In “Maalik“, in which he portrays a gangster, actor Rajkummar Rao revealed on Tuesday that he was searching for a chance to attempt something new and depart from the norm.
Maalik, an action-packed thriller set in the gritty 1980s Allahabad, examines themes of ambition, power, and survival in a world where loyalty, brutality, and greed rule. The film is directed by Pulkit, who previously made headlines with his work on Bhakshak. Rajkummar Rao
“Actors don’t often have the opportunity to change their image, so I’m constantly looking for roles like Srikanth’s.” An actor’s appetite for novel and difficult roles is constant. I’m happy Maalik approached me. When the teaser for the movie was released, Rao remarked, “I had a great time being part of it.”
This is Rajkummar Rao’s second project with filmmaker Pulkit, following Bose: Dead/Alive in 2017. Widely acclaimed for his roles in Shahid, Newton, Stree, and Srikanth, Rajkummar Rao expressed his optimism that viewers will resonate with his character in Maalik.
“As actors, we constantly want people to remember our characters and associate us with them. I’m quite thrilled about this film. We’ve all given 100%. It’s a period drama with powerful dialogue and commercial appeal, but it also incorporates realism and aesthetics. People will see me in a completely new light, and I’m looking forward to hearing their thoughts after the film is released.” Rajkummar Rao
On Trusting the Director’s Vision.
The 40-year-old actor said he completely trusted Pulkit’s vision and storyline to play the difficult main part. “It was entirely Pulkit’s imagination. He built the universe of Maalik through his writings. Some of our inspiration came from genuine people we’d seen on TV, while others came from within ourselves, such as recognising body language, voice, and character features.”
On Violence in Cinema
When asked about the portrayal of violence in films, Rao responded, “As long as the story and characters are compelling and the picture is well-made, I have no objections to action. I enjoy the action genre—as long as it isn’t uncomfortable or overbearing.”
Star-studded cast.
Maalik has an amazing cast, including:
Manushi Chhillar. Joining the cast are seasoned performers like Saurabh Shukla, Saurabh Sachdeva, Prosenjit Chatterjee, and Swanand Kirkire, adding depth and richness to the film. Rajkummar Rao
Veteran Bengali actor Prosenjit Chatterjee, celebrated for his work in Shanghai and Jubilee, takes on the role of a police officer in the film.
He explained that he didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to work with Rajkummar Rao, whom he affectionately considers his “younger brother”. “I wasn’t expecting a project like Maalik. When I received the call and met the director, I was struck by his enthusiasm. And how could I pass up the chance to work with my younger brother Raj—an actor who fills us all with pride? He is a superstar in his own right. Plus, the opportunity to
Collaborating with such a wonderful ensemble cast was irresistible.” Rao, in exchange, stated that he greatly loved working with Prosenjit, whom he loves to call.
Bumba da:
“I’ve always heard wonderful things about him from everyone.” He’s tremendously skilled and a stunning human being—exactly the type of guy you want to collaborate with. I’m happy he took on this position; it’s unlike anything he’s done previously. He adds a distinct spark to his persona, and it’s stunning.”
Manushi Chhillar discusses her de-glam role.
Manushi Chhillar, who plays Shalini, Rao’s love interest in the film, expressed her appreciation to the director for placing her in a less glamorous part. “When Pulkit initially told me the story, I was shocked—in a good way. Few people would have envisaged me in this type of role. He trusted me with it, which meant a lot. I enjoyed portraying the part and working with Raj, who is an excellent actor.” Rajkummar Rao
“Although I’ve just recently entered the field, there is a lot to learn when you have the opportunity to work with those who have already demonstrated their abilities. For me, Maalik was a fantastic learning experience. Chhillar, who has acted in films like Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, The Great Indian Family, and Samrat Prithviraj, claimed that Maalik gave her the opportunity to try out a different aspect of acting. This movie allowed me to dive into a completely different aspect of my acting abilities.
Date of Release and Production
Maalik is backed by Jay Shevakramani’s Northern Lights Films in collaboration with Kumar Taurani’s Tips Films banner. On July 11, 2025, the movie is scheduled to open in theatres.