Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatility and ability to carry unconventional roles, has added another feather to his cap. His latest release, Maalik, has entered the list of his top 10 highest-grossing films by raking in an impressive ₹21.14 crore in its first week. The movie’s performance at the box office not only reinforces Rao’s popularity but also reflects the audience’s growing acceptance of content-driven cinema.
In this blog, we take a closer look at Maalik’s performance, its place in Rajkummar Rao’s filmography, what made it click, and what this success means for the star and his future projects.
Box Office Performance: A Strong Start
Despite facing competition from multiple big-budget films, Maalik managed to carve a niche for itself. The film’s opening weekend showed steady growth, collecting around ₹9.25 crore in its first three days. A strong word-of-mouth and critical acclaim helped sustain audience interest throughout the week, leading to a cumulative total of ₹21.14 crore by the end of day seven.
Here’s a day-wise breakdown of Maalik’s first-week earnings:
- Day 1 (Friday): ₹2.85 crore
- Day 2 (Saturday): ₹3.30 crore
- Day 3 (Sunday): ₹3.10 crore
- Day 4 (Monday): ₹2.60 crore
- Day 5 (Tuesday): ₹2.45 crore
- Day 6 (Wednesday): ₹3.00 crore
- Day 7 (Thursday): ₹3.84 crore
- Total (Week 1): ₹21.14 crore
The surge in collections on Wednesday and Thursday was attributed to positive reviews, limited competition in multiplexes, and a strong connect with urban audiences.
The Plot and Appeal of ‘Maalik’
Maalik is a socio-political drama revolving around a common man who unexpectedly finds himself at the center of a power struggle. The film touches upon themes of justice, corruption, and individual moral dilemmas in a deeply emotional narrative. Rao’s portrayal of a conflicted protagonist earned praise from critics and viewers alike for its nuance and restraint.
The tight screenplay, minimal melodrama, and a relatable storyline helped the film appeal to both younger audiences and mature viewers looking for substance.
Rajkummar Rao: The Quiet Performer with Loud Results
What sets Maalik apart is how it continues Rajkummar Rao’s journey as a reliable performer in content-rich cinema. Rao’s resume is full of unconventional choices that have paid off — from Newton and Stree to Badhaai Do and Monica, O My Darling. With Maalik, Rao adds another success that balances commercial viability with storytelling depth.
His ability to bring realism to every character makes him stand out in an industry still ruled largely by star-driven spectacles.
How ‘Maalik’ Stacks Up Against His Top Grossers
Here are some of Rajkummar Rao’s highest-grossing films to date:
| Movie | Lifetime Gross (INR) |
|---|---|
| Stree | ₹129 crore |
| Roohi | ₹30 crore |
| Badhaai Do | ₹26 crore |
| Made in China | ₹25 crore |
| Monica, O My Darling | OTT release |
| Newton | ₹22 crore |
| Maalik (1st week only) | ₹21.14 crore |
With Maalik entering this list within just one week, it’s likely the film could cross ₹30 crore in the coming weeks, depending on sustained public interest and minimal competition.
Critical Response and Public Feedback
Maalik has been largely praised for its sharp writing, grounded direction, and Rao’s stellar performance. Critics highlighted the film’s ability to mix realism with suspense, a feat not easy to achieve in mainstream Bollywood. Social media also played a major role in spreading awareness, with users recommending the film on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.
The buzz around the film continues to grow, especially in urban multiplex circuits, giving it the potential to enjoy a long run at the box office.
What This Means for Rajkummar Rao
The success of Maalik reaffirms that Rajkummar Rao doesn’t need grand sets or multi-hero spectacles to deliver a hit. His choices in script and performance continue to resonate with India’s evolving audience, especially the OTT-savvy generation that appreciates depth over glam.
His next few projects, including a biopic and another thriller, are already generating buzz — and Maalik’s performance will likely boost their visibility further.
Final Verdict: A Steady Climber with Lasting Impact
Maalik may not be a ₹100 crore blockbuster, but it is a triumph in the current era of content-driven cinema. Its week-one collection of ₹21.14 crore is proof that good storytelling, powerful performances, and a meaningful narrative can still draw audiences — even without star-studded extravaganzas.
For Rajkummar Rao, Maalik is another reminder of why he is one of the finest actors of his generation. And for Bollywood, it’s a step forward in the right direction — towards storytelling that matters.