Plot:
Maalik tells the story of Deepak (Rajkummar Rao), a man from a poor family in Allahabad who aspires to rise from being a servant to becoming an owner (Maalik). The plot explores the challenges Deepak faces in his quest, his relationship with his wife Shalini (Manushi Chhillar), and his interactions with the crooked politician Shankar Singh (Saurabh Shukla). The story touches on themes of ambition, betrayal, and power.

Overview:
Maalik is a rags-to-riches gangster saga that attempts to replicate the commercial success of films like KGF and Pushpa. Despite a promising setup and strong cast, the film suffers from routine execution and a predictable narrative. Rajkummar Rao’s casting in a heavy-duty gangster role is ambitious but ultimately feels misaligned with the film’s massy tone.

Performances:
Rajkummar Rao takes on the role of Deepak, a gangster, but his performance, though competent, feels miscast. The character demands a certain level of swag, which Rao fails to deliver. Saurabh Shukla as the corrupt politician is a standout with a commendable performance. While the supporting cast does their job adequately, there is nothing exceptional to mention in their performances.

Technical Aspects:
The cinematography by Anuj Rakesh Dhawan is the highlight of the film. He successfully captures the raw and rustic landscapes of 1990s Allahabad. The editing, however, by Zubin Sheikh, is a major letdown, especially in the second half, where the film drags unnecessarily for about 40 minutes. Music by Sachin–Jigar and Ketan Sodha is forgettable and doesn’t add much to the film’s impact.

Music:
Sachin–Jigar’s songs and Ketan Sodha’s background score are average and do not leave a lasting impact on the audience.

Editing:
Editing by Zubin Sheikh fails to maintain the pace in the second half of the film. There is excessive dragging, especially in the final 40 minutes, where the film’s energy seems to fizzle out.

Positives:

• Pre-interval fight sequence is well-executed.
• The first half is watchable and has moments of tension and action.

Negatives:

• The second half is boring and drags on unnecessarily.
• The story is predictable and lacks fresh elements.
• Routine execution and an outdated twist.
• Editing is a significant drawback.

Analysis:
Maalik attempts to tap into the popularity of commercial action films like KGF and Pushpa, but it fails to capture the essence that made these films successful. Rajkummar Rao, though an accomplished actor, doesn’t bring the necessary flair to his role as a gangster. The film lacks the style and swagger that the character demands. The script is also too predictable, with a recycled twist that feels outdated and uninspired. The film's pace falters in the second half, and the lack of engaging content makes the final stretch drag on.

Bottomline: Man's KGF & Pushpa

Rating: 2/5