Rajkummar Rao’s latest release Maalik is creating early ripples at the box office. After a moderate opening, the film witnessed a solid 48% growth on Day 2, signaling a positive audience response. Marking his first theatrical release post-COVID, Maalik appears to be more than just a typical comeback—it could be a pivotal point in Rao’s evolving filmography.
Day 2 Box Office Collection: A Rowdy Jump Worth Noticing
According to early trade estimates, Maalik has seen a day-on-day growth of around 48%, collecting approximately ₹7.9–₹8.3 crore on Saturday after opening at ₹5.6 crore. While these numbers might seem modest compared to big-banner Bollywood flicks, it’s a strong performance for a mid-budget content-driven film.
This jump also underscores the positive word-of-mouth and solid occupancy in metro cities, especially in premium multiplexes. Rao’s portrayal of a conflicted underdog rising through the system seems to have struck a chord with urban audiences.
Post-COVID Release: A Test of Rajkummar Rao’s Star Power
Maalik marks Rajkummar Rao’s first theatrical release since the pandemic, making it a crucial test of his solo draw at the box office. While he’s always been known for performance-oriented roles, box office numbers haven’t always matched his critical acclaim.
Compared to his last major box office appearance pre-COVID (Stree), the collection may seem underwhelming. But within the post-pandemic market dynamics and amidst a sea of OTT releases, this kind of theatrical pull is impressive and significant.
Interestingly, Maalik is also riding high on minimal promotions and strong word-of-mouth marketing, showing the power of good storytelling over flashy hype.
Can Maalik Sustain the Momentum?
With Sunday trends expected to show another upward trajectory, the big question now is—can Maalik sustain its momentum through the week? Trade analysts suggest the film may breach the ₹25 crore weekend mark if the positive buzz continues.
Here’s what may work in Maalik’s favor:
- Limited competition at the box office this weekend
- Positive critic and audience reviews
- Urban multiplex dominance
- Rajkummar Rao’s fanbase and goodwill
The weekdays will be crucial in determining the film’s lifetime performance and whether it can break past the ₹50 crore barrier, which will cement it as a sleeper hit.
Conclusion: A Promising Start, But Not Yet Glorious
Maalik’s Day 2 growth is definitely glorious for content-driven cinema, especially in a post-pandemic theatrical environment. Rajkummar Rao has once again proven that talent-driven films have an audience, even without extravagant promotional campaigns.
However, the film’s true box office glory will depend on its weekday performance and repeat viewership. For now, Maalik is a win for small-scale cinema and a personal milestone for Rao as he reclaims his space on the big screen.
📣 Have you watched Maalik yet? Tell us what you think in the comments below and stay tuned to The Indian Chronicles for all the latest box office updates!
