The 1980s era gets a pettifogging nod, as you steer your eyes through Maalik. The setting gets you roaring. And so does Maalik. Rajkummar Rao commands the screen with an unflinching glare, showcasing sheer intensity, raw brutality, and the kind of slow-burning rage that doesn’t shout but simmers. “Maalik paida nahi hue toh kya hua? Ban to sakte hai” almost hits you like irony carved in stone, an ominous reminder of power that’s claimed, not inherited. His presence is magnetic from the get-go.
Maalik’s very inception, heralded by the echo of a damru, becomes symbolic of his tandav, both onscreen and within. Rao is in absolute surrender to the role, lost in Maalik’s hunger, fury, and twisted code. This is not just a performance; it’s possession. The gangster archetype, in his hands, isn’t recycled, it’s resurrected. And while the spotlight rarely shifts from him, the supporting cast lends weight, rhythm, and fire, elevating Maalik into something far more operatic than just another crime tale.
The narrative charts the harrowing transformation of an ordinary man as he spirals into the murky underworld of crime, driven by an insatiable hunger for power and the sting of betrayal. As his influence grows, the story deftly unravels the complex web of politics, corruption, and fractured loyalties that define his rise. Though the plot navigates a well-worn path, it does so with striking assurance, imbuing familiar themes with fresh urgency and emotional weight. What emerges is a compelling exploration of ambition’s corrosive grip and the moral compromises that shadow every ascent in the criminal hierarchy.
Prosenjit Chatterjee magnifies the narrative as Prabhu Das. What’s to like, that there was an artificial stretch to make the Hindi dialect believable. He plays a Bangali cop in the film. You witness his aggression. The fierce eyes get you glued. He speaks with authority.
Helmed by Pulkit and co-written with Jyotsana Nath, Maalik is brought to life under the production of Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani. Anuj Rakesh Dhawan’s striking cinematography adds a brooding visual texture, perfectly complementing the film’s themes of ambition, betrayal, and moral decay. With its strong creative vision and strong ensemble cast, Maalik stands as a bold and immersive exploration of the human cost of power.
Nothing truly wavers in pacing or narrative. Maalik unfolds with a taut, deliberate rhythm that keeps you firmly in its grip. Each scene is measured, every development earned, creating a seamless blend of tension and storytelling finesse. With its brooding atmosphere, arresting performances, and a script that refuses to meander, the film doesn’t just play out, it consumes. A near-flawless watch, not only for its craftsmanship but for the storm of emotion and power it leaves in its wake.
IWMBuzz rates it 4 stars.
