maalik movie review

The movie "Maalik" (2025) is a gritty gangster drama set in the late 1980s and early '90s in Allahabad, starring Rajkummar Rao. It tells the story of Deepak, who becomes the feared underworld kingpin Maalik after a violent incident involving his father. Rao's intense and nuanced performance is widely praised as the film's highlight, showcasing his transition from a vulnerable young man to a ruthless gangster. The supporting cast, including Prosenjit Chatterjee and Manushi Chhillar, also delivers strong performances. However, the film is criticized for its predictable and cliché storyline, struggling with pacing issues and lacking originality. The screenplay and narrative are seen as formulaic, borrowing heavily from previous gangster films and filled with worn-out tropes, which prevents "Maalik" from standing out in the genre. While some action sequences and moments of emotional depth are noted, the overall execution is uneven and fails to fully engage the viewer beyond the lead actor's performance. In summary, "Maalik" is worth watching mainly for Rajkummar Rao's compelling portrayal, but its conventional plot and pacing issues make it a less innovative gangster drama, more suitable for fans of familiar crime sagas than those seeking fresh storytelling.