The Hindi movie ‘Maalik’ starring Rajkummar Rao, Manushi Chhillar, Prosenjit Chatterjee, and Huma Qureshi was released theatrically across India on July 11, 2025
Directed by Pulkit and produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani, the film dives deep into the underworld of 1980s Prayagraj, chronicling one man’s ruthless rise to power.
With a runtime of 2 hours and 32 minutes, ‘Maalik’ has been certified A (Adults Only) by the CBFC and is distributed across 1,500 screens nationwide.
Despite lukewarm advance bookings, the film has generated buzz for its intense trailer, raw performances, and a soundtrack composed by Sachin-Jigar.
“We’re not replicating anyone—we’re telling a story that’s raw, real, and rooted in its own world,” said Rajkummar Rao in a pre-release interview.
Public response
Despite a modest advance booking, ‘Maalik’ opened to mixed reactions from audiences on its first day.
Early morning shows in metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi saw 30–35% occupancy, while mass belts such as Lucknow and Patna reported walk-in spikes post noon, pushing occupancy to 45–50% in select single screens.
Viewers praised Rajkummar Rao’s intense performance and the film’s gritty tone, though some criticized the pacing and lack of novelty in the gangster genre
Cast & Performances: ‘Maalik’ Delivers a Fierce Ensemble
Rajkummar Rao sheds his boy-next-door image to play a cold-blooded gangster, a role that critics are calling one of his most impactful performances to date. Manushi Chhillar plays Vidya, a woman caught between loyalty and survival, while Prosenjit Chatterjee portrays a relentless cop determined to bring Rao’s character down.
Supporting roles by Anshumaan Pushkar, Swanand Kirkire, and Saurabh Shukla add emotional weight and complexity to the narrative. Huma Qureshi makes a special appearance in a dance number that adds flair to the otherwise grim storyline.
“It’s my boldest role yet,” Rao said at the Jaipur pre-release event. “Every scene demanded intensity and truth.”
Plot & Box Office Predictions: ‘Maalik’ Faces a Tough Climb
As of July 15, the film has collected around Rs 19 Cr in India.
#Maalik continues its steady run at the box office!
Friday – ₹4.02 cr
Saturday – ₹5.45 cr
Sunday – ₹5.55 cr
Monday – ₹1.88 cr
Tuesday – ₹2.12 cr
Total – ₹19.02 cr#RajkummarRao shines in this gritty drama!#MaalikReview #BoxOfficeUpdate #TipsFilms #sidk #siddharthkannan pic.twitter.com/G81uJ5DZWT— Siddharth R Kannan (@sidkannan) July 16, 2025
Set in the politically charged streets of 1980s Uttar Pradesh, ‘Maalik’ follows a man’s descent into the criminal underworld, where ambition, betrayal, and violence blur the lines between hero and villain. The film explores themes of power, corruption, and the cost of loyalty in a society ruled by guns and greed.
Early estimates suggest a Day 1 collection of ₹2.75–₹3.25 crore, significantly lower than Rao’s previous release ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’, which opened at ₹7 crore.
With competition from ‘Superman’ and ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’, the film’s weekend performance will depend heavily on word-of-mouth.