🎬 Maalik (2025) – Rajkummar Rao’s Gritty Gangster Transformation
🔥 Synopsis & Genre
Maalik is a riveting action‑thriller set in India’s unforgiving underworld. Directed by Pulkit and penned alongside Jyotsana Nath, the film charts one man’s ruthless ascent from obscurity to dominance—embodied by the fierce proclamation, “Paida nahi ho sakta, ban to sakta hai” (“You might not be born a king, but you can become one”).
🗓 Release Details
After an initial June 20 release announcement, Maalik has been rescheduled to 11 July 2025. The shift, confirmed in late April, was likely intended to refine the final cut and position the movie for optimal box-office impact.
👤 Cast & Crew
- Rajkummar Rao stars as the titular Maalik—an intense departure into vigilante gangster territory from his celebrated dramatic and comedic roles.
- The ensemble includes Prosenjit Chatterjee as his mentor, Manushi Chhillar, Medha Shankr, with a cameo/dance number by Huma Qureshi, plus talented players like Swanand Kirkire and Anshumaan Pushkar.
- Pulkit (known for Bose: Dead/Alive) directs; produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani under Tips Industries and Northern Lights Films.
- Music by Sachin–Jigar, lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya; cinematography by Anuj Rakesh Dhawan.
🎬 Teaser Reaction & Expectations
The teaser, released in early June, delivers a brutally raw portrayal of Rao as a cold-blooded gangster in 1988 Allahabad—decapitating opponents with a spade, wielding firearms, and asserting his rise to power. Fans have responded enthusiastically, calling it his “darkest avatar yet” with intense screen presence.
📍 Production Highlights
Principal photography ran from September to November 2024 across Lucknow, Varanasi, Unnao, and Kanpur. Rajkummar underwent a physical transformation for the violent, weapon-heavy action sequences, including a wedding-setting climactic shoot on 14 November.
📌 Why Maalik Is One to Watch
- Bold Genre Shift – A major departure from Rajkummar Rao’s recent rom-coms like Bhool Chuk Maaf and Stree 2, Maalik plunges him into the intense world of gangster cinema
- Pulkit’s Directorial Edge – Following his critically acclaimed thrillers, Pulkit’s direction promises character-driven suspense and moral dilemmas interwoven with explosive action .
- High Production Value – With collaborators like Sachin–Jigar and Amitabh Bhattacharya, the soundtrack and visuals are expected to elevate the immersive underworld setting.
- Cultural & Emotional Depth – By situating the narrative in 1988 Allahabad and blending loyalty, betrayal, and ambition, Maalik aims for socio-emotional resonance beyond typical action tropes.
🗓 Final Takeaway
Mark your calendars for 11 July 2025, when Maalik—Rajkummar Rao’s first full-blown gangster action-thriller—hits theatres. With its ruthless teaser, compelling storyline, and Rao’s transformative performance, the film is primed to redefine his cinematic persona and stand out this summer.
