The gripping trailer for Maalik, Rajkummar Rao’s upcoming action drama, has finally been released, offering a powerful glimpse into a world of ambition, violence and politics set in 1980s Allahabad.
Directed by Pulkit, Maalik marks his theatrical debut and promises an emotionally charged, high-stakes cinematic experience.
Rajkummar, known for his versatility, sheds his usual on-screen image to play a cold-blooded gangster rising through the ranks of the underworld.
“This role pushed me as an actor. I’m always looking for challenges, and Maalik gave me that chance,” he said at the trailer launch in Mumbai on July 1. The film explores the journey of a man determined to become a “maalik” – a master of his own destiny – despite being born with nothing.
Joining Rajkummar is Manushi Chhillar, who plays Shalini, his love interest. “It’s a de-glam role that people didn’t expect me in,” said Manushi. “I’m grateful Pulkit trusted me with this character. The film has been a big learning experience.”
The ensemble cast includes veteran actors Saurabh Shukla, Saurabh Sachdeva, Swanand Kirkire and Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee, who plays a gritty cop.
“Working with Rajkummar, my younger brother, was a joy. He’s immensely talented,” Prosenjit said, calling the opportunity to join the cast a “no-brainer.”
Maalik explores themes of power, loyalty and survival in a gritty underworld where ambition can cost everything.
The trailer opens with Rajkumma’s injured character vowing to rise above his station and become the “maalik” of his fate. It quickly escalates into a tense showdown between Rajkummar and Shukla’s characters, highlighting the film’s intense action sequences and political undertones.
Pulkit, who previously collaborated with Rajkummar on the series Bose: Dead/Alive, brings a stylised realism to the film. “It’s a commercial film, but it’s grounded. There’s dialogue, intense drama and emotional depth,” said Rajkummar.
Produced by Kumar Taurani of Tips Films and Jay Shewakramani of Northern Lights Films, Maalik also features a special cameo by Huma Qureshi in the song Dil Thaam Ke.
The film releases in theatres on July 11, and early fan reactions to the trailer have been overwhelmingly positive, praising Rajkummar’s transformation and the film’s gritty visual style.
