Rajkumar Rao’s film ‘Maalik’ has been released in theatres today. Directed by Pulkit, this film stars Raj Kumar Rao, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Manushi Chillar, Saurabh Shukla, Anshuman Pushkar, Swanand Kirkire and Huma Qureshi in important roles. The length of this film, which deals with hunger for power, personal loss, caste politics and conflict with the system, is 2 hours 29 minutes. Dainik Bhaskar has given this film a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5. What is the story of the film? Prayagraj of 1988. Farmer’s son Deepak (Rajkumar Rao) enters the world of crime after a painful accident. Gradually he becomes ‘Maalik’. The name which people fear, but also respect. Shalini (Manushi Chillar) comes into his life as a hope, but crime and love do not go together. There are many twists in the film, and as Deepak’s stature grows, his world becomes more dangerous. How is the acting of the starcast? Rajkumar Rao is the soul of the entire film. In a scene where he is talking to his enemies with a rope around their neck, that scene proves that he lives acting. Manushi Chillar has worked with full sincerity, but her character lacks depth. In the role of a gangster’s wife, she becomes light at some places. Prosenjit Chatterjee’s character could have been strong, but his screen presence was not that impressive. Actors like Saurabh Shukla, Swanand Kirkire and Anshuman Pushkar are also effective in supporting roles. Anshuman has left a deep impression even in limited screen time. How is the direction and technical side? Pulkit’s direction is quite mature. He has presented the political and criminal environment of North India in a raw and real way. The screenplay is quite tight in the first half, but the second half becomes a bit loose. The dialogues are sharp, pointed and effective. Like “What if you are not born a master, you can become one” or “Now you will have to become the father of a strong son, this is your destiny”. In cinematography, Anuj Rakesh Dhawan has captured the atmosphere of the 90s in sepia tone very well. The editing is sharp in most places, but at some places the film seems to be dragging. Especially during the item number, the tone starts wavering. How is the music? The background score strengthens both the pace and the emotion of the film. Huma Qureshi’s item number ‘Dil Tham Ke’ is attractive, but does not match the overall tone of the film. This song lightens the seriousness of the film for a few moments. Final verdict of the film, watch it or not? “Maalik” is an emotional, raw and desi gangster film that strongly shows the politics of power, pain and revenge. Despite some shortcomings, this film forces you to think, be shocked and applaud. ‘Maalik’ is one of those films that leaves an impact on both the heart and the mind.
