Rajkummar Rao Takes on a Dark Role in 'Maalik'

Exploring the Dark Side in 'Maalik'

In his latest film Maalik, acclaimed actor Rajkummar Rao ventures into uncharted territory. This portrayal showcases a more muscular and intense side of Rao, steeped in violence and power struggles, a stark departure from his previous roles.

Set in Allahabad during the late 1990s, the film follows Rao's character, Deepak, a farmer's son whose descent into crime is fueled by familial dishonor and the burdens of a subservient life.

Alongside his college friend Badauna (Anshumaan Pushkar), Deepak forms a notorious gang that instills fear in local law enforcement. The lone officer brave enough to confront them faces dire consequences.

In a pivotal scene, Pulkit, the director, illustrates Deepak's ruthlessness, mirroring the brutality of those he opposes. Deepak, who grandiosely refers to himself as 'maalik' or master, often enters and exits scenes in slow motion, enveloped in an aura of arrogance.

Deepak's relentless ambition poses a threat to his mentor Shankar (Saurabh Shukla) and Shankar's subordinate Balhar (Swanand Kirkire). Despite the challenges from rivals like Chandrashekhar (Saurabh Sachdeva) and the formidable cop Prabhu (Prosenjit Chatterjee), Deepak remains unstoppable, with only his wife Shalini (Manushi Chhillar) able to temper his fiery nature.

The narrative of Deepak's transformation from a promising student to a feared criminal is familiar territory. Pulkit and co-writer Jyotsana Nath show little interest in exploring unique aspects that could set Maalik apart from other crime dramas in the Hindi film landscape.

With both Deepak and Prabhu employing a kill-or-be-killed mentality, the lines between law enforcement and criminality blur. While the film delivers intense scenes of violence, it lacks the depth to elevate Deepak beyond a typical thug archetype. The 152-minute runtime features impressive cinematography by Anuj Rakesh Dhawan and skilled editing by Zubin Sheikh.

Although Rajkummar Rao occasionally commands attention, his portrayal of Deepak often feels more like a performance than an authentic embodiment of a gangster. The character lacks the complexity needed to resonate with audiences, making Balhar, played by Swanand Kirkire, the standout character in the film.