Maalik trailer: Rajkummar Rao's film feels Raees 2.0 with more action and less commercialisation

Rajkummar Rao's Maalik trailer is now out and the film has the vibes of Shah Rukh Khan's 2017 film, Raees. A lot of elements are similar between the two movies, except that Maalik chooses violence as commercialisation over item songs, which is a definite step up.

Powerful dialogues rule both Maalik and Raees trailer

While Shah Rukh Khan's Raees had the whistle-worthy dialogue, "Ammi kehti thi koi dhanda chota nahi hota aur dhande se bada koi dharam nahi hota," Maalik transfers the dialogue to a son trying to make his father proud one way or another. The dialogue in the Maalik trailer that will make people take notice of Rajkummar Rao is, "Majboor baap ka beta hai, qismat thi hamaari. Par aapko majboot beta ka baap banna padega, yeh qismat hai aapki."

Also Read: Maalik teaser: Rajkummar Rao makes the rules, yet to choose out-and-out violence

Gang wars, politics and an adamant cop

Both Raees and Maalik move in gangs, are involved in politics, have a strong lover supporting them, and there is an adamant cop who comes to change the equation, giving tough chase to the street-smart gangster. The only difference is in the presentation. While Shah Rukh Khan's movie was more commercialised with the item song Laila Main Laila (featuring Sunny Leone), Maalik refrained from making that too obvious (there is a glimpse of Huma Qureshi's special appearance in the trailer) and is all about letting actions speak louder. The last scene of the trailer is proof of the same. Moreover, there is a hint of the same destiny for Maalik as Raees.

Also Read: Maalik Teaser Reactions: Fans bowled over Rajkummar Rao's intense avatar; 'Best actor for a reason'

About Maalik

Starring Rajkummar Rao in the lead role of Maalik with Prosenjit Chatterjee as the cop (Raees featured Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the role) and Manushi Chhillar as Maalik's wife, Maalik is directed by Pulkit. Also starring Saurabh Shukla, Huma Qureshi and Swanand Kirkire in pivotal roles, the film is scheduled to release in theatres on July 11, 2025.