Rajkummar Rao`s Maalik Movie Review: Watch or Skip?

Maalik Movie Review: Watch or Skip? Radiocity By Radiocity Team Published Jul 11, 2025 [{ "selector": ".custom-gradient", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ { "offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(100px)" }, { "offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)" } ] }]

Setting & Premise Set in 1988 Allahabad, "Maalik" is a gritty gangster drama about a ruthless gangster named Maalik who rises to power through rage and cunning. [{ "selector": ".custom-gradient", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ { "offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(100px)" }, { "offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)" } ] }]

Lead Performance Rajkummar Rao delivers a highly transformative and electrifying performance as Maalik, hailed as the standout highlight of the film. [{ "selector": ".custom-gradient", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ { "offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(100px)" }, { "offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)" } ] }]

Character Portrayal Rao portrays a never-seen-before gangster avatar, embodying a fierce and intense character that elevates the entire film. [{ "selector": ".custom-gradient", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ { "offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(100px)" }, { "offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)" } ] }]

Supporting Cast Manushi Chhillar impresses as Shalini, bringing emotional depth as Maalik`s anchor, and her chemistry with Rao adds heart to the film`s story. [{ "selector": ".custom-gradient", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ { "offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(100px)" }, { "offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)" } ] }]

Direction Pulkit, in his theatrical debut, crafts a taut and gripping narrative by blending gritty action with character-driven storytelling. [{ "selector": ".custom-gradient", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ { "offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(100px)" }, { "offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)" } ] }]

Screenplay & Pacing Razor-sharp screenplay with tense moments and unpredictable twists. While the first half is tight, some netizens found the second half messy and lacking grip. [{ "selector": ".custom-gradient", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ { "offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(100px)" }, { "offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)" } ] }]

Cinematography The film is technically brilliant, with cinematography effectively capturing the oppressive streets and sprawling ambitions of Allahabad in striking detail. [{ "selector": ".custom-gradient", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ { "offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(100px)" }, { "offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)" } ] }]

Soundtrack & BGM The background score is thunderous yet nuanced, amplifying emotions and tension. Songs like Naamumkin complement the narrative beautifully. [{ "selector": ".custom-gradient", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ { "offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(100px)" }, { "offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)" } ] }]

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