‘Maalik’ teaser: Rajkummar Rao’s full-blown foray into world of stylized action

The teaser of Maalik, featuring National Award-winning actor Rajkummar Rao in a striking new avatar, was unveiled on Tuesday — and it’s already generating major buzz.

Directed by Pulkit, this gritty gangster action drama sees Rao stepping far outside his usual cinematic territory. Known for his nuanced performances in comedies and intense character-driven dramas, ‘Maalik’ marks his first full-blown foray into the world of stylized action.

Clad in rugged looks and exuding a dangerous charisma, Rao’s transformation is both surprising and thrilling. The teaser hints at a violent, high-stakes world filled with power, betrayal, and ambition, setting the stage for what could be one of his most memorable roles to date.

The minute-and-a-half teaser begins with Rajkummar seen getting up from a bed with a rifle, as he says: “Samaj mai do tarah ka log hota hai. Ek jo paseena baha kar apna haq ka roti kamata hai, aur ek jo khoon paseena baha kar apna haq ka roti cheen leta hai.

Hum dusra wala hai. Humko ghanta farak padhta hai ki logo ko kya lagta hai ki hum villain hai ki hero hai... Humari kahani mai hum hi hero hai… (There are two types of people in society. One who earns his living by shedding sweat, and the other who earns his living by shedding blood. I am the second one. I hardly care what people think, whether I am a villain or a hero… In my story, I am the hero…” His fiery dialogue is swiftly followed by a brutal montage — scenes of bloodshed unfold as he smashes a man’s head, drags him across the floor, and beats him to a pulp. Amidst the violence, he delivers another chilling line: “Maalik paida nahi hue toh kya, ban toh sakte hai” (So what if you're not born a master, you can become one).

Rajkummar’s last three releases - ‘Stree 2’, ‘Vicky Aur Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’, and ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’ were all comic releases. His last intense role was in ‘Shrikant’, a biographical drama based on the life of Shrikanth Bolla. Given his recent body of work, watching Rajkummar firing bullets and breaking bones is quite an interesting watch.

As per the teaser, the film is set in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, in 1988, and delves deep into the gritty world of the local underworld.

The teaser not only promises to deliver another powerful performance from Rajkummar but also appears to have a mind-blowing action choreography and a music score that will help elevate the movie-watching experience. Set for its theatrical release on July 12, the upcoming movie also features Prosenjit Chatterjee, Manushi Chhillar, and Medha Shankar, and is produced by Kumar Taurani.