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{{Short description|2025 Indian film by Pulkit}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Maalik
| image = Maalik (2025 film).jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = Pulkit
| writer = Jyotsana Nath Pulkit
| producer = Kumar Taurani Jay Shewakramani
| starring = {{plainlist|
*[[Rajkummar Rao]]
*[[Prosenjit Chatterjee]]
*[[Manushi Chhillar]]
*[[Saurabh Shukla]]
}}
| music = '''Songs:''' [[Sachin-Jigar]] '''Score:''' Ketan Sodha
| editing = Zubin Sheikh
| cinematography = Anuj Rakesh Dhawan
| studio = [[Tips Industries]] Northern Lights Films
| distributor = [[Pen Studios|Pen Marudhar]]
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2025|07|11}}<ref name="ndtv.com">{{Cite web |title=Maalik X Reviews: Rajkummar Rao's Intense Performance Strikes A Chord With Fans |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/maalik-reviews-rajkummar-rao-s-intense-performance-strikes-a-chord-with-fans-8859532 |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=NDTV |language=en}}</ref>
| runtime = 152 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maalik |url=https://cbfcindia.gov.in/cbfcAdmin/search-result.php?recid=Q0EwMTA1MDYyMDI1MDAyMTI= |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=[[Central Board of Film Certification]]}}</ref>
| country = India
| language = Hindi
| budget =
| gross = {{estimation}} ₹26.30 crore<ref>{{cite web |title=Maalik Box Office Collection |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/maalik-3/box-office/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |publisher=Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. |date=2025-07-11 |access-date=2025-07-27}}</ref>
}}

'''''Maalik''''' ({{translation |Master}}) is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language [[action thriller]] film directed by Pulkit and produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Rajkummar Rao's Gangster Action Thriller Maalik Gets Release Date, Find Out |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/rajkummar-raos-gangster-action-thriller-maalik-gets-release-date-find-out-9228292.html |date=2025-02-15 |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32832266/ |title=Maalik (2025) ⭐ 8.0 {{!}} Action, Crime, Drama |language=en-US |access-date=2025-07-14 |via=m.imdb.com}}</ref> The film stars [[Rajkummar Rao]] in the [[Title character|titular role]], alongside [[Prosenjit Chatterjee]] and [[Manushi Chhillar]].<ref name=":5" />

''Maalik'' was released on 11 July 2025, and received mixed reviews from critics.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rajkummar Rao's 'Maalik' to now release in theatres on July 11|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/rajkummar-raos-maalik-to-now-release-in-theatres-on-july-11/article69490454.ece/|work=The Hindu |date=25 April 2025 |access-date=25 April 2025}}</ref><ref name=":4" />

== Plot ==
The film is set in the late 1980s in [[Prayagraj|Allahabad]], [[Uttar Pradesh]]. The narrative introduces Deepak ([[Rajkummar Rao]]), a young man from a farming family whose life takes a violent turn. Deepak, an aspiring student studying in Allahabad University, listens to respected Minister Shankar Singh ([[Saurabh Shukla]]) a.k.a. Dadda's speech and feels inspired and invigorated. His father ([[Rajendra Gupta]]), an ordinary farmer, Bindeshwar, is severely injured by Langda, a man assigned by Dadda to encroach the farmer's field. Langda orders his men to drive a tractor on the elderly man, while he was attempting to protect his employer's fields from encroachment. Driven by a desire for vengeance, Deepak first confronts Dadda, and when the latter allows the former to do so, tracks down and brutally kills Langda with the help of a Pandit. This act initiates Deepak's descent into the criminal underworld.

Following this initial act of violence, Deepak adopts the moniker "Maalik" (Master/Owner) and begins his ruthless ascent. He systematically builds a criminal empire amidst the volatile socio-political landscape of Allahabad, navigating intricate relationships with political figures, rival gangs, and figures such as the powerful MLA, Balhar Singh ([[Swanand Kirkire]]), his mentor Dadda, and business rival Chandrashekhar ([[Saurabh Sachdeva]]).

Chandrashekhar persuades Balhar Singh to deal with the increasing influence of Maalik. Balhar assigns a suspended police officer from Bengal, Prabhu Das ([[Prosenjit Chatterjee]]), who claims to have had 98 encounters, to apprehend Maalik. Prabhu barges into and investigates Maalik's house, where Maalik was not present for the time being. He threatens Maalik's parents, and abuses Maalik's wife Shalini ([[Manushi Chhillar]]), making her shed tears. As an act of revenge, Maalik sends his men to kidnap Prabhu's grandson, Debu. He, however, releases Debu, warns Prabhu against doing such an act in future, and openly challenges him into combat, before leaving.

Chandrashekhar murders Ramsevan Ghosh, who was responsible for the transport functions in Maalik's business, making Maalik suffer significant losses. Maalik warns Dadda and Balhar against meddling with his business affairs. Since the murder of Ramsevan Ghosh did not affect Maalik's business too heavily, Chandrashekhar decides to seize Maalik's factory. Maalik and his men shoots and murders all of Chandrashekar's men allotted there.
Defeated, a desperate Chandrashekhar seeks Balhar's help, and the two successfully manage to rage-bait Prabhu Das into directly attacking Maalik, though without success. Maalik manages to defeat Prabhu's officers with the help of his loyal associate, Badauna ([[Anshumaan Pushkar]]). Maalik stands for the elections, a decision which is heavily opposed by both Dadda and Balhar. Dadda, though acting pleasurably and supportive in front of Maalik, decides to guide Balhar, Chandrashekhar and Prabhu secretively. Prabhu guards the Allahabad borders, Chandrashekhar's men annex Maalik's hiding spots and Balhar aggressively opposes Maalik's chances of winning elections. Enraged, Maalik uncovers new weapons, like the AK-47 and the AK-56. He successfully attacks Dadda's house with his new weapons and manages to murder Dadda with his bare hands.

Despite his increasingly violent and authoritative public persona, Maalik maintains a strong connection with his parents and his wife. Shalini frequently attempts to persuade him to abandon his criminal life, especially after she becomes pregnant. Maalik almost surrenders on Shalini's request, but vacillates when Badauna informs him that Shalini was shot dead by Chandrashekhar's henchmen. Maalik hangs the four responsible henchmen single handedly, and then moves on to murder Chandrashekhar in front of his son.

Balhar calls Maalik to apparently negotiate, but Maalik's gang soon realizes that they had been ambushed by police. Balhar is shot by Badauna and the gang escapes. However, one by one, all of Maalik's gang is shot dead. Police forces also suffer heavy loss, but under Prabhu's instructions, manage to surround Maalik and Badauna. There, Badauna performs a strange act by murdering Pandit. He lets Maalik know that it was him who got Maalik's wife killed in cahoots with Prabhu and Balhar. Badauna never intended to surrender and wanted to take over Maalik's empire. This was the sole reason for which he murders Balhar, Dadda, Chandrashekhar and Shalini, along with Maalik's workers and Pandit.

Maalik is seriously injured by Badauna before Badauna walks away, and police sets the place on fire. Few months later Badauna is elected an MLA and Prabhu gets awarded for bringing Maalik down. However, as Prabhu enjoys the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata, Maalik emerges from the crowd and the movie ends in a cliffhanger.

==Cast==
*[[Rajkummar Rao]] as Deepak (Maalik) the Gangester Man
*[[Prosenjit Chatterjee]] as Prabhu Das
*[[Manushi Chhillar]] as Shalini
*[[Huma Qureshi]] as Mallika
*[[Saurabh Sachdeva]] as Chandrashekhar
*[[Saurabh Shukla]] as Minister Shankar Singh
*[[Anshumaan Pushkar]] as Badauna
*[[Swanand Kirkire]] as Balhar Singh
*[[Rajendra Gupta]] as Bindeshwar, Deepak / Maalik's father
*[[Baljinder Kaur]] as Parvati, Deepak / Maalik's mother
*Yogi Raj as Langda

==Production==
===Development===
On 4 July 2024, it was reported that filming would commence in September 2024, with locations set in [[Lucknow]] and [[Varanasi]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2024-07-04 |title=Rajkummar Rao and Medha Shankar to star in action flick Maalik from Bhakshak director Pulkit; film goes on floors in September: Report |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-medha-shankar-star-action-flick-maalik-bhakshak-director-pulkit-film-goes-floors-september-report/ |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}</ref> To prepare for the physically demanding role, [[Rajkummar Rao]] worked on building a more muscular physique.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-07-04 |title=Rajkummar Rao to transform into an action hero for Maalik: Report |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rajkummar-rao-to-transform-into-an-action-hero-for-maalik-report/articleshow/111475839.cms |access-date=2025-04-05 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Rajni |date=2024-07-04 |title=Rajkummar Rao and 12th Fail actress Medha Shankr set to star in action thriller Maalik? Here's what we know |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/rajkummar-rao-and-12th-fail-actress-medha-shankr-set-to-star-in-action-thriller-maalik-heres-what-we-know-1324306 |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en |archive-date=2024-09-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910212103/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/rajkummar-rao-and-12th-fail-actress-medha-shankr-set-to-star-in-action-thriller-maalik-heres-what-we-know-1324306 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[muhurat shot]] took place on 25 August 2024 in Pathakpur village.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Maalik: Rajkummar Rao reveals title and first look of his next after Stree 2 on his birthday |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/maalik-rajkummar-rao-reveals-title-first-look-next-stree-2/0787c3a0fb543 |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=OTTPlay |language=en |archive-date=2025-04-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403125337/https://www.ottplay.com/news/maalik-rajkummar-rao-reveals-title-first-look-next-stree-2/0787c3a0fb543 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Rajkummar Rao begins shooting for Pulkit's new thriller Maalik; first-look poster out |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/rajkummar-rao-begins-shooting-for-pulkits-new-thriller-maalik-first-look-poster-out/cid/2044831 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903155912/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/rajkummar-rao-begins-shooting-for-pulkits-new-thriller-maalik-first-look-poster-out/cid/2044831 |archive-date=2024-09-03 |access-date=2025-04-03 |work=The Telegraph |language=en }}</ref> Vikram Dahiya was roped in to design the action sequences.<ref name=":2" /> Rao officially announced the film with a poster on 31 August 2024, coinciding with his 40th birthday.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-31 |title=Rajkummar Rao turns gangster in 'Maalik', shares poster on 40th birthday |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/rajkummar-rao-maalik-new-film-gangster-poster-announced-birthday-2591299-2024-08-31 |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

===Casting===
{{Multiple image
| direction = horizontal
| image1 = Rajkumar Rao Filmfare Glamour and Style Awards 2019 (cropped).jpg
| image2 = Manushi Chhillar, GQ Men of the Year Awards 2019 (12) (cropped).jpg
| footer = [[Rajkummar Rao]] (left) portrays the lead character, alongside [[Manushi Chhillar]] as female lead
| align = right
| total_width = 300
}}

[[Rajkummar Rao]] was cast in the title role, marking his second collaboration with director Pulkit after the historical drama ''[[Bose: Dead/Alive]]''.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-16 |title=Rajkummar Rao wraps up his first full-fledged actioner 'Maalik' |url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/wrap-for-rajkummar-rao-maalik-manushi-chhillar-23430469 |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=Mid-day |language=en |archive-date=2025-04-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403125337/https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/wrap-for-rajkummar-rao-maalik-manushi-chhillar-23430469 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Manushi Chhillar]] was cast the female lead, replacing [[Medha Shankr]] who was initially cast opposite Rao.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-07-04 |title=Rajkummar Rao to transform into an action hero for Maalik: Report |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rajkummar-rao-to-transform-into-an-action-hero-for-maalik-report/articleshow/111475839.cms |access-date=2025-04-03 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-08-07 |title=Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar to team up for director Pulkit's next film |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rajkummar-rao-and-manushi-chhillar-to-team-up-for-director-pulkits-next-film/articleshow/112352938.cms |access-date=2025-04-10 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=2025-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250417205623/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rajkummar-rao-and-manushi-chhillar-to-team-up-for-director-pulkits-next-film/articleshow/112352938.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Prosenjit Chatterjee]] was cast to play a police officer, marking his return to [[Hindi cinema]] nine years after ''[[Traffic (2016 film)|Traffic]]'' (2016).<ref name=":2" /> The supporting cast consists of [[Anshumaan Pushkar]] and [[Swanand Kirkire]].<ref name=":1" /> Additionally, [[Huma Qureshi]] was reported to make a cameo appearance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-10 |title=Huma Qureshi joins Rajkummar Rao starrer Maalik with special dance: Report |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/huma-qureshi-joins-rajkummar-rao-starrer-maalik-special-dance-report/ |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}</ref>

===Filming===
[[Principal photography]] began in August 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rajkummar Rao announces new film Maalik on birthday, looks fierce as he poses with gun; fans say: Big leap from Stree 2 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-announces-new-film-maalik-on-birthday-looks-fierce-poses-with-gun-big-leap-from-stree-2-101725085543107.html |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=Hindustan Times |archive-date=2024-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924132005/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-announces-new-film-maalik-on-birthday-looks-fierce-poses-with-gun-big-leap-from-stree-2-101725085543107.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The film had a continuous three-month shooting schedule, covering [[Lucknow]], [[Varanasi]], and [[Unnao]].<ref name=":1" /> The first schedule begun in late August on the outskirts of Lucknow, along the Lucknow-Kanpur highway, featuring Rao and Chhillar.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-08-27 |title=After Stree 2 success, Rajkummar Rao starts shooting with Manushi Chhillar for Pulkit's next in Lucknow |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/after-stree-2-success-rajkummar-rao-starts-shooting-with-manushi-chhillar-for-pulkit-s-next-in-lucknow-101724747566251.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917202121/https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/after-stree-2-success-rajkummar-rao-starts-shooting-with-manushi-chhillar-for-pulkit-s-next-in-lucknow-101724747566251.html |archive-date=2024-09-17 |access-date=2025-04-03 |work=Hindustan Times |language=en-us }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rajkummar Rao begins shooting for Maalik after Stree 2 success |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-begins-shooting-for-maalik-after-stree-2-success-68179.html |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=Filmfare |language=en |archive-date=2024-09-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909075337/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/rajkummar-rao-begins-shooting-for-maalik-after-stree-2-success-68179.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Filming also took place at [[University of Lucknow|Lucknow University]]'s Subhash Hostel on 25 September 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-09-25 |title=Lucknow University student's hurdang stalls Rajkummar Rao's film shoot in the city |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/lucknow-university-students-hurdang-stalls-rajkummar-raos-film-shoot-in-the-city/articleshow/113652647.cms |access-date=2025-04-05 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=2025-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250417212012/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/lucknow-university-students-hurdang-stalls-rajkummar-raos-film-shoot-in-the-city/articleshow/113652647.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> The two-month Lucknow schedule concluded in mid-November 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-11-14 |title=Rajkummar Rao wraps up a two-month shooting schedule in Lucknow |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rajkummar-rao-wraps-up-a-two-month-shooting-schedule-in-lucknow/articleshow/115282607.cms |access-date=2025-04-05 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=2025-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250316044310/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rajkummar-rao-wraps-up-a-two-month-shooting-schedule-in-lucknow/articleshow/115282607.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Some scenes were shot at the District Hospital in Unnao.<ref>{{Cite web |title=उन्नाव जिला अस्पताल में 'मालिक' फिल्म की शूटिंग:राजकुमार राव ने निभाई महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका, कहा- यह एक अद्भुत अनुभव, यहां के लोग बहुत अच्छे |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/unnao/news/shooting-of-the-film-malik-in-unnao-district-hospital-133905868.html |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=Dainik Bhaskar}}</ref>

The final schedule took place in [[Kanpur]], concluding with the protagonist's wedding sequence on 14 November 2024. Rao also performed high-intensity action sequences, including weapon-based combat and [[Hand-to-hand combat]].<ref name=":2" />

==Music==
{{Infobox album
| name = Maalik
| type = soundtrack
| artist = [[Sachin–Jigar]]
| released = 11 July 2025
| recorded = 2024–2025
| studio =
| genre = [[Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = {{Duration|m=18|s=50}}
| language = Hindi
| label = [[Tips Industries|Tips Music]]
| prev_title = [[Nadaaniyan]]
| prev_year = 2025
| next_title = [[Param Sundari (film)|Param Sundari]]
| next_year = 2025
| misc = {{External media
| audio1 = {{YouTube|8rG7COBitiY|Maalik - Full Album}}
}}
}}

The film's soundtrack is composed by [[Sachin–Jigar]] with the lyrics written by [[Amitabh Bhattacharya]].<ref name="ndtv.com">{{Cite web |title=Maalik X Reviews: Rajkummar Rao's Intense Performance Strikes A Chord With Fans |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/maalik-reviews-rajkummar-rao-s-intense-performance-strikes-a-chord-with-fans-8859532 |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=NDTV |language=en}}</ref> The background score is composed by Ketan Sodha.

The first single titled "Naamumkin" was released on 10 June 2025.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=20 June 2025 |title=Maalik's heart throb! Rajkummar and Manushi ignite the screen in "Naamumkin"|url=https://www.indiaforums.com/article/maaliks-heart-throb-rajkummar-and-manushi-ignite-the-screen-in-naamumkin_223313 |work=India Forum}}</ref> The second single titled "Dil Thaam Ke" was released on 20 June 2025.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=20 June 2025 |title=Huma Qureshi sets the screen on fire with 'Dil Thaam Ke' from Rajkummar Rao starrer Maalik, watch|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/huma-qureshi-sets-screen-fire-dil-thaam-ke-rajkummar-rao-starrer-maalik-watch/ |work=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> The third single titled "Raaj Karega Maalik"
was released on 4 July 2025.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=9 July 2025 |title='Raaj Karega Maalik' song out now! Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar steal the show with swagger and bold avatar|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/raaj-karega-maalik-song-now-rajkummar-rao-manushi-chhillar-steal-show-swagger-bold-avatar/ |work=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref>

{{Track listing
| headline = Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(S)
| total_length = 18:50
| title1 = Naamumkin
| extra1 = Varun Jain, [[Shreya Ghoshal]]
| length1 = 3:44
| title2 = Dil Thaam Ke
| extra2 = [[Rashmeet Kaur]], [[Rana Mazumder]]
| length2 = 3:06
| title3 = Raaj Karega Maalik
| extra3 = [[Akasa Singh]], MC SQUARE
| length3 = 3:36
| title4 = Affair
| extra4 = Khesari Lal Yadav, Shradha Mishra, Sachin-Jigar
| length4 = 3:16
| title5 = Naamumkin
| note5 = Sad Version
| extra5 = Varun Jain
| length5 = 2:03
| title6 = Raaj Karega Maalik
| note6 = Rap Version
| extra6 = MC SQUARE, Akasa Singh
| length6 = 3:05
}}

==Marketing==
A pre-release event was held on 7 July 2025 at [[Raj Mandir Cinema]] in [[Jaipur]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-07 |title=Actress keeps Jaipur waiting, Rajkummar Rao takes spotlight: Calls 'Malik' his boldest role yet; avoids sparking language row during heated public interaction at event - Jaipur News |url=https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/local/rajasthan/jaipur/news/actress-arrives-late-rajkummar-rao-wins-moment-malik-boldest-role-avoids-language-row-at-jaipur-event-135394552.html |access-date=2025-07-08 |website=Bhaskar English |language=en}}</ref>

==Release==
===Theatrical===
''Maalik'' was released on 11 July 2025.<ref name=":0" />
===Home media===
The film began streaming on [[Amazon Prime Video]] from 5 September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=5 September 2025 |title=Maalik arrives on OTT: When and where to watch Rajkummar Rao starrer crime drama |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/maalik-arrives-ott-watch-rajkummar-rao-starrer-crime-drama/ |publisher=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref>

==Reception==

=== Box office ===
The film earned {{INR}}4.02 crores on the opening day, much lower than Rao's previous release of the year, ''[[Bhool Chuk Maaf]]'', which had earned {{Indian rupee}}7 crores on its opening day. It managed to collect {{INR}}20 crores by the end of 4 days.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sharma |first=Riya |date=11 July 2025 |title=Maalik box office collection day 1: Rajkummar Rao film fails to beat Bhool Chuk Maaf's opening day haul, earns ₹3 crore |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/maalik-box-office-collection-day-1-rajkummar-rao-film-fails-to-beat-bhool-chuk-maafs-opening-day-haul-earns-3-crore-101752247139252.html |access-date=11 July 2025 |website=Hindustan Times |publisher=HT Media}}</ref>

=== Critical reception ===
The film received mixed reviews from critics. {{Rotten Tomatoes prose|23|4.7|13|consensus=}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maalik (2025) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/maalik_2025 |access-date=25 July 2025 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}}</ref>

Subhash K Jha of ''[[News 24 (Indian TV channel)|News 24]]'' gave 4 out of 5 stars and said that "Pulkit doesn’t put too much stress on the theme of social inequality. He just wants to tell a punitive story that keeps us on the edge of the seat. In that, Maalik scores brainy and brawny points."<ref name=":4">{{cite web |last=Jha |first=Subhash K |title=Maalik Review: The Most Riveting Gangster Epic Since Satya |url=https://news24online.com/entertainment/maalik-review-the-most-riveting-gangster-epic-since-satya/603087/ |access-date=11 July 2025 |website=News 24}}</ref>''[[Firstpost]]'' gave the film 3.5 stars out of 5, and while feeling the narrative was tried-and-tested, praised the performances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/maalik-movie-review-rajkummar-rao-rules-and-roars-in-a-tenacious-but-tried-and-tested-crime-drama-13905187.html|title='Maalik' movie review: Rajkummar Rao rules and roars in a tenacious but tried-and-tested crime drama|website=[[Firstpost]]|access-date=11 July 2025}}</ref> ''[[India TV]]'' gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, praising the action sequences, direction, storyline and Rao's performance while finding the film overlong and Chatterjee's part poorly written.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/movie-review/maalik-movie-review-rajkummar-rao-stands-out-in-pulkit-s-gangster-drama-but-it-is-not-all-ground-breaking-manushi-chhillar-saurabh-shukla-1051|title=Maalik Movie Review: Rajkummar Rao stands out in Pulkit's gangster drama, but it is not all ground-breaking|website=[[India TV]]|access-date=11 July 2025}}</ref> Devesh Sharma of ''[[Filmfare]]'' rated 3/5 stars and said that "Maalik is Rajkummar Rao’s Satya and Vaastav. He's at his visceral best in this gangster drama."<ref>{{cite web |last=Sharma |first=Devesh |title=Maalik Movie Review: Old Wine Meets New Bottle |url=https://www.filmfare.com/reviews/bollywood-movies/maalik-movie-review-old-wine-meets-new-bottle-75413.html |access-date=11 July 2025 |website=[[Filmfare]]}}</ref> Rishabh Suri of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' rated 3/5 stars and writes that "Despite its flaws, Maalik stands tall, much like its hero, punching above its weight thanks to Rajkummar Rao’s fiery energy."<ref>{{cite web |last=Suri |first=Rishabh |title=Maalik movie review: Old wine, new swag, with a fiery Rajkummar Rao works in parts |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/maalik-movie-review-old-wine-new-swag-with-a-fiery-rajkummar-rao-works-in-parts-101752235251065.html |access-date=11 July 2025 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>

''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'' gave the film 2 out of 5 stars, praising the direction and performances while finding the story clichéd and evoking a sense of [[déjà vu]] due to its similarities with other gangster films ''[[Vaastav: The Reality|Vaastav]]'' and the ''[[Shootout at Lokhandwala|Shootout series]]'' as well as the television series ''[[Khakee: The Bihar Chapter]].''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/maalik-3/critic-review/maalik-3-movie-review/maalik-is-a-routine-gangster-drama-that-treads-familiar-ground/|title=Maalik Movie Review: MAALIK is a routine gangster drama that treads familiar ground.|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|access-date=11 July 2025}}</ref> [[Shubhra Gupta]] of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' gave 1.5 stars out of 5 and said that "A new gangster drama with old beats is not the break-out that Rao must have been hoping for."<ref>{{cite web|last=Gupta|first=Shubhra|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/maalik-movie-review-rajkummar-rao-film-is-predictable-to-a-fault-10120077/|title=Maalik movie review: Rajkummar Rao film is predictable to a fault|website=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=11 July 2025}}</ref>
Anuj Kumar of ''[[The Hindu]]'' commented that "A typical gangster story born out of class struggle in the Hindi heartland, the film is less than the sum of its parts."<ref>{{cite web|last=Kumar|first=Anuj|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/maalik-movie-review-rajkummar-rao-manushi-chhillar-prosenjit-chatterjee-pulkit/article69800299.ece|title='Maalik' movie review: Rajkummar Rao rules in this rambling action drama|website=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=11 July 2025}}</ref> Dhaval Roy of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' gave the film 2/5 stars and argued that it was a clichéd and uninspired gangster drama with a weak, tedious plot despite solid performances and good technical work, offering little originality and that ''Maalik'' "can be skipped."<ref>{{cite web |last=Roy |first=Dhaval |date=11 July 2025 |title=Maalik Movie Review: This Gangster Drama Falls Flat Despite Rajkummar Rao's Fine Act |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/maalik/movie-review/122392085.cms |access-date=11 July 2025 |website=The Times of India |publisher=Times Internet}}</ref> [[Deepa Gahlot]] of ''[[Rediff.com]]'' awarded 2 stars out of 5 and said that "Maalik is just unpleasant, not even slightly engaging."<ref>{{cite web|last=Gahlot|first=Deepa|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/maalik-review/20250711.htm|title=Review: Can't Root For This Maalik|website=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=11 July 2025}}</ref>
Shreyas Pande of ''[[Cinema Express]]'' rated 1.5/5 stars and commented that "the film is content with just presenting Rajkummar in a templated gangster story."<ref>{{cite web|last=Pande|first=Shreyas|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/hindi/review/2025/Jul/11/maalik-movie-review-a-massy-rajkummar-rao-in-a-messy-actioner|title=Maalik Movie Review: A massy Rajkummar Rao in a messy actioner|website=[[Cinema Express]]|access-date=11 July 2025}}</ref>
Sana Farzeen of ''[[India Today]]'' gave 2 out of 5 stars and observed that "Despite strong performances, the film struggles with clichéd storytelling and emotional disconnect."<ref>{{cite web|last=Farzeen|first=Sana|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/maalik-review-rajkummar-rao-gritty-underworld-drama-lacks-depth-2754475-2025-07-11|title=Maalik review: Rajkummar Rao enjoys the gritty role, sadly, audiences don't|website=[[India Today]]|access-date=11 July 2025}}</ref> Rahul Desai of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter India]]'' said that "‘Maalik’ lacks both single-screen soul and multiplex gloss."<ref>{{cite web|last=Desai|first=Rahul|url=https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/reviews/theatrical/maalik-movie-review-rajkummar-rao-is-trapped-in-a-stale-gangster-saga|title='Maalik' Movie Review: Rajkummar Rao is Trapped in a Stale Gangster Saga|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter India]]|access-date=11 July 2025}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb title|id=32832266}}
*{{Bollywood Hungama movie|maalik-3}}

[[Category:2025 films]]
[[Category:Indian gangster films]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:2025 Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:Hindi-language action thriller films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Lucknow]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kanpur]]
[[Category:Films shot in Varanasi]]
[[Category:Films shot in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Films set in 1988]]
[[Category:Films scored by Sachin–Jigar]]
[[Category:Tips Industries films]]
[[Category:2025 Indian films]]
[[Category:2025 action thriller films]]

Maalik 2025 film - Revision history

JulianaThurston at 16:43, 5 May 2026