Rajkummar Rao‘s action film Maalik earned just over Rs 2 crore on its fifth day, according to Sacnilk, bringing its total box office collection to around Rs 18 crore. Directed by Pulkit, the film features Manushi Chhillar, Saurabh Shukla, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saurabh Sachdeva, and Swanand Kirkire in important roles.
Performance and Competition Impacting Collections
Maalik began its theatrical run with a relatively slow opening of Rs 3.75 crore on day one. Over the weekend, the revenue slightly increased to Rs 5.25 crore combined on Saturday and Sunday. However, business dropped on Monday, generating Rs 1.75 crore. This performance is significantly lower compared to Rajkummar Rao’s previous release, Bhool Chuk Maaf, which collected Rs 37.25 crore in the first five days.
The film released alongside Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor’s romantic drama Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, which opened with only Rs 35 lakh on day one and has struggled to attract audiences since.
Plot and Production Details
In Maalik, Rajkummar Rao portrays a feared gangster navigating the volatile landscape of 1990s Allahabad. The story centers around his conflicts with rivals and an encounter cop, played by Prosenjit Chatterjee, who is brought in to eliminate him. The project is produced by Kumar Taurani under Tips Films, alongside Jay Shewakramani’s Northern Lights Films.
Critical Reception Reflects Familiar Narrative
According to a review by CE, the film offers little originality, focusing mainly on Rajkummar Rao’s intense action sequences. The writer-director Pulkit is criticized for doing the bare minimum, constructing a story reminiscent of previous works like Mirzapur (2018).
“There is little novelty in Maalik. It’s just Rajkummar whacking bones and breaking bad. Writer-director Pulkit does the bare minimum in mounting the film. He merely builds on the structure that was already laid by the likes of Mirzapur (2018). If Maalik was a colouring book, Pulkit traces what’s already been drawn.”
— CE Review
Outlook for Maalik’s Box Office Trajectory
As Maalik nears the Rs 20 crore mark five days after release, its modest growth and competition from other films indicate a restrained box office run. The film’s reception and financial performance suggest challenges ahead in achieving blockbuster status, reflecting the uncertain climate for action dramas in current markets.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Rajkummar Rao done any surgery?
A. I’ve never had plastic surgery,” the actor explained. “But about eight years ago, I did have some filler added to my chin. My dermatologist recommended it to help me feel more confident.”
Q. Did Rajkummar Rao have surgery?
A. I haven’t had plastic surgery,” Rao stated. He mentioned that about eight years ago, he decided to use fillers. His dermatologist recommended this to slightly improve the look of his chin.
