The Indian box office saw an intense three-way clash on Friday as three films—Superman, Maalik, and Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan—hit theatres. While expectations were high for each, especially given their respective star power and genre appeal, it was James Gunn’s Superman that ultimately stole the spotlight. Maalik, featuring Rajkummar Rao, Manushi Chhillar, and Vikrant Massey, opened to mixed reviews and modest earnings, leaving fans and industry watchers questioning its future trajectory.
Maalik: A Promising Cast in a Flawed Narrative
Maalik was one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases this month. Directed by Anubhav Kashyap, the gangster drama stars Rajkummar Rao as a morally torn crime lord, with Manushi Chhillar playing a journalist entangled in the underworld’s complexities. Vikrant Massey’s role as a conflicted cop adds intensity to the narrative, but the film fails to fully utilize the trio’s talents.
While Rajkummar Rao once again delivers a committed performance, the screenplay lacks coherence. The pacing falters in the second half, and the film struggles to balance between gritty realism and commercial storytelling. As a result, Maalik doesn't quite resonate with audiences in the way its trailer suggested.
Day 1 Box Office Collections: Maalik Falls Behind
On opening day, Superman outperformed both Maalik and Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan by a wide margin. The James Gunn-directed superhero reboot grossed over ₹6 crore in India, setting a strong precedent for a Hollywood release. In comparison, Maalik managed an estimated ₹2.1 crore, despite being backed by strong marketing and a recognized cast.
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, a romantic drama starring Shanaya Kapoor and newcomer Rohit Khurana, posted even lower numbers at ₹1.5 crore. This suggests that audiences leaned heavily towards the action-packed, visually rich experience that Superman offered, despite its foreign origin.
Mixed Reviews Add to Maalik’s Woes
Critics have given Maalik a lukewarm reception. While the performances of Rao and Massey have been praised, the film’s direction and screenplay were widely critiqued for lacking freshness. The storyline, rooted in Mumbai’s underworld politics, has drawn comparisons to films like Satya and Company — but without the same emotional impact or originality.
Some reviews even labeled the film “a dull, messy gangster drama,” pointing out its predictable twists and underwhelming climax. Social media buzz, too, has been mixed, with fans of Rajkummar Rao defending the film while others call it a “missed opportunity.”
Public Response and Word of Mouth
Initial public reaction has been cautious. Many moviegoers who expected a hard-hitting crime thriller walked away disappointed by the film’s uneven tone. However, there’s still hope that word of mouth could work in the film’s favor over the weekend. Rao’s loyal fan base and multiplex audience interest might help Maalik recover some ground.
Competition with Superman and Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan
Superman’s success has not only overshadowed Maalik but also disrupted the overall earnings of other domestic films. The superhero film’s strong fan following, coupled with aggressive promotions and positive early reviews, has given it an edge.
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, despite its youth-focused love story and visually appealing soundtrack, didn’t attract large crowds. This could allow Maalik to retain some screens next week — provided it can stabilize collections.
Will Maalik Recover in the Coming Days?
Industry analysts suggest that the weekend will be crucial for Maalik. If the film can hold steady and see improved collections on Saturday and Sunday, it could stay afloat through the week. However, with more international and regional releases lined up for next Friday, the window of opportunity is small.
Much will depend on the film’s ability to connect with its target audience — young adults and fans of crime drama — and the strength of its marketing push in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Performances Remain the Saving Grace
Rajkummar Rao, despite being let down by the script, remains a highlight. His transformation into a conflicted gangster and his scenes with Vikrant Massey add gravitas to the film. Manushi Chhillar, though still relatively new to the industry, shows improvement in her performance and screen presence.
These individual efforts might earn the film some recognition during award season, but whether they can salvage the box office fate of Maalik remains uncertain.
A Glimpse Ahead: Streaming and International Release
Maalik is expected to hit OTT platforms within the next 45 days, which may offer it a second life. A global digital release could help the film reach a wider audience, especially in diaspora markets where Bollywood thrillers have consistent traction.
If it performs well on streaming, Maalik might still find its place as a cult favorite — even if its theatrical run falls short.
