Guns, Grit & Glory”: Rajkummar Rao, Manushi Chhillar Hype Up Maalik as a Gritty Tale of Power and Survival

At the recent song launch in Lucknow, actors Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar opened up about their upcoming gangster drama Maalik, calling it a film with an “interesting story” that dives deep into ambition, loyalty, and political power. Set in 1980s Allahabad, the film sees Rao in a never-seen-before avatar—a ruthless gangster chasing political dominance, while Chhillar plays Shalini, a grounded, de-glam character that marks a bold shift from her earlier roles.

The duo launched the high-octane track “Raaj Karega Maalik”, featuring MC Square’s rap, Akasa’s vocals, and Sachin-Jigar’s music, which perfectly captures the film’s raw energy. Rao praised the evolving opportunities in cinema, urging actors to focus on their craft, while Manushi shared how the role pushed her creatively.

Directed by Pulkit and produced by Tips Films and Northern Lights Films, Maalik also stars Saurabh Shukla and Saurabh Sachdeva, and hits theatres on July 11, 2025.

🔍 Key Highlights:
Genre: Gangster drama set in 1980s Allahabad

Rajkummar’s Role: Intense gangster chasing political power

Manushi’s Role: De-glam, earthy character named Shalini

New Song: “Raaj Karega Maalik” launched

Release Date: July 11, 2025

Source: LiveMint