🎯 Game Changer (2025) – Movie Review When Style Tries to Match Substance, But Reality Hits Back 📅 Release Date: January 10, 2025 🎥 Director: S. Shankar (Telugu debut) 🎭 Cast: Ram Charan (dual role), Kiara Advani, SJ Suryah, Anjali, Srikanth 🎞️ Genre: Political Action Thriller ⏱️ Runtime: ~2h 45min (trimmed from original 7h cut) 🌟 Plot Overview (Spoiler-Free) Ram Nandan (Ram Charan), a principled IAS officer, battles deep-rooted corruption, while his father Appanna’s legacy of idealism and moneyless politics guides him. The villain duo of SJ Suryah and Srikanth bring political tension as the stakes reach a fever pitch during state elections. imdb.com +15 moneycontrol.com +15 fandango.com +15 indiatvnews.com +9 en.wikipedia.org +9 timesofindia.indiatimes.com +9 💡 What Works Ram Charan in Dual Roles His performances—modern civil servant and rustic father—serve as the emotional core. The father's idealism shines brightest. hindustantimes.com +6 123telug...
🔥 Movie Review: Maalik (2025) – A Gritty Tale of Power, Politics, and Moral Grey Zones
Posted by Cine Slices | June 8, 2025 | Crime, Drama, Bollywood, Movie Review
⭐ Quick Verdict:
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Political Crime Drama
Starring: Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra, Pankaj Tripathi
Director: Pulkit
Producer: Bhushan Kumar (T-Series)
“Maalik” is a hard-hitting political thriller that strips down the facade of power, loyalty, and betrayal. It’s bold, brutal, and backed by Rajkummar Rao’s best performance in years.
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🏛️ Plot Overview:
Set in the fictional town of Barautpur, Maalik follows Azaan Khan (Rajkummar Rao), a loyal enforcer to a political kingpin whose world spirals when the system he protects turns against him. As elections near, Azaan is forced to choose between loyalty and survival, morality and ambition.
Directed with a raw edge by Pulkit (known for Bhakshak), the film explores themes of corruption, caste, political manipulation, and redemption through blood-soaked alleyways and dusty election grounds.
🎬 What Works:
🎭 Rajkummar Rao in Top Form
Whether brooding in silence or exploding in rage, Rao owns every frame. His layered performance as a man torn by duty and conscience is both intense and relatable.
🔥 Gritty, Realistic Storytelling
The film doesn’t hold back. Dirty politics, betrayals, and the cost of violence are presented without sugar-coating. It’s reminiscent of Gangs of Wasseypur meets Raees.
🎥 Tight Direction & Visuals
Pulkit's direction is focused and fearless. The cinematography captures the grime and heat of North India, while the background score adds urgency to every scene.
🧠 Social Commentary
Maalik isn’t just a crime drama—it’s a reflection of India’s socio-political underbelly, caste tensions, and the idea of justice in lawless zones.
🤏 What Could Be Better:
⏱️ Second Half Slightly Overstretched
The film builds strong momentum, but loses a bit of pacing in the latter half. A few subplots feel unnecessary.
🔊 Some Supporting Roles Underused
Despite stellar casting (especially Sanya Malhotra and Pankaj Tripathi), a few characters deserved more depth.
💥 Final Thoughts:
Maalik is a powerful, thought-provoking ride through the dirt and darkness of Indian politics. With a gripping narrative and raw performances, it cements Rajkummar Rao as the actor of the masses and the message.
If you're into bold, issue-driven cinema with edge and realism—this one is unmissable.
🎬 Cine Slices Rating:
🔥🔥🔥🔥✂️ – Bold, bloody, brilliant.
🎞️ Watch the Trailer:
(Embed official trailer link here when available)
💬 Have you watched Maalik yet?
Drop your take in the comments below or tag @CineSlicesPH with your review and rating!
#Maalik2025 #RajkummarRao #BollywoodThriller #CrimeDrama #PoliticalCinema #IndianMovies #MovieReview #CineSlices #PankajTripathi #PulkitDirector #DarkCinema
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