Rajkummar Rao’s Maalik to Open at Half the Business of Bhool Chuk Maaf, Jaat

Mumbai, July 11, 2025 — Rajkummar Rao’s latest film Maalik is gearing up for release this weekend, but early box office indicators suggest a lukewarm start. Despite the actor’s shift to a mass-action avatar, the film has sold just 6,500 tickets across major national chains in advance bookings—a significantly underwhelming number for a commercial Bollywood release.

Industry analysts predict Maalik will open at just 50% of the collections achieved by Bhool Chuk Maaf and Jaat, two recent films in a similar genre and release window. The tepid response has raised eyebrows, especially considering Rao’s growing popularity and the film’s aggressive marketing push in Tier 2 cities.

According to trade trackers, the film is expected to earn around ₹3–4 crore on Day 1, depending on spot bookings and single-screen turnout. In comparison, Bhool Chuk Maaf opened with ₹7 crore on Day 1, and Jaat crossed ₹6 crore.

Experts cite several factors for Maalik’s slow ticket sales:

• Limited urban appeal

• Mixed buzz despite promotional efforts

• Lack of a chartbuster soundtrack

• Tough competition from holdover releases

However, insiders believe the film could see a turnaround over the weekend if word-of-mouth clicks, particularly in northern India where the film is set.

Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatility in critically acclaimed roles, is seen in a never-before-seen rugged action hero role in Maalik. Whether this gamble pays off commercially remains to be seen.

With the weekend ahead, the makers and exhibitors are hoping for a boost from walk-ins and local word-of-mouth to salvage the film’s box office journey.