Maalik Falls Flat: Rajkummar Rao's Film Earns Only ₹3 Crore on Day 1

Rajkummar Rao’s latest film Maalik, a gritty gangster drama, hit theatres on July 11 with high expectations. Marking a significant departure from Rao’s usual roles, the film showcases him in a rugged, action-heavy avatar. However, despite the anticipation, Maalik had a lukewarm start at the box office.

According to trade tracker Sacnilk, the film earned ₹3.48 crore on its opening day significantly lower than Rao’s last release Bhool Chuk Maaf, which debuted with ₹7 crore. It also fell behind John Abraham’s The Diplomat, which collected ₹4 crore on Day 1. Still, Maalik fared better than Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor’s romantic drama Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, which earned a modest ₹32 lakh on its first day.

Ensemble Cast and Creative Team
Directed by Pulkit and produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani, Maalik features an ensemble cast including Prosenjit Chatterjee, Manushi Chhillar, Saurabh Sachdeva, Saurabh Shukla, Anshumaan Pushkar, Swanand Kirkire, Rajendra Gupta, and Baljinder Kaur. Despite the mixed reactions, Rao’s intense performance in the title role has been widely appreciated.

Critics Divided on Storyline
While critics praised the film’s action sequences and Rao’s dedication, the narrative itself received criticism for being predictable and formulaic. An excerpt from the Hindustan Times review notes: “Despite its flaws, Maalik stands tall, much like its hero, punching above its weight thanks to Rao’s fiery energy. If you enjoy watching a familiar story served with extra spice and swagger, Maalik might click with you.”

Also Read: Maalik Dialogues: Rajkummar Rao’s Intense Dialogues Get Fans Hooked

What’s Next?
With buzz around a potential sequel, there’s hope that Maalik could find a stronger audience in the coming days or through word of mouth — especially if future installments tighten the script and raise the stakes.