Rajkummar Rao Transforms Into Gangster in ‘Maalik’, Calls It a Bold Break from His Image

Mumbai: Actor Rajkummar Rao is stepping into uncharted territory with his upcoming film Maalik, portraying a gangster in a dark, action-packed story set in the turbulent 1980s of Allahabad. Directed by Pulkit, best known for Bhakshak, the film is a raw tale of power, greed, and loyalty.

Speaking at the trailer launch, Rao described Maalik as a rare opportunity to shatter his long-held image. “As actors, we crave roles that challenge and transform us. Maalik gave me that chance,” he said. Rao reunites with Pulkit after their previous collaboration on the 2017 series Bose: Dead/Alive.

The National Award-winning actor, known for his roles in Shahid, Newton, Stree, and Srikanth, said he fully trusted the director’s vision and script while embodying the titular role. “It’s all imagination and what Pulkit envisioned. I drew inspiration from real people and internalized the character’s body language and voice,” he added.

Maalkik promises to deliver gripping storytelling with commercial appeal, complete with stylized dialogues and high drama, yet grounded in realism. “There’s a lot of entertainment in this film, but it’s also aesthetic and rooted. I’m excited for audiences to see this version of me,” Rao said.

The film also features Manushi Chhillar, Saurabh Shukla, Saurabh Sachdeva, Swanand Kirkire, and Prosenjit Chatterjee. Chatterjee, who plays a cop in the film, said he was drawn by the chance to work with Rao, whom he affectionately calls his “younger brother.”

“He’s a big star and a brilliant actor. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to work with this fantastic team,” Chatterjee said. Rao, in turn, praised Chatterjee as a phenomenal talent and a warm, soulful co-star.

Chhillar, who plays Rao’s love interest Shalini, expressed gratitude for being cast in a non-glamorous role. “Not many imagine me in such characters, but Pulkit saw that potential. This film pushed me to grow as an actor,” she said. Known for Samrat Prithviraj, The Great Indian Family, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Chhillar said Maalik was a major learning curve.

Produced by Kumar Taurani (Tips Films) and Jay Shewakramani (Northern Lights Films), Maalik is set to hit theatres on July 11.

(The content is sourced from agencies and has not been edited by mtimes.co.in.)

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