Pulkit’s latest directorial venture Maalik has finally made its way to theatres on July 11, and it brings with it a gritty, emotionally complex tale set in the heartland of 1980s Uttar Pradesh. Led by the ever-versatile Rajkummar Rao, the film also stars Manushi Chhillar, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Anshumaan Pushkar, Saurabh Shukla, Swanand Kirkire, and Saurabh Sachdeva in significant roles.
Storyline: A Journey from Farmer’s Son to Fearsome Gangster
Maalik opens with a tense face-off between SP Prabhu Das (Prosenjit Chatterjee) and the notorious gangster Maalik, also known as Deepak (Rajkummar Rao). The film then rewinds to trace Deepak’s transformation from a simple Allahabad farmer’s son to one of the most feared gangsters in the region.
Set in 1988, the story revolves around Deepak’s modest beginnings and his desire to make his family proud. With his loyal friend Baduna (Anshumaan Pushkar) by his side and his wife Shalini (Manushi Chhillar) offering unwavering support, Deepak’s life takes a sharp turn after a political meeting with Shankar Singh (Saurabh Shukla). A series of unexpected events eventually drag him into the dark world of crime.
Embracing the title Maalik, Deepak becomes a powerful figure among the common people and criminals alike. But his ambitions don’t stop there—he sets his sights on entering politics to bring change to the lives of farmers and contractors. Standing in his way are his rival Chandrashekhar (Saurabh Sachdeva), political influencer Balhar Singh (Swanand Kirkire), and the determined SP Prabhu Das. The film builds toward a high-stakes climax, leaving viewers questioning who will prevail.
Direction & Writing
Director Pulkit, who earlier worked with Rajkummar Rao in Bose: Dead/Alive, delivers a solid directorial effort with Maalik. His depiction of 1980s Uttar Pradesh is immersive and authentic, filled with cultural nuances and dramatic flair. The story, also penned by Pulkit, brings in familiar tones reminiscent of films like Vaastav, yet manages to stand on its own.
The screenplay and dialogues, co-written by Jyotsana Nath and Pulkit, keep the audience invested for the most part. While the first half is gripping, the narrative does dip slightly in the second half before regaining momentum in the finale. The twist at the climax is particularly noteworthy and adds to the overall impact.
Performances
Maalik belongs to Rajkummar Rao. His portrayal of Deepak/Maalik is intense, layered, and incredibly convincing. Whether it’s the emotional beats or high-octane action sequences, Rajkummar delivers a top-tier performance, capturing the essence of a conflicted man caught between power and purpose.
Manushi Chhillar, portraying Deepak’s supportive wife, has shown marked improvement and leaves a mark in several emotional scenes. Prosenjit Chatterjee lends gravitas with a compelling performance as the upright cop. Supporting actors including Saurabh Shukla, Swanand Kirkire, and Saurabh Sachdeva offer strong support, while Anshumaan Pushkar emerges as an unexpected standout with a memorable presence.
Technical Merits
Visually, Maalik is a treat. Cinematographer Anuj Rakesh Dhawan captures the gritty action and rustic landscapes beautifully. The action choreography and framing elevate the film’s intensity. However, the runtime—at 2 hours and 32 minutes—feels slightly stretched. A tighter edit by Zubin Shaikh could have enhanced the pace.
Musically, the film lands on average ground. While Sachin-Jigar’s songs don’t particularly stand out, Ketan Sodha’s background score complements the film’s mood effectively.
Final Verdict
Maalik is a gripping gangster saga driven by a powerhouse performance from Rajkummar Rao. It captures the essence of crime, politics, and personal ambition against a backdrop of rural India. Despite a few pacing issues, it’s an engrossing watch, especially for fans of hard-hitting dramas. This film deserves a theatrical experience, and we rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Verdict: A solid crime drama elevated by Rajkummar Rao’s commanding performance.
