A Fire Without Fuel
Maalik enters the screen with swagger—guns, politics, a gritty backdrop of 90s Allahabad, and the promise of a gripping gangster rise. But once the smoke clears, what remains is a film that struggles to rise beyond its clichés. Despite Rajkummar Rao’s electrifying presence, Maalik ends up as yet another “rise and fall” story we’ve seen far too often.
The story follows Deepak, a humble farmer’s son who’s pulled into the dark underworld of Allahabad. Betrayals, political manipulations, and a thirst for power transform him into “Maalik”—the feared don. Sounds exciting, right? Sadly, the screenplay recycles every gangster trope in the book.
From the corrupt politicians to the betrayed best friend, everything feels expected rather than explosive. It’s not that the story lacks potential—it just plays it too safe.
Performances: Rajkummar Rao Saves the Film
The brightest spot in Maalik is undoubtedly Rajkummar Rao. He slips into Deepak’s skin with ease—whether he’s the soft-spoken son or the ruthless don. His eyes carry the pain, rage, and ambition of a man fighting for control.
Manushi Chhillar, however, is underused. She gets moments to shine, but her character lacks depth, reduced to a love interest with minimal impact on the story’s core.
Supporting actors do a decent job, but none leave a lasting mark.
Direction & Cinematography: Gritty But Unoriginal
Director Pulkit captures the dark alleys and political tension of 90s UP with authenticity. The film looks good—dusty towns, dimly lit meetings, blood-soaked confrontations. But style can’t substitute for substance.
The storytelling feels flat, lacking emotional highs or surprises. Even the violence feels more dramatic than raw.
Functional, Not Memorable
The music is just there. A couple of tracks try to build emotion or energy, but none stick with you. The background score does its job during intense scenes but doesn’t elevate the drama.Maalik had all the ingredients: a proven actor, a strong setting, and a gritty concept. But it fumbles the execution. The film doesn’t challenge its genre—instead, it settles for being a predictable crowd-pleaser.
If you’re a Rajkummar Rao fan, you might enjoy watching him carry an otherwise average film. But if you’re hoping for the next Gangs of Wasseypur or Satya, Maalik will leave you wanting more.
Final Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Watch it for:
✔️ Rajkummar Rao’s performance
✔️ The rustic atmosphere of 90s India
Skip it if:
❌ You’re looking for fresh storytelling
❌ You expect complex characters or a tight plot
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