Maalik (2025) Movie: Rajkummar Rao’s Shocking Physical Transformation Steals the Show

Maalik, the highly awaited action thriller of 2025, marks a significant milestone in Rajkummar Rao’s career as he ventures into the gritty world of gangster cinema. Directed by Pulkit and produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani, this Hindi-language action thriller features Rajkummar Rao in the titular role alongside accomplished actors Prosenjit Chatterjee and Manushi Chhillar. The film represents Rao’s second collaboration with director Pulkit after their 2017 historical drama Bose: Dead/Alive.

The movie explores the compelling narrative of a man’s rise to power in the underworld, delving deep into themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, and ambition. What sets Maalik apart from typical gangster dramas is its focus on social issues, promising to deliver more than just action sequences.

Plot and Storyline

Maalik presents a gripping story about a man’s rise to power in the underworld, with the narrative expected to be full of action and adventure while addressing social issues. The storyline follows Rajkummar Rao’s character as he navigates the treacherous world of crime, driven by ambition and a thirst for control.

The narrative structure appears to be carefully crafted to balance intense action sequences with meaningful character development. Unlike many gangster films that rely solely on violence and action, Maalik seems to emphasize the psychological transformation of its protagonist.

Cast Performance

Rajkummar Rao’s transformation for Maalik deserves special mention. To prepare for the physically demanding role, Rajkummar Rao reportedly started working on building a more muscular physique, demonstrating his commitment to the character. His versatility as an actor has been consistently proven across various genres, and his venture into action-thriller territory promises to showcase yet another facet of his acting prowess.

Prosenjit Chatterjee portrays a cop in the film, bringing his extensive experience in Bengali cinema to this Hindi production. His presence adds gravitas to the cast, and his pairing with Rao creates an interesting dynamic that could be one of the film’s highlights.

Manushi Chhillar plays the female lead, replacing Medha Shankr who was initially cast opposite Rao. This marks another significant project for the former Miss World, who continues to establish herself in Bollywood.

Direction and Technical Aspects

Director Pulkit’s vision for Maalik appears to be ambitious and well-thought-out. His previous collaboration with Rajkummar Rao in Bose: Dead/Alive demonstrated his ability to handle complex narratives and extract powerful performances from his actors.

Principal photography began in August 2024 with a continuous three-month shooting schedule, covering locations in Lucknow and Varanasi. The choice of these cities as filming locations suggests an authentic portrayal of the Indian heartland, which could add significant depth to the film’s setting and atmosphere.

What I Liked About Maalik

Based on early screenings and available information, several aspects of Maalik appear to be working in its favor. I found Rajkummar Rao’s physical transformation and dedication to the role particularly impressive, showing promise for a compelling central performance. The film’s focus on social issues alongside action sequences could provide the depth that elevates it above typical gangster films.

The casting choices, particularly the inclusion of Prosenjit Chatterjee, bring together talent from different regional cinemas, which creates interesting on-screen chemistry. I believe the authentic locations chosen for filming enhance the film’s visual appeal and narrative credibility.

Areas for Improvement

The film’s extended runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes could be a double-edged sword. While it allows for comprehensive storytelling, it also risks pacing issues if not handled carefully. The challenge will be maintaining audience engagement throughout the nearly two-and-a-half-hour duration.

The film’s success will largely depend on how well it balances its social commentary with commercial entertainment elements. Striking this balance is crucial for reaching both critics and general audiences.

Critical Reception and Reviews

Early reviews from censor screenings have been highly positive, with one reviewer giving it 4.5 stars and calling Maalik an absolute firecracker. This early praise suggests that the film manages to maintain engagement despite its lengthy duration.

The film’s trailer has generated positive buzz among audiences, with many praising Rajkummar Rao’s new avatar and his pairing with Prosenjit Chatterjee. Industry insiders and early viewers have highlighted the film’s production values and the transformation of Rajkummar Rao for the role.

Visual Appeal and Cinematography

The film’s visual treatment appears to be one of its strongest assets. The choice of Lucknow and Varanasi as primary filming locations provides an authentic backdrop that enhances the narrative’s credibility. These cities, with their rich cultural heritage and urban-rural mix, offer the perfect setting for a story about power dynamics and social issues.

The cinematography seems to capture both the gritty reality of the underworld and the broader social context in which the story unfolds. The visual style appears to complement the film’s serious tone while maintaining the commercial appeal necessary for a wide release.

Music and Sound Design

While specific details about the film’s music are limited, Huma Qureshi’s special cameo appearance in a dance number suggests that the film incorporates musical elements strategically rather than overwhelming the narrative with unnecessary songs. This approach aligns with the film’s serious tone while providing commercial entertainment value.

Final Verdict

Maalik represents a bold and ambitious project that could potentially redefine Rajkummar Rao’s career trajectory while contributing meaningfully to the gangster drama genre in Hindi cinema. The film’s focus on social issues, combined with its action-thriller elements, positions it as more than just entertainment.

I believe the stellar cast, authentic locations, and director Pulkit’s vision create a strong foundation for what could be a memorable cinematic experience. Rajkummar Rao’s physical and artistic commitment to the role, supported by seasoned actors like Prosenjit Chatterjee, suggests that the film will deliver on its promise of compelling performances.

The early positive reviews and industry buzz indicate that Maalik might just be the breakthrough film that elevates the standards of Indian action thrillers. Its blend of commercial entertainment with social commentary could appeal to both critics and audiences, making it a complete package.

Rating: 4/5