Bollywood saw a dramatic new release this week with Maalik, a gritty gangster drama headlined by powerhouse performer Rajkummar Rao. Expectations? Sky-high. Reality? Not so much. Despite the hype and a strong cast, the film opened to a surprisingly modest ₹3.48 crore on Day 1.
So, what went wrong?
Let’s break it down.
Big Names, Big Hopes
Maalik wasn’t some small-budget indie flick. It was built to impress.
Directed by Pulkit, and starring Rajkummar Rao, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Manushi Chhillar, and Saurabh Sachdeva, the film was hyped up as an intense, layered crime saga.
The trailers gave off serious Gangs of Wasseypur vibes. The posters screamed action. And Rao’s brooding look had fans intrigued. Yet, the opening fell short—way short of what’s expected for a film with this kind of ensemble.
Day 1 Numbers: A Reality Check
Let’s look at the box office math:
| Movie Title | Day 1 Collection |
| Maalik | ₹3.48 crore |
| Bhool Chuk Maaf (Rao) | ₹7 crore |
| The Diplomat (John Abraham) | ₹4 crore |
| Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan | ₹32 lakh |
While Maalik beat a few smaller releases, it fell behind The Diplomat and didn’t even come close to Rao’s own Bhool Chuk Maaf numbers. That’s gotta sting.
What’s Working (and What’s Not)
Let’s be fair—Rajkummar Rao doesn’t phone it in. His performance in Maalik is intense, raw, and very much in sync with his style of method acting. But honestly, great acting can’t save a weak script.
Critics pointed out a few big issues:
- Predictable plotline
- Inconsistent pacing
- Weak dialogue delivery
- Unclear narrative structure
Some viewers even walked out saying it felt like a mash-up of too many gangster tropes without anything fresh.
What Are People Saying?
A popular Mumbai-based critic tweeted:
“Rajkummar Rao is as intense as ever, but #Maalik struggles to rise above average storytelling. We’ve seen this before… better.”
Meanwhile, fans on Instagram shared mixed reactions:
- “Expected a lot more. It felt rushed and disjointed.”
- “Rao is fab, but the film doesn’t match up.”
- “If you love gangster films, this might not be what you’re looking for.”
So yeah, buzz is there—but not the kind that turns into footfall.
Can Word-of-Mouth Save It?
To be real, Indian films have seen worse Day 1 collections and still managed to bounce back. The question is: Does Maalik have enough pull to draw crowds over the weekend?
With a packed release calendar, including action, rom-coms, and big-banner films dropping back-to-back, the pressure’s on.
If Maalik doesn’t hold strong through Saturday and Sunday, the chances of recovery are slim. A miracle isn’t impossible—but the film needs glowing reviews from real audiences, not just critics or PR teams.
Quick Recap: Why Maalik May Be Struggling
- Star power can’t compensate for a thin story.
- Crowded market with better-performing alternatives.
- Predictable genre formula with little innovation.
- Mixed to poor critic reviews.
- Weak social media buzz (and not in a good way).
Audience Verdict vs. Expectations
| Element | Expectation | Reality |
| Opening Collection | ₹6–₹8 crore | ₹3.48 crore |
| Social Buzz | Trending, High Engagement | Lukewarm at best |
| Critical Reception | Positive | Mixed to Negative |
| Repeat Watch Value | Medium-High | Low |
| Overall First Day Verdict | Solid Opening | Underwhelming Performance |
What’s Next for Maalik?
Weekend box office is now the real test. If Friday was a dip, Saturday and Sunday need to be the climb. If not, Maalik might quietly fade into the “missed opportunity” bin despite having an award-winning lead.
And let’s be honest—Rajkummar Rao deserves better scripts. It’s time Bollywood pairs his acting chops with tighter writing.
FAQs
Q1. How much did Maalik earn on Day 1?
A1. It earned ₹3.48 crore on its opening day.
Q2. Is this Rajkummar Rao’s weakest opening?
A2. Not the weakest, but definitely underwhelming compared to his last few hits.
Q3. What’s the main reason behind the slow start?
A3. A predictable story and mixed reviews seem to have hurt the film’s appeal.
Q4. Who directed Maalik?
A4. It’s directed by Pulkit, making his debut in theatrical releases.
Q5. Is the movie worth watching?
A5. If you’re a die-hard Rajkummar Rao fan, maybe. But don’t expect groundbreaking storytelling.
Q6. How does it compare to Bhool Chuk Maaf?
A6. Bhool Chuk Maaf opened with ₹7 crore and had a more positive audience reaction.
Q7. Any hope for box office recovery?
A7. Word-of-mouth could help, but only if the weekend sees a spike in numbers.
Q8. Are critics all against it?
A8. Not exactly. Rao’s acting is appreciated, but the film’s overall execution is the issue.
Q9. Is this the end of gangster films in Bollywood?
A9. Not really. But audiences now expect smarter narratives in crime dramas.Q10. What could’ve made Maalik better?
A10. A tighter screenplay, stronger emotional arcs, and more gripping storytelling.