“Maalik,” starring Rajkummar Rao, aims to transform his image into a menacing gangster, but the film ultimately falls flat due to its predictable plot and lengthy, dull execution.
Rajkummar Rao’s Gangster Transformation
Can Rajkummar Rao, known for his middle-class and relatable roles, truly embody a menacing gangster? That’s the central question “Maalik” attempts to answer, as Rao dives deep into the mobster world. He portrays Maalik, a character who rises in the crime-ridden Illahabad (Allahabad) of the late 80s and 90s, wielding machine guns and commanding fear.
Rao clearly put significant effort into his new look and persona. He sports a thick beard, an open shirt revealing a vest, prominent gold chains, and a cigarette often dangling from his mouth. An early scene showcases his attempt at raw crassness and menace, hinting at a darker side to his acting that viewers haven’t seen much of before.
A Familiar Storyline Unfolds
Despite Rao’s dedication to his new avatar, the film struggles with a highly conventional storyline. “Maalik” quickly becomes a by-the-numbers gangster flick, following the well-worn path of a man forced into a life of crime with little innovation.
The narrative sees Maalik systematically eliminating rivals in his quest for power. This includes powerful politicians like Saurabh Shukla and Swanand Kirkire, a suspended police officer played by Prosenjit Chatterjee, and various others who seek a piece of his criminal empire. His loyal lieutenant, Anshumaan Pushkar, remains a constant presence by his side.
The Cast and Performances
While Rajkummar Rao remains watchable throughout “Maalik,” even when the film itself falters, his performance often feels like a compilation of previous cinematic gangsters. He tries to infuse something fresh, but the overall execution leans heavily on established tropes rather than forging new ground.
His interactions with Manushi Chillar, who plays Maalik’s wife and moral compass, are among the more engaging parts of the film. Chillar delivers an effective performance in her role, providing a contrast to Maalik’s violent world.
Predictability Takes Over
A major criticism of “Maalik” is its overwhelming predictability. The film offers few surprises, making many plot developments easy to foresee. For instance, a tender farewell scene often foreshadows an imminent tragedy, and a subtle glance between a boss and his loyal servant can signal impending betrayal.
This reliance on familiar plot devices means that “Maalik” ultimately becomes a new gangster drama playing out old beats. It lacks the originality or unexpected twists that could have made it a truly breakout film for Rajkummar Rao, despite his evident commitment to the role.
- Rajkummar Rao attempts to transform his image into a menacing gangster.
- The film’s plot is highly predictable, relying heavily on common gangster movie tropes.
- Despite Rao’s efforts, the movie is criticized for being too long and largely unengaging.
- The supporting cast includes Prosenjit Chatterjee, Manushi Chillar, and Saurabh Shukla.
“Maalik” ultimately presents a missed opportunity for a fresh take on the gangster genre, failing to deliver the gripping or innovative narrative it needed to stand out.
