Maalik is a gangster drama starring Rajkummar Rao that is expected to be a gripping story about a man’s rise to power in the underworld. The film is based on social issues and is expected to be full of action and adventure
The plot takes a dark and gripping turn when a corrupt feudal lord, known as the Chief Minister, rises to political power and becomes a symbol of everything wrong with the system violence, manipulation, and exploitation of the poor. Major Asad, with his background in discipline and justice, finds himself caught in a moral dilemma: whether to stand by as a bystander or take action for the greater good.
Parallel stories include:
1)A young man from a humble background who becomes radicalized due to injustice.
2)A police officer trying to uphold the law in a system rigged against him.
3)Ordinary citizens being crushed under the weight of feudal and political tyranny.
Performance
All the characters in the movie have played a significant role in making the movie a big success, especially Raj Kumar Rao. His acting, no doubt, is noteworthy in all his movies that leave a deep impression on viewers, but in this movie, he has performed magnificently, which won the hearts of his fans like me. Apart from his character, other characters like Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saurabh Shukla, and Manushi Chhillar have also done a great job. Manushi, being the wife of Maalik
Positive aspects:-
1) Bold and Relevant Theme
The film fearlessly tackles political corruption, nepotism, and the feudal system topics often brushed under the rug in mainstream Pakistani cinema.
2)Strong Direction and Vision
Ashir Azeem’s direction reflects a clear passion for justice and patriotism. His military background adds authenticity to the films portrayal of armed forces and national responsibility.
3)Compelling Performances
Ashir Azeem himself delivers a grounded performance, and the supporting cast portrays their roles with sincerity, especially in emotionally heavy scenes.
Negative aspects:-
Overt Political Messaging
The films message, while powerful, sometimes becomes too preachy or one-sided, reducing its impact as a cinematic experience and making it feel more like propaganda to some.
Lack of Character Depth
While the message is clear, some characters feel underdeveloped or stereotypicalespecially the villains, who appear almost cartoonishly evil.
Pacing Issues
The movie drags in parts, especially during the build-up, and would’ve benefitted from tighter editing and more focused storytelling.
Conclusion
Maalik is a courageous and emotionally charged film that dares to speak truth to power. It may not be perfect in terms of narrative finesse or character complexity, but its relevance and message resonate with many viewers.