DNA India says Rajkummar Rao 2.0 is raw, brutal and convincingly massy, while Manushi Chhillar shines despite limited scope. The review is more appreciative of the performances than the film’s originality.

Hindustan Times says Maalik is old wine with new swag, working in parts because of Rajkummar Rao’s fiery energy. The review praises Manushi Chhillar, Prosenjit Chatterjee and the supporting cast, but notes the film’s familiar gangster template.

Koimoi says Rajkummar Rao’s revenge driven gangster mode is passable, but the actor becomes a slave to predictable storytelling. The review notes the film’s gore and mass moments, but finds the writing too familiar.

BollywoodLife Hindi says Maalik is a case where acting wins but the script falls behind, praising Rajkummar Rao while noting that the writing does not fully support him.

Pinkvilla says Rajkummar Rao’s remarkable performance goes in vain because of messy and tacky writing. The review finds his gangster avatar strong, but says the film around him lacks grip and freshness.

Bollywood Hungama calls Maalik a routine gangster drama that treads familiar ground, but praises Rajkummar Rao’s convincing transformation, Manushi Chhillar’s later portions and the supporting cast.

News18's review calls Maalik confusing and disappointing, saying Rajkummar Rao’s gangster act has force but the film is hurt by weak storytelling.

Filmibeat says Rajkummar Rao delivers a nuanced performance in a predictable gangster drama, with the actor’s intensity helping the film even when the writing stays familiar.

Times of India says Maalik falls flat despite Rajkummar Rao’s performance, with no substantial plot beyond gangsters, rivals and cops trying to bring him down.

ndia TV News says Rajkummar Rao stands out in Pulkit’s gangster drama and brings fierce, intimidating energy to the role, but the film is not ground breaking and remains familiar in its rise to power arc.