Maalik Review: Rajkummar Rao's Aggressive Avatar Wasted in a Boring Gangster Drama

RATING - ⭐ ⭐ 2/5*

Maalik Review Movie Talkies:

Maalik finally brings Rajkummar Rao in a rugged, massy, action-packed avatar — a side we’ve rarely seen from the otherwise versatile actor. But unfortunately, even his intense screen presence isn’t enough to salvage this outdated and tedious gangster drama. The film, written by Jyotsana Nath and directed by Pulkit, seems determined to stick to a template that has long run its course, offering nothing new or compelling in terms of storytelling or emotional depth.

The plot follows a young married man whose father, a servant (naukar), expects him to remain subservient. However, the son has bigger dreams — to become a Maalik, a master of his own fate. When his father is attacked, he retaliates with brutal violence, murdering the assailant in a public place and quickly rising to power. As he gains control over the local area and establishes himself as a feared don, new enemies emerge, threatening not just his kingdom but his family too. What follows is a barrage of gang wars, emotional outbursts, and a blood-soaked journey that feels more exhausting than exhilarating.

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The biggest flaw of Maalik is its stale writing. It echoes the 90s-style gangster saga without adding a shred of originality. Each twist is telegraphed, every emotional beat feels recycled, and the pacing drags endlessly over a bloated runtime of nearly two and a half hours. The film lacks compelling conflicts, and whatever is presented feels hollow or overdone. Where recent films like Animal (2023) dared to blend artistry with brutality, Maalik merely copies the genre’s worst clichés.

Rajkummar Rao does his best with what he’s given. This is certainly his most commercial, mass-oriented performance, and while it’s far from his best work, it’s an interesting experiment in image reinvention. Sadly, he’s let down by a weak script and uninspired direction. Manushi Chhillar has almost nothing to do except play the obligatory love interest, a role seen in countless gangster dramas before. Among the supporting cast, Prosenjit Chatterjee brings some gravitas, though his character arc is underwritten. Saurabh Sachdeva is effective in his limited screen time, while veterans like Saurabh Shukla and Swanand Kirkire manage to leave an impression despite the lack of substance. Others, including Anshumaan Pushkar, Rajendra Gupta, and Baljinder Kaur, remain forgettable in undercooked roles.

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Technically, Maalik falters even further. The cinematography feels recycled, offering nothing fresh or dynamic in terms of visuals. The editing is sluggish, making the already stretched narrative feel even more monotonous. The background score, which should’ve heightened the film’s tension, is underwhelming. Sachin-Jigar’s music is passable at best, though thankfully not intrusive. Director Pulkit appears to be on autopilot here, delivering a film devoid of passion or urgency. There’s no personal stamp or creative risk in the storytelling — it’s as if the film was made by ticking boxes rather than telling a story that mattered. With a more daring script and tighter execution, Maalik might have become a gripping underworld saga. Instead, it ends up being a hollow shell, wasting time, talent, and opportunity. Overall, Maalik tries to roar but barely makes a whimper. Even with Rajkummar Rao going full throttle in action mode, the film fails to rise above its formulaic structure. It's yet another example of how star power alone can’t compensate for poor storytelling. In short, as a film, Maalik fails to become a Maalik.

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