Director:Pulkit
Rating:**½
Maalik, directed by Pulkit and released in theaters on July 11, comes with all the ingredients for a powerful crime thriller: a gritty 1990s setting in Allahabad, a cast of seasoned actors like Rajkummar Rao, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saurabh Shukla, and Swanand Kirkire, and a storyline steeped in power, politics, and violence. However, despite a compelling premise, Maalik falls short of delivering a coherent or emotionally engaging narrative.
Strong Setup, Weak Execution
The film opens on a promising note. The dusty, politically charged atmosphere of 90s Uttar Pradesh is brought to life with impressive detailing. Rajkummar Rao plays Deepak, alias Maalik, a fearsome sand mafia boss who manipulates people and government tenders with equal efficiency. For the first act, it feels like the film might evolve into a gripping exploration of crime and morality.
But that momentum is short-lived.
A Genre Confused: Gangster Drama, Political Thriller, or Redemption Story?
Instead of sharpening its focus, Maalik gets lost in its own ambitions. The film can’t seem to decide whether it wants to be a gangster saga, a political thriller, or a tragic tale of redemption. The result is a muddled, often jarring narrative that jumps from one tone to another with little finesse.
The plot itself borrows heavily from familiar tropes—a dreaded don, a righteous cop, a political nexus, and an inevitable downfall. Films like Sehar (2005) navigated similar themes with much more nuance and grit. In Maalik, the storytelling feels rushed and underdeveloped, as though the writers were checking boxes rather than crafting an arc.
Characters Without Conviction
The cast tries their best, but the script gives them little to work with: Rajkummar Rao attempts to break away from his “everyman” image by portraying a hardened criminal. While he adopts the physical mannerisms—unkempt hair, cigarette puffs, brooding stares—the emotional weight is missing. His character lacks internal conflict or layered motivation, making Maalik feel more like a caricature than a human being.
Manushi Chhillar, as Maalik’s wife Shalini, barely gets any screen time and functions more as a plot device than a person. Her role is emotionally hollow, with no real agency or impact.
Prosenjit Chatterjee’s Officer Prabhu Das is supposedly the cop who will challenge Maalik’s rule. But his presence lacks tension. The narrative doesn't build up any meaningful conflict between him and Maalik.
Saurabh Shukla and Swanand Kirkire, both known for lifting weak scripts with strong performances, are wasted in poorly written side roles.
The absence of a formidable antagonist means Maalik cruises through most of the film unchallenged. Even pivotal moments—such as betrayals, murders, and political twists—fail to hit hard because they arrive without emotional buildup or context.
Direction Lacks Focus and Cohesion
Pulkit’s direction shows glimpses of ambition but is marred by inconsistency. Several scenes attempt to pay homage to iconic gangster films, but these moments often come across as superficial imitations. For instance, scenes reminiscent of Tony Montana’s explosive outbursts from Scarface feel performative rather than earned.
The screenplay suffers from choppy transitions and tonal dissonance. Key events happen abruptly—especially Maalik’s sudden decision to surrender. There is no psychological arc or narrative trigger that justifies his change of heart. It simply... happens.
Missed Opportunities: A Rich Setup Gone to Waste
Maalik had all the raw materials for a compelling crime saga:
A unique setting in the political heartland of India
A criminal protagonist with moral ambiguity
A web of political power, betrayal, and justice
Yet, the film fails to capitalize on any of these elements. Instead of delving into the psyche of its lead or building a meaningful rivalry, it strings together disjointed scenes filled with clichés and surface-level drama.
The emotional stakes are weak, and character arcs are either predictable or incomplete. Every time the film threatens to dive deeper, it retreats to safe, uninspired territory.
Final Verdict: A Flawed Crime Drama With Wasted Potential
Maalik could have been a sharp, evocative addition to Indian gangster cinema, but it settles for being a forgettable, confused mess. With stronger writing, more developed characters, and a tighter narrative, it might have lived up to its premise.
Unfortunately, what we’re left with is a film that fails to thrill, challenge, or even entertain consistently. It squanders a talented cast and a rich backdrop, offering instead a hollow narrative that lacks emotional depth or cinematic impact.
