After earning praise in theatres, Rajkummar Rao’s latest film Maalik is now all set for its digital debut. Directed by Pulkit, Maalik blends political intrigue, mystery, and drama into a tight narrative that has gripped audiences across India. Now, fans who missed the theatrical run or simply want to rewatch the gripping story are eager to know: when and where will Maalik stream online?
Here’s everything you need to know about Maalik‘s OTT release — from expected date to the platform, and why this film is worth your time.
Theatrical Run and Reception
Maalik, which hit theatres on June 21, 2025, stars Rajkummar Rao in a role unlike anything he’s done before. The film opened to a strong response, especially from metro cities. It’s been praised for its gritty realism, intense performances, and a tightly woven script that doesn’t lose pace.
Critics lauded Rajkummar Rao’s performance, calling it “hauntingly convincing” and “Oscar-worthy,” while also applauding the supporting cast — including Rasika Dugal and Sheeba Chadha — for adding emotional depth.
The film grossed over ₹80 crore in its box office run — a decent number for a political thriller with no commercial masala.
OTT Platform: Where Will Maalik Stream?
As per inside reports and early announcements, Maalik is expected to stream on Amazon Prime Video. The platform has acquired the exclusive digital rights for a reported ₹22 crore, following a competitive bidding war.
Amazon Prime has previously hosted several Rajkummar Rao films, including Newton and Monica O My Darling, and continues to be a go-to platform for edgy, content-driven Hindi films.
OTT Release Date: When Can You Watch?
While Amazon Prime Video has yet to officially announce the streaming date, industry sources indicate that Maalik will start streaming from August 2, 2025 — roughly six weeks after its theatrical release.
This time frame follows the new OTT window adopted by most studios post-pandemic, giving films enough breathing room in theatres before landing online.
Why Maalik is Worth Watching
Maalik isn’t your average Bollywood thriller. It’s layered with themes of betrayal, moral conflict, power struggles, and emotional grief. Here are some reasons why you should stream it when it lands on OTT:
- Rajkummar Rao’s Performance: He carries the film on his shoulders with quiet rage, unpredictability, and depth.
- Sharp Writing: The screenplay avoids clichés and builds suspense through subtle revelations.
- Relevant Themes: Set against a semi-fictional Indian political backdrop, the film mirrors many real-life events without naming them.
- Tense Sound Design and Cinematography: It adds to the atmospheric tension throughout the film.
- Unpredictable Climax: Without giving spoilers — the ending hits hard.
Audience Reactions
Fans took to social media after the theatrical release, calling Maalik one of the best Hindi thrillers in recent years. Some even compared it to international political dramas like House of Cards and Narcos due to its intense narrative and political undertones.
Twitter user @itspriyankaspeaks wrote:
“Just watched #Maalik. What a movie! Rajkummar Rao proves yet again why he’s the most versatile actor in Bollywood.”
Will There Be a Sequel?
Interestingly, the ending of Maalik leaves the door open for a follow-up — perhaps even a political thriller franchise. Director Pulkit has hinted that if the OTT response is strong, they might explore a sequel or prequel, especially considering the backstory of Rajkummar’s character remains largely untapped.
Final Word
If you’re into intense stories packed with strong performances and political intrigue, then Maalik should definitely be on your watchlist. Whether you missed it in theatres or want to dive back into its layered narrative, its upcoming OTT release will make that possible.
So mark your calendars: August 2, 2025 on Amazon Prime Video.