Maalik (2025) Movie Review – Introduction
“Maalik” (2025), directed by Pulkit and starring Rajkummar Rao in a never-before-seen avatar, is a gritty, atmospheric action-drama set in the chaotic lanes of 1988’s Allahabad. The film marks a significant shift for Rao, who steps into the world of guns, blood, betrayal, and psychological dominance. Unlike his earlier, nuanced or vulnerable roles, Maalik presents him as an anti-hero — a man feared more than loved, shaped by circumstances and fuelled by revenge and survival.
Story Overview
The film follows Iqbal Khan (played by Rajkummar Rao), a poor, sharp-witted young man who grows up in the underbelly of Allahabad, a city torn between religious divides, caste violence, and political manipulation. As a child, he sees his family humiliated, his land snatched, and his father beaten by goons protected by local netas (politicians).
Iqbal’s rise begins not out of ambition but out of desperation. He starts off doing errands for a small-time local gang but quickly learns the power of fear. By the time he is 25, Iqbal becomes “Maalik” — the master of an empire built on crime, fear, and loyalty. But power comes with a price — and when betrayal hits from within his own circle, Maalik must choose between being feared and being forgotten.
Rajkummar Rao as Iqbal / Maalik
Rajkummar Rao delivers arguably his career’s boldest performance. Gone is the soft-spoken intellectual of Newton or Shahid — here stands a man hardened by trauma, shaped by revenge, and willing to burn the world if needed. His body language is aggressive, his expressions cold and calculated, and his dialogue delivery razor-sharp. You believe in his transformation from victim to villain.
From his sharp stares to violent outbursts, Rao dominates every frame. One particular jail interrogation scene is sure to become a fan favorite — no background score, just silence and intensity.
Prosenjit Chatterjee as Inspector Vikram Pratap
Prosenjit plays a morally grey police officer who knows Maalik’s rise intimately but chooses his moments to act. Their cat-and-mouse chemistry is tense and intelligent. Prosenjit adds maturity and a sense of moral confusion to the story.
Manushi Chhillar as Ruksana
Manushi plays Iqbal’s childhood friend and later love interest. While her screen time is limited, her presence brings emotional depth. She represents the world Maalik could’ve had if he’d chosen peace.
Huma Qureshi (Cameo Song)
Huma appears in a special item song during a club sequence in Lucknow — the song is visually stunning, but also relevant to the story’s turning point.
Direction and Vision
Director Pulkit (of Bhakshak fame) clearly takes inspiration from the gangster sagas of Indian cinema — from Satya to Vaastav — but what makes Maalik different is its psychological complexity. Iqbal isn’t just a criminal; he is a product of injustice.
Pulkit uses silence as much as violence. Some scenes have no music, no background noise — just raw emotion or bloodshed. He avoids glorifying violence but doesn’t shy away from showing its consequences.
The world he builds — from alleys of old Allahabad to dusty train stations and blood-soaked streets — feels authentic, lived-in, and haunting.
Cinematography & Visual Style
Shot in real locations like Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Unnao, the film’s visuals are raw and grounded. The camera stays close to the characters, often shaky, reflecting their unstable lives.
Night scenes are lit dimly, emphasizing shadows and fear. In contrast, flashback scenes from Iqbal’s childhood use warmer tones — reflecting lost innocence.
The cinematography captures the decay of power — buildings are broken, lanes are claustrophobic, and even Maalik’s mansion feels like a prison.
Music & Background Score
The soundtrack features two key songs:
- “Naamumkin” – a slow, haunting melody played during Iqbal’s rise; lyrics speak of pain and destiny.
- “Dil Thaam Ke” – a faster, tense song played during a betrayal montage; extremely cinematic.
Composer duo Sachin–Jigar keep the score minimal, letting emotions breathe. One standout moment is a 5-minute shootout filmed without music — only breathing, gunshots, and cries.
Themes and Symbolism
- Power & Corruption
Maalik shows how power corrupts — even those who once fought for justice. Iqbal begins as a victim but becomes worse than his enemies. The system that made him is also the one he begins to control.
- Religion & Identity
Without being preachy, the film subtly comments on how identity — Hindu, Muslim, caste — is weaponized by those in power. Maalik is respected by some, hated by others, depending on who profits.
- Fate vs Choice
Iqbal’s journey shows how much of our destiny is shaped by the choices we make — or are forced to make. He chooses survival, but loses humanity.
Strongest Scenes
A powerful monologue where Iqbal confronts a corrupt MLA about land, saying:
“Jab insaaf nahi milta, to Maalik paida hota hai.”
A betrayal scene involving someone from his inner circle — tense, shocking, and brutal.
The final confrontation between Maalik and the police — it’s not just bullets, it’s psychology.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Rajkummar Rao’s powerhouse performance
Gritty, realistic setting
Strong emotional and psychological layers
Excellent camera work and production value
Unique blend of politics, crime, and emotion
Some might find it too violent or slow-paced in middle portions
Limited screen time for supporting cast like Manushi
No clear “hero vs villain” line — morally complex
Conclusion
Maalik isn’t your usual masala gangster flick. It’s a slow-burning, character-driven thriller that explores how broken systems create broken men. With Rajkummar Rao’s chilling performance, Pulkit’s thoughtful direction, and the film’s raw atmosphere, Maalik stands out in the crowd of action films.
It asks uncomfortable questions:
Who becomes a criminal — the one who pulls the trigger, or the one who made him pick it up?
Can justice exist in a world where power is everything?
If you like films that don’t just entertain but linger in your mind, Maalik is a must-watch.
