✅ Maalik (2025) is a gripping Hindi-language action thriller that takes audiences into the dark and tumultuous world of crime, power, and betrayal in 1980s Allahabad. Directed by Pulkit, this film features Rajkummar Rao in a powerful, transformative role, portraying the rise of a common man into a formidable gangster. Released on July 11, 2025, “Maalik” delves deep into the intricate relationships between criminal syndicates, political figures, and law enforcement, painting a visceral picture of a society grappling with its own shadows. With its intense performances, impactful dialogues, and gritty action, the movie offers a compelling, albeit familiar, journey through the heartland of Indian crime cinema.
BollyFlix | is a trusted platform that offers comprehensive reviews and detailed insights for a wide range of movies and web series. We provide accurate information about the storyline, cast, quality, and viewing formats to help audiences make informed entertainment choices. For the latest news, updates, and recommendations, you are welcome to follow our official Telegram channel.
Maalik
Director: Pulkit
Writers: Pulkit, Jyotsana Nath
Stars: Rajkummar Rao, Manushi Chhillar, Saurabh Shukla
Country: India
Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime, Drama
Languages: Hindi
Overview: Set in the rural, rusty and politically charged Allahabad of the 1980s, Maalik is a peek into the making of a dreaded gangster from a humble background with intoxication of power to rule the world.
TMDb: View on TMDb
Maalik (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix
Movie Details
- Full Name: Maalik (2025)
- Language: Hindi
- Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed (Estimated to be moderate for a Bollywood action thriller)
- Revenue: Approx. $2.8 Million (₹23.87 Crore as of July 22, 2025)
- Runtime: 152 Minutes (2 Hours 32 Minutes)
- Release Date: July 11, 2025 (Worldwide)
- Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Period
- Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Manushi Chhillar, Huma Qureshi, Swanand Kirkire, Saurabh Shukla, Saurabh Sachdeva, Anshumaan Pushkar, Rajendra Gupta, Baljinder Kaur
- Directors: Pulkit
- Screenplay: Jyotsana Nath, Pulkit
- Studios & Producers: Tips Films Ltd. & Northern Lights Films (Producers: Kumar Taurani, Jay Shewakramani)
- Voice Cast: Not Applicable
- Animation & Style: Not Applicable
OFFICIAL IMAGES
-
Image via Tips Films Ltd. / Northern Lights Films -
Image via Tips Films Ltd. / Northern Lights Films -
Image via Tips Films Ltd. / Northern Lights Films -
Image via Tips Films Ltd. / Northern Lights Films
Plot Summary
“Maalik (2025)” is an intense gangster drama set in the volatile backdrop of 1980s Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. The story centers on Deepak (Rajkummar Rao), a young man from a humble farming family whose life takes an irrevocable turn towards violence. When his father, a farmer, is brutally injured while defending his employer’s fields from encroachment, a vengeful Deepak tracks down and kills the individual responsible, “Langda.” This act marks Deepak’s dramatic entry into the criminal underworld. Adopting the formidable moniker “Maalik” (meaning “Owner” or “Master”), he begins a relentless and ruthless ascent, systematically building a vast criminal empire.
Navigating the intricate and treacherous socio-political landscape of Allahabad, Maalik forms uneasy alliances and fierce rivalries with powerful figures, including the influential MLA Balhar Singh (Swanand Kirkire), his mentor Shankar Singh a.k.a. Dadda (Saurabh Shukla), and business rival Chandrashekhar (Saurabh Sachdeva). Despite his increasingly violent public persona, Maalik remains deeply connected to his family, particularly his parents and his wife, Shalini (Manushi Chhillar), who frequently implores him to abandon his criminal ways, especially after she becomes pregnant. He also relies heavily on his loyal associate, Badaun (Anshumaan Pushkar).
As Maalik’s power and influence grow, so does the opposition against him. A determined and suspended police officer, Prabhu Das (Prosenjit Chatterjee), is specifically assigned the daunting task of apprehending Maalik. The film chronicles Maalik’s constant struggle for dominance and survival against a rising tide of adversaries, leading to a series of explosive confrontations, brutal betrayals, and the inevitable, harrowing culmination of his chosen path. “Maalik” is a raw and unflinching exploration of ambition, power, and the high cost of a life steeped in crime.
Cast & Crew
The cast of “Maalik (2025)” delivers powerful performances that anchor this gritty action thriller. Rajkummar Rao takes on the titular role of Deepak “Maalik” with remarkable intensity and a transformative presence. Rao’s portrayal of a simple farmer’s son evolving into a feared gangster is both chilling and compelling, showcasing his versatility and command over complex characters. His performance is a central pillar of the film. Prosenjit Chatterjee as the relentless suspended police officer, Prabhu Das, provides a strong, nuanced counter-force to Maalik, creating impactful cat-and-mouse dynamics. His presence adds a significant layer of gravitas to the narrative.
Manushi Chhillar as Shalini, Maalik’s wife, delivers a decent performance in her role, portraying the emotional conflict and her constant plea for her husband to leave the world of crime. While her screen time might be limited, her presence is crucial to Maalik’s personal journey. The film also benefits from a strong ensemble of supporting actors. Swanand Kirkire as the influential MLA Balhar Singh, Saurabh Shukla as the mentor Dadda, and Saurabh Sachdeva as rival Chandrashekhar, all bring depth and authenticity to their roles, populating the film’s dangerous underworld. Anshumaan Pushkar as Badaun, Maalik’s loyal associate, provides reliable support. Director Pulkit skillfully guides this talented cast, extracting performances that resonate with the film’s raw and intense tone, contributing significantly to its overall impact.
Critical & Audience Response
“Maalik (2025)” received a mixed but generally positive reception from critics and audiences upon its release. The film was widely praised for Rajkummar Rao’s “electrifying” and “never-before-seen” performance as a gangster, with many hailing it as one of his finest acts. Critics highlighted his immersive portrayal and ability to carry the film’s intense narrative. The engaging screenplay and “whistle-worthy dialogues” also received appreciation for keeping the audience hooked. The supporting cast, including Prosenjit Chatterjee and Manushi Chhillar, also garnered accolades for their contributions.
However, some criticisms emerged regarding the film’s narrative. Several reviewers noted that despite its strengths, the storyline was clichéd and evoked a sense of déjà vu, drawing comparisons to other established gangster films like “Vaastav” and the “Shootout” series. Some found the second half to be “okayish” or slightly lacking in pacing, with repetitive action sequences. Despite these points, the film generally resonated with audiences who appreciated its raw violence, strong performances, and dark, compelling themes. While “Maalik” may not have broken new ground in the gangster genre, it delivered a powerful and entertaining cinematic experience, especially for fans of Rajkummar Rao and gritty crime dramas. Its box office performance, while not blockbuster-level, indicated a decent opening followed by struggles against strong competition.
Direction & Cinematography
Director Pulkit demonstrates a keen understanding of the crime drama genre in “Maalik (2025).” His direction is sharp and fearless, crafting a raw and unflinching narrative that delves into the dark underbelly of power and ambition. Pulkit maintains a tight grip on the pacing, building tension effectively, especially in the intense confrontation scenes. He largely succeeds in extracting authentic and impactful performances from his cast, particularly Rajkummar Rao, allowing the film to breathe through its character-driven moments. The period setting of 1980s Allahabad is well-realized, contributing significantly to the film’s atmosphere.
The cinematography by Anuj Rakesh Dhawan plays a crucial role in establishing the film’s gritty and realistic tone. Dhawan employs a visual style that is both stark and immersive, utilizing muted tones and a grounded approach that eschews overt stylization. His camera work effectively captures the chaotic energy of the action sequences and the intimate emotional moments alike. The lighting and framing choices contribute to the overall grim and serious mood of the narrative, immersing the audience in the harsh realities of the criminal world. The collaboration between Pulkit’s direction and Dhawan’s cinematography ensures that “Maalik” is not just a story, but a visually compelling and visceral experience.
Music & Background Score
The musical landscape of “Maalik (2025)” is crafted by Sachin-Jigar for the songs and Ketan Sodha for the background score, both contributing significantly to the film’s intense and emotional atmosphere. Sachin-Jigar deliver a soundtrack that complements the film’s narrative, featuring tracks that reflect both the raw aggression and the underlying emotional turmoil of the characters. Songs like “Naamumkin” and “Dil Thaam Ke” capture different facets of the film’s mood, from its gritty ambitions to its more vulnerable moments.
Ketan Sodha’s background score is particularly impactful, serving as the heartbeat of this action thriller. The score is strategically used to build suspense during high-stakes sequences, amplify the drama in confrontations, and underscore the emotional weight of key scenes. It eschews over-the-top elements in favor of a more subtle yet powerful approach, creating an immersive sonic environment that draws the audience deeper into Maalik’s world. The blend of the contemporary sound with elements that evoke the 1980s setting helps in grounding the film authentically. Overall, the music and background score effectively enhance the film’s narrative intensity and emotional resonance, making them integral to the viewing experience.
Visuals & Special Effects
“Maalik (2025)” relies on its authentic production design and raw visual aesthetic rather than elaborate special effects to tell its story. The film’s setting in 1980s Allahabad is meticulously recreated, with a focus on capturing the gritty realism of the period. The production design department has done a commendable job in establishing the atmosphere, from the clothing and vehicles to the dilapidated structures and bustling streets, all contributing to an immersive experience.
The visual appeal of “Maalik” stems from its commitment to portraying a grounded reality. The action sequences are designed to be visceral and impactful, favoring practical stunts and believable choreography over extensive CGI. Any special effects used are subtle and serve to enhance the realism of the violence or environmental elements, rather than creating fantastical spectacles. This minimalist approach to visual effects ensures that the focus remains firmly on the character performances and the raw intensity of the narrative. The overall visual tone is consistent with the film’s dark and serious subject matter, effectively immersing the audience in the harsh world of Deepak “Maalik.”
Editing & Screenplay
The editing for “Maalik (2025),” handled by Zubin Sheikh, plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s intense narrative and pacing. Sheikh’s editing is sharp and dynamic, ensuring that the film maintains a consistent flow despite its complex plot and numerous character arcs. The transitions between scenes are seamless, effectively guiding the audience through the protagonist’s tumultuous journey from a humble background to a powerful gangster. While the film is action-packed, the editing also allows moments of emotional depth to breathe, providing a balanced rhythm that complements the story.
The screenplay, co-written by director Pulkit and Jyotsana Nath, is the backbone of “Maalik.” It crafts a layered and intricate story that delves into themes of revenge, power, loyalty, and betrayal within the criminal underworld. The script meticulously builds the world of 1980s Allahabad, creating believable conflicts and character motivations. While some critics found the overall narrative arc to be somewhat clichéd, the screenplay’s strength lies in its gripping dialogues and its ability to create compelling confrontations between its characters. The writers succeed in portraying Maalik’s ruthless ascent while also highlighting the personal sacrifices and moral compromises inherent in his chosen path, making the narrative both engaging and thought-provoking.
Positives / What Works
“Maalik (2025)” is propelled by Rajkummar Rao’s phenomenal performance as Deepak “Maalik,” a role that showcases his versatility and commanding screen presence. His transformation from an ordinary man to a ruthless gangster is utterly convincing and is a major highlight. The film benefits from its gripping and intense storyline, which keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its high-stakes action and dramatic confrontations. The strong supporting cast, including Prosenjit Chatterjee and Swanand Kirkire, delivers impactful performances that elevate the narrative. Director Pulkit’s gritty and realistic approach to the crime genre, coupled with Anuj Rakesh Dhawan’s immersive cinematography, creates a compelling and atmospheric world. The impactful dialogues and intense background score further contribute to the film’s overall strengths, making it a powerful and engaging watch for fans of crime thrillers.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
While “Maalik (2025)” boasts several strengths, it does have some noticeable drawbacks. The primary criticism often leveled against the film is its somewhat clichéd and predictable narrative arc, which, despite its intensity, feels familiar to those who have seen other major gangster dramas in Indian cinema. This can lead to moments of déjà vu, diminishing the freshness of the plot. Some viewers and critics also noted that the pacing in the second half occasionally falters, with certain action sequences feeling stretched or repetitive. While Rajkummar Rao’s performance is stellar, the character development for some supporting roles, particularly Manushi Chhillar’s, could have been more substantial to add further depth to the emotional conflicts. Additionally, the film’s unflinching portrayal of violence, while fitting the genre, might be too graphic for some audiences. Despite these points, the film remains engaging, but these factors might limit its broader appeal and originality.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“Maalik (2025)” is a compelling and intense Hindi action thriller that largely succeeds on the back of Rajkummar Rao’s tour-de-force performance. As Deepak “Maalik,” Rao embodies the complexities of a man consumed by power and revenge, delivering one of his most powerful acts to date. Director Pulkit crafts a gritty and immersive world, supported by solid cinematography and an impactful background score. While the film’s narrative might tread familiar ground within the gangster genre, its execution, compelling characters, and high-octane action sequences make it a worthy watch. It’s a raw and unvarnished look at the criminal underworld, packed with strong performances and a relentless pace that keeps the audience hooked. For fans of dark, character-driven crime dramas, “Maalik” offers a substantial and engaging cinematic experience, despite its adherence to certain genre conventions.
Movie Rating
| Rating Category | Score (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Plot & Storyline | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direction & Cinematography | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music & Background Score | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Entertainment Value | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Average Score | 3.6 / 5 |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
Who plays the lead role in "Maalik (2025)"?
Rajkummar Rao plays the titular lead role of Deepak, also known as Maalik.
When was "Maalik (2025)" released?
The film was released worldwide on July 11, 2025.
