The trailer for the upcoming action thriller Maalik, starring Rajkummar Rao, has been released, offering a glimpse into a gritty and violent world of power, ambition, and survival. Directed by Pulkit, the film is set to release in theaters on July 11, 2025.
Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatile performances, steps into a new avatar as Maalik, a ruthless gangster with political aspirations. The trailer showcases a stark contrast from his recent comedic roles, presenting him as a cold-blooded criminal ready to take on the world. Rao himself has expressed his excitement about portraying a character embodying both physical and emotional strength, calling it a "new genre" for him. He also stated that this role "pushed" him as an actor, letting him explore a darker and more intense side.
The 2-minute and 45-second trailer introduces Rao's character as the son of a powerless father, who refuses to accept his destiny and takes a rebellious path. Maalik is determined to enter politics and become an MLA, but his journey is fraught with revenge, betrayal, and violence. The trailer is packed with bloody action pieces, intense dialogues, and a background score that amplifies the storyline. In one scene, Maalik is seen ruthlessly killing a man and declaring, "Maalik paida nahi hue toh kya, ban toh sakte hai".
The film appears to be set in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) in the 1980s, and follows Maalik's rise to power through intimidation and violence. As his power grows, he faces opposition from local rivals, leading to a collision course with a local strongman.
Maalik also stars Manushi Chhillar as Vidya, who plays Rao's wife. Chhillar said that the film allowed her to explore a fresh character in a gritty and intense world. The film features Prosenjit Chatterjee as a tough cop, Huma Qureshi in a special song, and Anshumaan Pushkar and Swanand Kirkire in supporting roles.
The trailer has generated mixed reactions from viewers. Some have praised Rao's performance and the film's intense storyline, while others have drawn comparisons to similar gangster dramas like Animal, Pushpa, Gangs of Wasseypur, Mirzapur, and Raees. Some viewers feel the movie is a cheap version of Shah Rukh Khan starrer Raees. Despite the comparisons, many are looking forward to the film's release, anticipating a fresh and engaging action thriller.
