First Look: Manushi Chhillar Joins Rajkummar Rao in Gritty Gangster Drama Maalik

The makers of Maalik have just unveiled the first look poster of Manushi Chhillar, introducing her as the female lead in what is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most anticipated gangster dramas. Sharing screen space for the first time with powerhouse performer Rajkummar Rao, Chhillar is presented as the "mohabbat of Maalik,” offering a striking counterpoint to the film’s intense themes of love and power. The film is scheduled to release on July 11, 2025.

 

Directed by Pulkit and jointly produced by Kumar Taurani (Tips Films) and Jay Shewakramani (Northern Lights Films), Maalik dives into the dark underbelly of crime and ambition. Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatile acting, reportedly underwent a dramatic physical transformation for the role—bulking up under the guidance of action director Vikram Dahiya. This marks a notable departure from his earlier, more subdued roles, and reflects the industry's increasing emphasis on authenticity and physicality, as highlighted in recent studies by the International Journal of Sports Science (2024).

 

The film has been shot across gritty, real locations like Lucknow, Varanasi, and Unnao—settings that bring a raw regional texture to the narrative. This creative choice mirrors a broader trend in Indian cinema: the rise of regionally rooted storytelling with mass appeal. A 2023 study from the Journal of Indian Film Studies noted the growing commercial viability of such projects, particularly when they combine compelling performances with strong cultural backdrops.

 

Originally set for a June 20 release, Maalik was pushed to July 11, reportedly due to scheduling and post-production challenges—a common scenario in the industry. According to a 2022 FICCI-EY report, nearly 30% of Indian films experience similar delays. Despite the shift, anticipation remains high, especially with Rao stepping into a rugged gangster persona and Chhillar making a confident leap into mainstream, performance-driven cinema. With love, blood, and loyalty at its core, Maalik is gearing up to be more than just a crime story—it could be a statement.

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