Rajkummar Rao, widely celebrated for his ability to delve into nuanced and challenging roles, is stepping into uncharted territory with “Maalik.” Despite a diverse filmography, which includes critically acclaimed performances across various genres, Rao has yet to headline a full-fledged action thriller. His sole venture into the action genre thus far was in the 2022 film Hit: The First Case. However, “Maalik” promises to redefine his on-screen persona, placing him squarely in the realm of hardcore action under the direction of Pulkit, known for his work on the film Bhakshak. Also Read- Stree 2 Teaser Out! Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, and Pankaj Tripathi’s Chanderi Faces a New Horror as the ‘Legend’ Returns; Watch Now!
Joining Rao in this high-octane adventure is Medha Shankar, noted for her compelling portrayal in the 2023 film 12th Fail. Shankar has been cast opposite Rao as the female lead, bringing her blend of intelligence and sensitivity to complement Rao’s character.
According to sources cited in a Mid-day report, Rajkummar Rao eagerly embraced the opportunity to lead “Maalik.” The role is described as a natural progression for the actor, who aims to diversify his repertoire and appeal to a broader audience. A source close to the project explained, “While Raj has carved a niche for himself with his solid performances, he hasn’t yet played the quintessential hero of the masses. With his upcoming films, he intends to explore this space.”
“Maalik” is envisioned as an emotion-driven action entertainer that will showcase Rao in a fresh and dynamic light. The character demands high-energy stunts and physical prowess, requiring Rao to undergo rigorous training to attain a muscular physique suited to the role. Also Read- Shraddha Kapoor Gets Mobbed by Overwhelming Fans in Lucknow! Fans’ Excitement Made Managing Security a Challenging Task; Watch Video Now!
Director Pulkit, known for his adeptness at weaving compelling narratives, plans to wrap up filming for “Maalik” within a swift three-month start-to-finish schedule. The film promises to not only deliver adrenaline-pumping action sequences but also delve into the complexities of its characters’ emotions and motivations.
For Medha Shankar, the role opposite Rao represents a significant opportunity to further showcase her acting prowess in a challenging and pivotal role. Her character is poised to provide a nuanced counterbalance to Rao’s intensity, contributing to the film’s layered storytelling.
As anticipation builds for “Maalik,” Rajkummar Rao and Medha Shankar are gearing up to bring their characters to life against the backdrop of Lucknow and Varanasi, cities that will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative’s texture and atmosphere. With filming set to commence soon, audiences can expect “Maalik” to mark a thrilling new chapter in Rajkummar Rao’s illustrious career, while offering Medha Shankar a platform to further shine in the world of Hindi cinema.