'Maalik' trailer: Rajkummar Rao unveils a bold, fierce character in gangster drama

The most-awaited trailer for Rajkummar Rao’s Maalik was released earlier today. As shown in the trailer, the film seems to be a political crime drama, where Rao portrays the titular character who sets his sights on the Vidhan Sabha. Set in 1980s Allahabad, Maalik is a story of a young man's rise to power. It is slated to release on July 11, 2025.

Rajkummar Rao has taken a step ahead to essay a serious gangster, unlike his usual comedy-infused roles. Fans can’t stop their excitement after seeing his new transformation. The powerful dialogue, “Pedha nahi hua toh kya, ban toh sakthe hai. (So what if you are not one, you can become one),” gives a hint of his character, Maalik, who rises to power without anyone’s help.

The film also stars actor and model Manushi Chillar, who plays Shalini, Rao’s wife, Shaurabh Shukla as a local strongman, and Prosenjit Chatterjee as a cop.

The trailer gives off a Gangs of Wasseypur-style story, albeit on a larger scale. Stories in this genre released on OTT platforms have generally been well-received. Fans are eager to see if this film can surpass those films or just be a normal gangster film.

Rajkummar Rao, in a statement, said, “It pushed me as an actor and let me explore a darker, more intense side. Playing a layered, ruthless gangster was both thrilling and challenging, and that’s what made it so exciting. I can’t wait for the audience to experience the gritty, gripping world we’ve created.” 

The film is directed by Pulkit, who previously worked with Bhumi Pednekar in Bhakshak. Huma Qureshi appears in a cameo in the song, ‘Dil Thaam Ke.’

Rajkummar Rao was last seen in Bhool Chuk Maaf and Vicky Vidya ka Woh Wala Video, which did not make much impact, whereas Stree 2 became the highest-grossing film of his career.

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