Maalik brings back the old-school masala action drama, but with a modern twist and a leading man who truly owns the screen. While the story may feel predictable, Rajkummar Rao’s energy and charm make it an entertaining watch — at least in parts.
Maalik: Same Old Story, Told with Style
If you’ve seen enough Bollywood action dramas, you’ll find Maalik’s storyline very familiar. Set in the 1990s in Allahabad, the movie follows the journey of an ordinary man who is wronged, rises to power, and eventually faces the consequences of his choices. It’s the kind of story we’ve seen many times before — the rise, the revenge, and the fall.
But here’s the twist: the way the film tells this old tale keeps you interested, especially in the first half. The pace, the dialogues, and the introduction of the characters are all done in a fun and engaging way. Director Pulkit, along with co-writer Jyotsana Nath, adds a desi flavour with lots of local humour and a sense of style that works.
Rajkummar Rao: The Unexpected Hero Who Delivers
What really makes Maalik stand out is its lead actor. Rajkummar Rao, known more for intense and offbeat roles, transforms himself into a full-blown action hero here. And surprisingly, he pulls it off with great confidence.
You may remember his funny and soft-spoken character Pritam Vidrohi from Bareilly Ki Barfi. Imagine that guy’s long-lost brother, but this time, with guns, rage, and swag. That’s Maalik. Rao brings both fire and emotion to the role. He’s fierce in action scenes, but also expressive in emotional moments. He clearly enjoys playing this massy hero, and it shows.
First Half Shines Bright
The first half of Maalik is easily the stronger part of the film. It sets up the world and the characters really well. You’ll find yourself enjoying the local setting, the powerful dialogues, and Rajkummar’s transformation. The humour, style, and energy all come together nicely.
There are enough moments to cheer for — whether it’s a well-timed punch, a whistle-worthy line, or just Rao’s screen presence. The storytelling is tight, and things move at a good pace.
Second Half Drags and Loses Steam
Unfortunately, the second half doesn’t keep up the momentum. The film slows down, and you start to feel the length. At over two hours, it begins to feel stretched, especially when too many subplots are added.
There are too many characters involved in Maalik’s life, and the film tries too hard to wrap up each of their stories. In doing so, it loses focus and rhythm. The action sequences become repetitive, and a few scenes — like the special song “Dil Thaam Ke” featuring Huma Qureshi — feel unnecessary and break the flow.
A tighter edit would have definitely helped. Editor Zubin Sheikh could’ve trimmed at least 20 minutes without affecting the core story.
Supporting Cast: Good Performances but Limited Scope
Apart from Rajkummar Rao, some other actors also leave an impression. Manushi Chhillar plays Maalik’s wife, and this is probably her most convincing performance so far. She handles her role with simplicity and grace, even though it’s not a very meaty part.
Saurabh Shukla adds weight to the story, while Prosenjit Chatterjee, playing a no-nonsense cop, gets enough screen time and a strong face-off with Maalik. Rajendra Gupta, as Maalik’s father, has limited scenes but manages to make an emotional impact.
If you’re someone who enjoys classic action dramas, with a bit of spice, swagger, and emotion — then Maalik will not disappoint. It’s not perfect, but it has its moments. And with the film ending on a hint of a sequel, we might just see Maalik return with more power and hopefully, a tighter script.
Jay-Ho! Review: Rajkummar Rao Shines in a Familiar but Fun Action Drama
Rating: ★★★★ (3/5)
Jay-Ho! to Maalik for bringing the heat with old-school action and a lead performance that packs a punch. While the plot follows a predictable path and drags in parts, Rajkummar Rao’s intensity and screen presence carry the film through. With its mix of drama, style, and solid performances, Maalik lands a respectable 3 out of 5 stars.
Maalik may not be a groundbreaking film. The story has been seen before, and the second half could have used better editing. But thanks to Rajkummar Rao’s fiery and fun performance, the movie still manages to entertain.
