyline. The item song, while stylized, fails to blend organically into the narrative and feels like a forced inclusion meant to tick commercial boxes.

Pulkit’s Direction: Visually Rich, Narratively Thin

Director Pulkit showcases a keen understanding of visual storytelling. From capturing the crowded alleys of Prayagraj to highlighting the moral decay of power, his lens is confident and purposeful. The gritty tone, muted colors, and atmospheric sound design reinforce the emotional and sociopolitical decay central to Deepak’s transformation.

Yet, where Pulkit excels in mood-building, the screenplay falters. The plot lacks the unpredictability and punch needed for a genre that thrives on shock value and catharsis. Themes like police-politician nexus, moral corruption, and vigilante justice are touched upon but never fully explored. The result is a half-baked script wrapped in brilliant visuals.

Script Fatigue: Familiar Tropes, Diminished Impact

The story of a common man spiraling into crime has been explored numerous times in Indian cinema—from Satya and Company to Gangs of Wasseypur and Raees. Unfortunately, Maalik doesn’t offer a fresh take. The progression feels predictable, the conflicts lack novelty, and the climax offers no cathartic payoff. The emotional depth that Rajkummar brings to his role isn’t matched by the script’s ambition.

There are no major twists or narrative risks, which is surprising given the dark tone the film promises at the beginning. The result is a visually rich yet emotionally sterile experience.

A-Rated Return for Rajkummar Rao

Maailk marks Rajkummar Rao’s return to adult-rated cinema after a significant hiatus. His earlier films like Ragini MMS, Shaitan, Shahid, Aligarh, and Omerta were notable for their bold narratives and unflinching storytelling. Maalik joins this lineage, with explicit language, graphic violence, and psychological intensity.

Yet, unlike his past A-rated films that challenged societal norms or probed human psyche, Maalik remains rooted in surface-level angst. While the violence and vulgarity are justified by the theme, they fail to leave a deeper emotional scar.

Cinematic Merits and Technical Brilliance

Despite its flaws, Maalik is a technically polished film. The background score heightens the tension, and editing by Pranav Mistry ensures a tight pace during the first half. The use of natural lighting, realistic set designs, and close-up shots contributes to the immersive experience.

The sound mixing captures the chaos of urban protests, underground deals, and silent contemplations with equal finesse. These choices enhance the film’s visceral appeal, even when the story doesn’t.

Final Verdict: Watch for Rao, Skip for Story

Maalik is a classic case of a performance surpassing the product. Rajkummar Rao delivers a magnetic, memorable portrayal, and for fans of intense, character-driven cinema, his performance alone makes the film worth watching. However, those looking for a tight gangster thriller, filled with twists, layered subplots, and lasting impact, may find themselves underwhelmed.

This is a film that aspires to be gritty and meaningful but stops just short of greatness. While it might not become a cult favorite like Gangs of Wasseypur, it still stands as a solid showcase of Rao’s unmatched talent in portraying morally conflicted, deeply human characters.

Should You Watch Maalik in Theatres or Wait for OTT?

If you’re a die-hard fan of Rajkummar Rao, catching Maalik in theatres could be a rewarding experience. His performance deserves to be seen on the big screen. However, if you’re more drawn to plot-driven cinema with tight writing and innovative direction, this may not justify a theatre visit.

Given its adult content, raw storytelling, and limited appeal, Maalik might find a better reception once it hits OTT platforms. There, it could attract an audience that values performances over plot perfection.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)