Rajkummar Rao’s much anticipated film Maalik released in theatres on July 11, alongside Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, starring Shanaya Kapoor and Vikrant Massey. The action drama sees Rajkummar in a gritty, high octane avatar alongside Manushi Chhillar.
Set in Allahabad, 1988, Maalik dives into the gritty underworld, with Rao portraying a cunning, rowdy, and ruthlessly deadly gangster.
Though it opened with modest buzz, early audience reactions have been divided. While several netizens praised Rajkummar Rao’s intense performance, others found the narrative underwhelming, with some calling it “boring” and “average.”
See what the netizens have to say:
MAALIK मालिक : movie review
— Aryaman Singh Pawar (@Aryaman_Singh20) July 11, 2025
⭐⭐
Movie is below average 😞
But Rajkummar Rao's performance is 🥵🔥 pic.twitter.com/JdAt3us5HY
🎬 Just watched #Maalik and this review nails it!
— Saurabh Kumar (@iamsaurabh1818) July 11, 2025
Rajkummar Rao = acting masterclass 🎭🔥
Manushi is growing with every role 👏
Explosive first half, wish the second matched that energy. Solid 3.5/5!#MaalikReview #Bollywood #RajkummarRao #ManushiChhillar
Also Read: Maalik Review: The Most Riveting Gangster Epic Since Satya
Raj has killed it in his new avatar in #Maalik
— divya (@certifiedbkl) July 11, 2025
🎬 Rajkummar Rao transforms in 'Maalik' 🔥
— Surajit debnath (@Surajit32741315) July 11, 2025
Shedding his small-town lover image, he returns as a ruthless gangster who writes his own rules.
Not born to rule—he chooses to.
One of his most intense performances yet! 💥#RajkummarRao #Maalik #Bollywood
Maalik is not a bad movie it's a boring/annoying one. We can make jokes while watching a bad movie but Maalik is that slow torture you can't avoid! #Maalik #RajkumarRao
— cine.ma_islove (@Bauaa_Yagami) July 11, 2025
Directed by Pulkit, the gangster drama also features a strong supporting cast including Prosenjit Chatterjee, Medha Shankr, Huma Qureshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Swanand Kirkire.
