Bollywood’s 2025 lineup got its fair share of action and drama, but few films stirred up conversation quite like Maalik (2025). Directed by Pulkit and headlined by the ever-versatile Rajkummar Rao, this movie dives deep into the world of crime, politics, and ambition — all wrapped inside a gripping gangster saga.
At its core, Maalik isn’t just a story about violence. It’s a story about a man’s hunger to rise, about what it takes to rule in a world that refuses to let the poor dream too big.
Movie Name : Maalik (2025) V2 Hindi Movie
Movie Category : Latest Bollywood Hindi Movies (2025)
Genre : Action, Crime, Drama,
Release Date : 2025
Staring : Rajkummar Rao, Huma Qureshi, Manushi Chhillar, Swanand Kirkire,
Director: Pulkit,
Rating : 7.8
Story Overview
Set in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Maalik follows Deepak, a lower-middle-class youth from the streets of Uttar Pradesh. His father serves powerful landlords, and young Deepak grows up witnessing the brutal inequality of his world.
When life corners him, Deepak makes a choice — not to serve, but to become the master. The word Maalik itself means “owner” or “lord”, and that’s exactly what he becomes — the man everyone bows to, either out of fear or respect.
As Deepak’s empire expands, so does his ego. Soon, politics, betrayal, and love tangle together, creating a storm that threatens everything he’s built. The movie captures this transformation with emotional intensity and gritty realism.
The Rise of a Gangster – Step-by-Step
Humble Beginnings
Deepak starts as an ordinary young man, struggling to make ends meet. His world is ruled by men with money and muscle.
The Breaking Point
A personal tragedy — mixed with humiliation — pushes him over the edge. It’s the spark that sets the story on fire.
The Transformation
With cunning and courage, Deepak takes his first steps into the criminal world. What begins as survival soon turns into ambition.
The Power Play
Deepak becomes “Maalik” — commanding fear and loyalty. But power comes at a price, and every step forward means another betrayal waiting to happen.
The Downfall
As enemies rise and allies turn, Deepak learns that ruling the streets doesn’t mean ruling destiny. His empire begins to crumble, forcing him to face the one truth he’s been running from — power never lasts forever.
Performance and Direction
Rajkummar Rao delivers one of his most intense performances. His transformation from a simpleton to a feared don feels authentic and layered. His body language, dialect, and silent expressions sell the role perfectly.
Manushi Chhillar adds a delicate emotional thread to the film, balancing out the raw aggression with grace and heart. Prosenjit Chatterjee, as a political powerhouse, delivers a strong supporting act that fuels Deepak’s rise and fall.
Director Pulkit keeps the tone raw and realistic, showing both the glamor and the grime of the gangster world. The direction focuses on character-driven storytelling rather than over-the-top heroism.
Cinematography and Music
The visuals are dark, moody, and beautifully composed. Every frame of Uttar Pradesh’s lanes, dust, and politics breathes authenticity. The cinematography by Anuj Rakesh Dhawan captures both the chaos of gunfights and the silence of regret.
The background score deserves special mention — it doesn’t just accompany the action, it builds tension and emotion. The songs, though limited, fit naturally within the story rather than feeling forced.
Themes and Symbolism
Maalik is not just about crime. It’s a reflection of ambition, identity, and the eternal human struggle between morality and survival.
- Power and Greed: Deepak’s journey shows how easily ambition can blur into obsession.
- Social Inequality: The movie highlights the invisible walls between the rich and the poor.
- Karma and Consequence: Every decision in Deepak’s world comes back like a bullet — eventually hitting home.
What Works
✅ Rajkummar Rao’s performance — gripping, intense, and human.
✅ Cinematography and score that pull you deep into the atmosphere.
✅ Authentic portrayal of 1980s Uttar Pradesh — gritty and lived-in.
✅ Emotional subtext that adds depth to the action.
What Falls Short
❌ The storyline feels predictable in the second half.
❌ Some supporting characters lack proper development.
❌ The runtime drags during political subplots that slow the pace.
❌ Viewers expecting something revolutionary may find it too familiar.
Audience and Critical Response
Critics praised Rajkummar Rao’s dedication and transformation but pointed out the film’s lack of originality. Audiences were divided — while some loved the raw energy and dialogues, others felt the narrative was stretched.
Still, Maalik managed to attract attention for its scale, design, and performance-heavy storytelling. It performed decently in its opening week, especially in North Indian markets.
OTT and Viewing Experience
After its theatrical release, Maalik (2025) is expected to stream online later this year. The digital version will likely reach a wider audience who prefer story-heavy gangster dramas at home rather than in cinemas.
The movie’s cinematic visuals and intense atmosphere make it worth watching on a big screen — but for those who missed it, a home watch will still deliver the thrill.
Final Verdict
Maalik (2025) is an emotionally charged, visually rich, and performance-driven gangster drama. It explores the human cost of ambition — the loneliness behind power and the blood that stains every throne.