Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar’s Maalik Set for Modest Opening Amidst Tough Competition

As Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar gear up for the release of their latest film Maalik, early box office predictions suggest a modest start. Despite strong performances expected from the lead cast, the film’s advance booking numbers are reportedly lower than other recent releases, including Jaat Bhool Chuk Maaf. With mixed buzz and stiff competition, Maalik may face challenges at the box office in its opening weekend.

Advance Bookings Show Slow Start

According to early industry estimates, Maalik is projected to earn just about half of what Jaat Bhool Chuk Maaf managed in its opening. While Rajkummar Rao is known for delivering critically acclaimed performances, commercial pull has always been a mixed bag for his films. Manushi Chhillar, still relatively new to the big screen, brings glamour and freshness but is yet to find a strong footing in mainstream cinema.

Advance booking trends, especially in Tier 2 cities like Indore, Nagpur, and Surat, reflect limited traction, with audiences leaning more toward mass entertainers and regional content.

Content-Driven Drama in a Crowded Market

Maalik is pitched as a content-driven drama with social relevance, possibly appealing to urban multiplex audiences. However, with multiple releases across genres hitting theatres this month, the film might find it tough to maintain visibility unless it benefits from strong word-of-mouth.

Cinemagoers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets often prefer family-friendly or high-energy masala films, which could limit Maalik’s initial reach.

Strong Cast, But Will That Be Enough?

Rajkummar Rao has previously impressed with roles in Stree, Newton, and Badhaai Do, earning both critical acclaim and audience love. Manushi, a former Miss World, is still proving her acting range after debuting in Samrat Prithviraj. The pairing is fresh, but in the absence of a catchy soundtrack or viral promotions, Maalik may need exceptional reviews to pick up steam.

Even with their individual talents, the duo faces the challenge of converting curiosity into footfalls.

The Tier 2 City Factor

For films like Maalik, audience sentiment in smaller cities plays a crucial role in box office recovery. However, the buzz seems stronger in metros than in places like Bhopal or Lucknow. Theatre owners in these regions are cautiously optimistic but aren’t expecting houseful shows unless post-release feedback shifts the momentum.

Conclusion

Maalik opens this week with cautious expectations and the hope that strong performances will drive viewership over the weekend. In a market where star power alone doesn’t guarantee success, the film’s fate now depends on audience response and critical reception. Whether it stays a slow starter or picks up pace will be closely watched by fans and the industry alike.