Maalik (2025) Movie Review: A Gritty Gangster Saga with Rajkummar Rao in a New Avatar
Rajkummar Rao has always impressed audiences with his versatility, moving effortlessly across different genres. In Maalik (2025), he takes on the action-thriller space, playing a character that is both intense and complex. Directed by Pulkit, the film dives into the underworld of 1980s Allahabad, exploring themes of ambition, power, and moral dilemmas. Released on July 11, 2025, and later streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Maalik stands out for its raw storytelling and strong performances, making it a film that both fans and critics are talking about.
Movie Overview
Maalik is an action-packed crime drama set in late 1980s Allahabad. The story follows Deepak, a young man from a farming family whose life changes dramatically after a personal tragedy. Adopting the name “Maalik,” he climbs the ranks of the criminal world, navigating political corruption, rival gangs, and law enforcement. The film examines power, loyalty, and the blurred line between right and wrong, providing a gripping narrative that keeps viewers invested.
Plot Summary
Deepak’s journey begins with a tragic incident in which his father is seriously injured while protecting his employer’s fields. Seeking revenge, Deepak kills the man responsible, which propels him into the criminal underworld. As Maalik, he builds an empire and forms alliances with powerful figures like MLA Balhar Singh and his mentor Dadda. Despite his growing power, his personal life is anchored by his wife, Shalini, who urges him to leave the violent path behind. As Maalik faces opposition from a determined police officer, his loyalty, humanity, and decisions are put to the ultimate test.
Cast & Performances
Rajkummar Rao as Deepak/Maalik delivers a gripping performance, showing the transformation from a simple farmer’s son to a feared gangster. Manushi Chhillar as Shalini adds emotional depth, portraying a wife torn between love and the hope for her husband’s redemption. Prosenjit Chatterjee as Prabhu Das brings authority and intensity to the role of a relentless police officer. Swanand Kirkire as MLA Balhar Singh adds a political dimension, showing how crime and politics intertwine. Saurabh Shukla as Dadda provides guidance and wisdom, serving as Maalik’s moral anchor.
Direction & Cinematography
Director Pulkit paints a gritty and immersive picture of 1980s Allahabad. The cinematography captures the tension and rawness of the story, with well-designed action sequences and atmospheric visuals that make the world feel authentic and engaging.
Themes & Style
Maalik explores vengeance, power, loyalty, and moral dilemmas, focusing on character-driven storytelling. Its style emphasizes realism, showing the socio-political landscape of the era in a believable way. While the pacing keeps the audience engaged for most of the film, some sequences may feel predictable to seasoned viewers of gangster dramas.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths include strong performances, particularly by Rajkummar Rao, an engaging storyline that follows the rise and fall of a gangster, and an authentic depiction of 1980s Allahabad. Weaknesses include a somewhat predictable plot and occasional pacing issues, which may make parts of the movie feel slow.
Audience & Critical Reception
Maalik attracted attention for its intense performances and gritty portrayal of the underworld. Critics and audiences noted Rajkummar Rao’s departure from his usual roles, praising his versatility. While some reviews pointed out predictable story elements, the film performed reasonably well at the box office, becoming one of Rao’s top 10 highest-grossing films.
Ratings
| Category | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Storyline | 6 |
| Performances | 8 |
| Direction & Cinematography | 7 |
| Visuals / Effects | 7 |
| Entertainment Value | 6 |
| Overall Rating | 7 |
Final Verdict
Maalik is a gritty, intense portrayal of a man’s rise and fall in the criminal underworld. Despite predictable plot points and occasional pacing issues, Rajkummar Rao’s powerful performance makes the film worth watching. Fans of character-driven crime dramas will find Maalik engaging and authentic.
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