Maalik Review

We've seen Rajkummar Rao inhabit an array of characters over the years. Whether by chance or intention, he never repeats himself - each role feels distinctly fresh, the only exception being Stree 2 where he repeated himself. Remarkably, his films either break even or turn into surprise hits. Now comes Maalik, a gangster drama where Rao plays a full-fledged don. But while Rao continues his impressive streak of performances, the film's direction and storytelling don't quite rise to his level this time.

Set in 1980s Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Maalik chronicles the transformation of Deepak (Rao), the son of a humble farmer (Rajendra Gupta) who morphs into a fearsome underworld figure. His journey - from a wronged youth to a ruthless enforcer and finally to a regionally feared don - explores the seduction of power, the cost of ambition, and the slow erosion of one's moral compass under the weight of crime and corruption.

The story kicks off with Deepak seeking revenge against those who wronged his family - an inflection point that marks his rebirth as Maalik, or master. The first half sizzles with frenetic energy, unflinching violence, detailed character introductions, and the raw grime of street-level politics. It's immersive and tightly wound, setting up a world that feels both real and volatile.

As Deepak's dominion expands, the film brings in political entanglements, gang rivalries, and the inevitable confrontation with law enforcement - led by SP Prabhu Das (Prosenjit Chatterjee). Emotional layers are added through his relationship with his wife Shalini (Manushi Chhillar). However, the second half begins to lose steam. The narrative leans on tired tropes - betrayal, power struggles, and the criminal-political nexus - culminating in a series of climactic face-offs that feel both stretched and predictable.

What the first half builds tension and urgency, the second half squanders with a sluggish pace and uneven tone. Subplots, especially those involving Deepak's family and political dealings, feel undercooked. The tonal shifts - from gritty realism to melodrama - dilute the impact, causing the narrative to meander. The film remains firmly rooted in old-school tropes, and its second half struggles to justify its length or emotional detours. It's a moody, often intense gangster epic that revisits familiar terrain with sincerity but little innovation.

There are also several flaws in the execution of key sequences - for example, when Deepak and an enemy are both armed with guns but inexplicably switch to hand-to-hand combat in a life-or-death situation. Such unrealistic choices appear throughout the film, undermining its gritty tone and making the action feel staged rather than suspenseful.

Rajkummar Rao delivers a towering performance. Shedding his signature everyman charm, he embraces menace and swagger, undergoing a striking physical and emotional transformation. While some critics argue his portrayal leans toward overt theatrics rather than subtle menace, it's undeniably compelling. His performance anchors the film even as the storytelling falters.

Manushi Chhillar as Shalini is earnest but underutilized. Her character serves more as an emotional foil than a fully fleshed-out presence. The supporting cast - including Saurabh Shukla, Rajendra Gupta, Saurabh Sachdeva and Swanand Kirkire - do justice to their roles, though the script doesn't give them much to chew on.

Technically, the film gets several things right. Cinematographer Anuj Rakesh Dhawan captures the dusty, sun-bleached textures of 1980s Uttar Pradesh with authenticity and flair. The production design and locales feel lived-in and accurate to the era. However, Zubin Sheikh's editing could have been tighter - the second half drags, and several crucial scenes feel unnecessarily prolonged.

The soundtrack by Sachin-Jigar and Ketan Sodha is functional but unremarkable. The background score occasionally heightens the tension, but the songs don't leave a lasting impression.

Pulkit, in his directorial debut, shows promise. He successfully sets the tone and atmosphere, grounding the film in an era with convincing detail. Yet, he struggles with narrative control. The story lacks freshness, the pacing is erratic, a few sequences are ill-executed, and the emotional beats often fall flat.

Maalik boasts a magnetic lead performance and a strong sense of time and place, but is let down by predictable storytelling and pacing issues. It falls somewhere in the middle of the gangster genre spectrum - commendable in ambition and memorable in parts, but not quite the game-changer it aspired to be. Fans of Rajkummar Rao will find much to appreciate - his performance is electrifying. However, those seeking originality, layered subplots or a tight narrative structure might be disappointed.