Rajkummar Rao’s much-awaited gangster drama Maalik finally hit theatres today, July 11, 2025. Now, early reactions on social media are pouring in.
Once again, Rajkummar’s performance is earning praise, the film has sparked a wave of mixed to negative reviews from audiences.
What most have pointed out is the film’s predictable plot and uninspired direction. In fact, many are calling it a mishmash of classic gangster tropes.
A common complaint is the screenplay, which some viewers claim borrows heavily from earlier gangster films, both in story and dialogue. One X user even described it as “a confusing mess.”
Another one appreciated it and wrote, “Just watched the #Maalik trailer featuring #RajkummarRao – and it’s absolutely explosive!
Rajkummar Rao steps into a gangster role for the first time and totally nails the badass vibe.
This looks like the most massy and high-voltage film of his career.”
One more wrote, “First Half Of #Maalik….”Completely opposite of expectations… Maybe the second half will be better.
Actors’ performances were good.”
Set in the 1980s and ’90s, the film follows the violent rise of a farmer’s son who transforms into a dreaded gangster named Maalik after avenging his father’s attack.
Alongside Rajkummar, the cast includes Prosenjit Chatterjee as a morally grey police officer, and Saurabh Shukla, Swanand Kirkire, and Saurabh Sachdeva in key roles.
Some have even drawn superstitious parallels, recalling the 1972 film Malik, which also failed to impress audiences.
While the performances, especially Rajkummar Rao’s, have been appreciated, the film’s excessive violence and lack of originality have already dominated early conversations online.
