New Delhi: Breaking away from his string of modest, small-town roles, Rajkummar Rao returns to the big screen with Maalik, portraying a fierce and ambitious gangster. The film’s trailer, launched recently, has sparked considerable excitement, showcasing Rao in a raw, intense, and never-seen-before look.

What’s New:
In Maalik, Rajkummar takes on a gritty role that pits him against Bengali cinema’s stalwart, Prosenjit Chatterjee. This action-packed thriller also marks his first onscreen pairing with former Miss World Manushi Chhillar.

After being cast in similar roles in films like Stree and Bhool Chuk Maaf, Rao now steps into darker territory. The trailer presents him confidently navigating a world of violence, ambition, and power plays, with intense shootouts and hard-hitting dialogues. One line that stands out is: “Maalik paida nahi hue toh kya, bann toh sakte hain,” hinting at his rise from the streets to supremacy.

Fan Buzz:
Audiences are thrilled with Rao’s transformation. One fan noted, “It’s refreshing to see Rajkummar Rao move away from his usual roles. He seems serious about shaking things up.” Another remarked, “The director of Bhakshak being onboard is promising. Rao’s new avatar looks solid.”

Some viewers found the trailer cut slightly rough but remain optimistic about the film’s promise as a compelling gangster saga.

About the Film:
Directed by Pulkit and produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani under Tips Films and Northern Lights Films, Maalik is now slated to hit theatres on July 11, 2025.