Five Reasons Rajkummar Rao’s Maalik Deserves Your Attention

Rajkummar Rao’s Maalik is a grounded gangster drama set in 1980s Allahabad, offering gritty performances, solid direction, and a throwback to classic crime sagas with emotional depth.

In 'Maalik', Rajkummar Rao sheds his usually restrained screen persona to deliver a fiery, more volatile performance.

Source : IMDb

Rajkummar Rao’s 'Maalik' has hit theatres, bringing with it a dark, emotionally-charged tale set in the world of crime and politics. While it doesn’t rewrite the rules of the genre, it does enough to leave an impact. With its grounded storytelling and intense performances, here are five reasons the film might be worth a watch.

Rajkummar Rao in a gritty new avatar

In 'Maalik', Rajkummar Rao sheds his usually restrained screen persona to deliver a fiery, more volatile performance. As a man rising through the criminal underbelly of 1980s Allahabad, Rao brings intensity and depth, making his character’s journey feel lived-in rather than theatrical.

A familiar yet grounded crime setting

The film is steeped in the visual and thematic language of old-school gangster dramas. Narrow alleys, smoky backrooms, and political double-dealings create a familiar backdrop, but Maalik keeps things grounded with personal stakes and emotional weight instead of stylised excess.

A reliable ensemble and thoughtful music

Supporting performances from actors like Manushi Chhillar, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saurabh Shukla, Anshuman Pushkar, and Swanand Kirkire help flesh out the world of Maalik. The soundtrack, though understated, complements the tone of the film with both emotional ballads and punchy tracks.

Pulkit’s confident theatrical debut

Director Pulkit transitions from digital storytelling to the big screen with commendable assurance. The pacing, narrative beats, and dramatic arcs are well-structured, if a bit conventional at times. His command over mood and tone helps the film maintain a sense of urgency throughout.

Strong sound design and dialogue

The background score isn’t overbearing but does its job, heightening tension where needed and giving emotional scenes breathing room. The dialogue feels rooted in the setting, with a mix of grit, wit, and the occasional moment of unexpected humour.

'Maalik' doesn’t break away from the template of Indian gangster dramas, but it benefits from solid performances, sincere direction, and a story that feels personal rather than generic. If you’re a fan of character-driven crime films with emotional undercurrents, this one might be worth your time.