Rajkummar Rao has once again proven why he is one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors. The much-anticipated trailer of his upcoming film Maalik dropped yesterday, setting social media abuzz with excitement, curiosity, and praise. Directed by Pulkit and co-starring Manushi Chhillar, Huma Qureshi, and Prosenjit Chatterjee, Maalik is a high-octane action-thriller that marks Rajkummar Rao’s first full-fledged gangster role.
A Gritty Glimpse into the Underworld
The Maalik trailer opens with a gripping monologue:
“Ek majboor baap ka beta ho to, jo nahi ho woh banne ki koshish mat karo.”
Rao’s character is introduced as a son who rises from desperation and poverty to claim power in the criminal underworld. The visuals are dark, moody, and compelling — portraying a world driven by ambition, bloodshed, and betrayal. From gunfights to emotional confrontations, the trailer packs in action, drama, and emotional weight in equal measure.
Rajkummar Rao: Breaking the Mold
Best known for playing socially conscious and grounded roles in films like Newton, Trapped, and Badhaai Do, Rao surprises his fans with this bold shift. In Maalik, he is seen sporting a rugged look with scarred knuckles, sharp eyes, and intense emotional turmoil. His dialogue delivery and body language reflect a powerful transformation that could redefine his screen image.
Fans and critics have already begun comparing this role to legendary gangster portrayals in Indian cinema, calling it one of his “most daring roles yet.”
Manushi Chhillar’s Bold Leap
Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar, who debuted with Samrat Prithviraj, plays Rao’s romantic interest and confidante in Maalik. Her screen presence in the trailer is confident and alluring. Unlike typical love interests, her character seems deeply embedded in the storyline, involved in strategic decisions and moral dilemmas.
With Maalik, Manushi aims to move beyond the glamour tag and establish herself as a serious actress in Bollywood. She appears in several pivotal scenes and is expected to play a role that influences the protagonist’s fate.
Huma Qureshi & Prosenjit Chatterjee Join the Power Game
Huma Qureshi, seen last in Tarla and Maharani 3, plays a powerful police officer determined to take down Rao’s character. Her confrontational scenes with Rajkummar are expected to be among the film’s highlights. She brings a gritty, grounded presence to the cat-and-mouse chase central to the film’s narrative.
Veteran Bengali actor Prosenjit Chatterjee also features prominently in the trailer. Though his character’s details are not fully revealed, his sharp dialogues and calm demeanor suggest a key role — possibly that of a mentor-turned-rival.
Pulkit’s Vision: Fast-Paced, Emotionally Charged
Directed by Pulkit, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed Maroon and Bose: Dead/Alive, Maalik is being hailed as a well-balanced crime drama. Pulkit has blended stylized action with layered characters, giving the film both visual grandeur and narrative depth.
According to Pulkit, Maalik explores the cost of ambition:
“It’s a story of a man who becomes what he once feared, only to realize that power without purpose is a hollow victory.”
The director emphasized that while the film has action set pieces, it also delves into emotional and psychological territory.
Action Meets Emotion
Unlike typical Bollywood gangster flicks, Maalik promises to walk a fine line between violent spectacle and personal conflict. The trailer teases powerful emotional subplots involving Rao’s character and his family — particularly a strained father-son relationship that becomes the emotional core of the story.
Action sequences are choreographed with realism — gritty hand-to-hand combat, street shootouts, and warehouse standoffs that heighten the stakes. Early viewers have praised the cinematography, score, and editing for their sleek yet intense style.
Maalik Release Date and Expectations
Maalik is set to release in theaters across India on July 11, 2025. The timing pits it against romantic drama Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyaan, setting up an intriguing box-office clash.
Despite facing competition, trade experts believe Maalik has strong pre-release momentum, thanks to:
- Rajkummar Rao’s dedicated fanbase
- The ensemble cast’s appeal
- The gripping, dark-toned trailer
- Rising interest in genre-bending films
The trailer has already crossed 10 million views in 24 hours and trended on YouTube, further proving its popularity.
Final Thoughts
With its powerful performances, strong visuals, and gripping storyline, Maalik could mark a new phase in Rajkummar Rao’s career. It also gives Manushi Chhillar and Huma Qureshi meaningful roles, with Pulkit bringing his unique voice to mainstream cinema. If the trailer is anything to go by, Maalik promises a cinematic ride filled with thrills, emotion, and unforgettable moments.
Will Rao’s anti-hero win the audience’s heart? We’ll find out on July 11.
