From ‘Intense’ To ‘Average’, Netizens React To Rajkummar Rao’s Gangster Drama
Rajkummar Rao’s much anticipated film Maalik released in theatres on July 11, alongside Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, starring Shanaya Kapoor and Vikrant Massey. The action drama sees Rajkummar in a gritty, high octane avatar alongside Manushi Chhillar.
Set in Allahabad, 1988, Maalik dives into the gritty underworld, with Rao portraying a cunning, rowdy, and ruthlessly deadly gangster.
Though it opened with modest buzz, early audience reactions have been divided. While several netizens praised Rajkummar Rao’s intense performance, others found the narrative underwhelming, with some calling it “boring” and “average.”
See what the netizens have to say:
MAALIK मालिक : movie review
⭐⭐Movie is below average 😞
But Rajkummar Rao’s performance is 🥵🔥 pic.twitter.com/JdAt3us5HY
— Aryaman Singh Pawar (@Aryaman_Singh20) July 11, 2025
🎬 Just watched #Maalik and this review nails it!
Rajkummar Rao = acting masterclass 🎭🔥
Manushi is growing with every role 👏Explosive first half, wish the second matched that energy. Solid 3.5/5!#MaalikReview #Bollywood #RajkummarRao #ManushiChhillar
— Saurabh Kumar (@iamsaurabh1818) July 11, 2025
Raj has killed it in his new avatar in #Maalik
— divya (@certifiedbkl) July 11, 2025
🎬 Rajkummar Rao transforms in ‘Maalik’ 🔥
Shedding his small-town lover image, he returns as a ruthless gangster who writes his own rules.
Not born to rule—he chooses to.
One of his most intense performances yet! 💥#RajkummarRao #Maalik #Bollywood— Surajit debnath (@Surajit32741315) July 11, 2025
Maalik is not a bad movie it’s a boring/annoying one. We can make jokes while watching a bad movie but Maalik is that slow torture you can’t avoid! #Maalik #RajkumarRao
— cine.ma_islove (@Bauaa_Yagami) July 11, 2025
Directed by Pulkit, the gangster drama also features a strong supporting cast including Prosenjit Chatterjee, Medha Shankr, Huma Qureshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Swanand Kirkire.