Rajkummar Rao's Journey from Struggling Actor to Gangster Hero in 'Maalik'

Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chillar’s upcoming gangster drama Maalik is grabbing attention as its trailer receives a strong positive response from audiences. In this film, Rajkummar will showcase intense action and portray a gritty gangster for the first time, a departure from his earlier roles.

Recently, Rajkummar opened up about the difficult beginnings of his career when he struggled to land lead roles. He revealed that in the early days, casting directors often refused to let him audition for leading parts, questioning why he even wanted to try. He recalled being told he could only audition for minor scenes, not full roles.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Rajkummar expressed his excitement about playing a character so different from his past work. He said, “As an actor, I want to explore varied characters and genres, and Maalik has given me that chance on a grand scale.”

The trailer features a powerful scene where a character warns Rajkummar’s persona not to aspire beyond his roots, a line that resonated deeply with the actor, reminding him of the industry’s attempts to box him in.

Despite numerous rejections, Rajkummar’s breakthrough came when director Dibakar Banerjee gave him a chance to audition for the lead in Love Sex Aur Dhokha, a film that marked a turning point. This was followed by his critically acclaimed performance in Shahid, which cemented his reputation as a versatile actor.

Now, with Maalik, Rajkummar Rao is ready to make a strong impact at the box office as a formidable gangster, proving his growth and versatility as an actor.