‘Maalik’ trailer: Rajkummar Rao rains bullets in violent gangster drama 

Shedding his recent comedic image, Rajkummar Rao goes all guns blazing in the trailer for Maalik, a violent gangster drama set in the Hindi heartland. Written and directed by Pulkit, the political crime drama will hit theatres on July 11. 

Unfolding in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) in the 1980s, Maalik follows the relentless rise of Rao’s character, as he kills, swaggers and intimidates his way to the top. His unchecked political ambitions put him on a collision course with a local strongman, played by (who else?) Saurabh Shukla. There’s also Prosenjit Chatterjee hovering around, as a tough-talking, cigarette-dangling cop tasked with finishing Maalik. 

The heavily Mirzapur-and-Gangs-of-Wasseypur-coded trailer features several bloody action pieces. In one scene, a dead-eyed Maalik rains bullets down a corridor, leaving no survivors. According to the makers, Maalik narrates a ‘hard-hitting tale of ambition, power, and survival‘, exploring the price of rising in a world ‘ruled by guns, greed, and loyalty’.

“This is the first time I’m doing such a hard-hitting role,” Rajkummar Rao said. “It really pushed me as an actor and let me explore a darker, more intense side. Playing a layered, ruthless gangster was both thrilling and challenging and that’s what made it so exciting. I can’t wait for the audience to experience the gritty, gripping world we’ve created.” 

Manushi Chhillar, who plays Rao’s wife, Shalini, said the film allowed her to explore a fresh character in a gritty and intense world. “It’s been such a thrilling journey, and I truly hope the audience connects with it.”

Anshumaan Pushkar (12th Fail) and lyricist-actor Swanand Kirkire also feature in the cast of Maalik, while Huma Qureshi has a song appearance. Interestingly, both Rajkummar Rao and Qureshi had secondary parts in Gangs of Wasseypur, a modern fountainhead of this genre.

Maalik hails from Tips Films and Northern Lights Films. Duo Sachin-Jigar have composed the songs.