Article Description

Explore Maalik (2025), an action-adventure film released yesterday, July 11, 2025, directed by Pulkit and starring Rajkummar Rao. This review covers its gritty gangster narrative and 2-hour-29-minute runtime.

Introduction

Can a farmer’s son become a feared gangster? Maalik, released yesterday at 10:00 AM IST, dives into this tale with Rajkummar Rao leading a 2-hour-29-minute action-packed journey. Directed by Pulkit, this film blends crime and drama in 1980s Allahabad. Ready for the rise?

History

Announced in July 2024, Maalik began filming in September 2024 in Lucknow and Varanasi. Produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani, the muhurat shot occurred on August 25, 2024, with a theatrical release yesterday, July 11, 2025.

Movie Summary

Deepak (Rajkummar Rao), a farmer’s son, turns to crime after his father’s brutal attack, rising as Maalik in Allahabad’s underworld. Facing political enemies and a relentless cop (Prosenjit Chatterjee), his journey tests loyalty and survival, culminating in a dramatic showdown.

IMDb, Genre, and Platforms

  • IMDb Rating: 4.0/10 (early reviews).
  • Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama.
  • Platforms: In theaters now; streaming TBD.

Key Breakdown

  • Themes: Power, revenge, and social struggle.
  • Pacing: Slow first half, uneven second half.
  • Visuals: Decent action, but some scenes feel staged.

Production Details

Directed by Pulkit with a script by Jyotsana Nath and Pulkit, the film is produced by Tips Films and Northern Lights Films. Music by Sachin Sanghvi and Jigar Saraiya, it was shot in 2024, released yesterday with a CBFC A rating.

Characters

  • Deepak/Maalik (Rajkummar Rao): A vengeful gangster with raw energy.
  • Shalini (Manushi Chhillar): His wife, a moral anchor.
  • Prabhu Das (Prosenjit Chatterjee): A tough cop on his trail.
  • Shankar Singh (Saurabh Shukla): A manipulative mentor.

What to Watch Before

No prior viewing is needed, but *Vaastav* (1999) or *Gangs of Wasseypur* (2012) offers context for the gangster genre.

Cultural Impact

Released yesterday, Maalik has sparked mixed reactions, praised for Rao’s performance but critiqued for its predictable plot, reflecting ongoing debates in Bollywood’s action cinema.

Fan Reactions

Posts found on X show a split: some admire Rao’s transformation, others find the film dull and clichéd, indicating varied early sentiment.

Recommendation

Suitable for action fans tolerant of slow pacing. Catch it in theaters today if you enjoy Rao’s gritty turn, but expect familiar tropes.

Future Projects

A sequel is hinted at, though its success today will determine further development.

Call to Action

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