Manushi Chhillar, crowned Miss World 2017, made her entry into Bollywood with high hopes but has yet to establish herself as a leading actress. Her previous films, despite featuring big stars and generating significant hype, have primarily been commercial and critical disappointments. With her upcoming release, *Maalik*, set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025, alongside Rajkummar Rao, there is renewed speculation about whether this gritty gangster drama could mark her long-awaited breakthrough. This write-up explores the potential of *Maalik* to redefine Manushi’s career, analyzing her past struggles and the factors that could make or break this pivotal moment.
Manushi’s Bollywood journey began with *Samrat Prithviraj* (2022), a historical epic opposite Akshay Kumar. Despite its grand scale, the film flopped, with critics noting its weak narrative and Manushi’s limited opportunity to shine. Her earnest performance was overshadowed by the film’s shortcomings and the noticeable age gap with Kumar, which sparked online discussions. Her next venture, *The Great Indian Family* (2023), alongside Vicky Kaushal, was another misstep, with critics, including Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com, describing her role as “ornamental,” offering little space for her to showcase depth, and the film failed to attract audiences.
In *Operation Valentine* (2024), a bilingual action thriller featuring Varun Tej, Manushi played a wing commander, but reviews, such as Sana Farzeen’s in *India Today*, criticized the lack of chemistry and a lackluster script, further dimming her prospects. Similarly, *Bade Miyan Chote Miyan* (2024), another high-budget action-comedy with Kumar and Tiger Shroff, underperformed at the box office, with Manushi’s role fading into the ensemble cast. These consecutive flops have left her struggling to prove her acting prowess, often being typecast in glamorous, underdeveloped roles.
Enter *Maalik*, a 1980s Allahabad-set drama directed by Pulkit, known for *Bose: Dead/Alive*. Starring Rajkummar Rao as the titular gangster, with Manushi reportedly playing his wife, the film promises a mix of action, emotion, and social commentary, bolstered by a strong cast, including Prosenjit Chatterjee and Huma Qureshi. Several factors suggest that *Maalik* could be Manushi’s turning point. First, Rao’s current stardom, fresh off hits like *Stree 2*, ensures significant audience interest, providing Manushi with a platform to reach a wider viewership. Second, her de-glam role, as highlighted in social media posts, marks a departure from her earlier decorative characters, offering her a chance to display emotional range and versatility. The film’s trailer and songs, like "Naamumkin" and the title track, have generated buzz, with a star-studded Mumbai trailer launch amplifying anticipation. The industry and fans are watching closely to see if Manushi can finally deliver a performance that shifts her narrative.
However, challenges remain. Rao’s commanding presence risks overshadowing Manushi, especially if her role is secondary, as suggested by a social media post noting her struggle to match his intensity in the title track. The film’s commercial success is crucial; another flop could diminish even a strong individual performance. Critics have previously panned her for lackluster chemistry or depth, and similar feedback could reinforce doubts about her acting ability. Audience skepticism, fueled by her string of flops, adds pressure for her to deliver a standout performance.
In conclusion, *Maalik* offers Manushi Chhillar her best opportunity yet to break free from her past setbacks. The film’s strong cast, gritty narrative, and robust promotion set the stage for a potential career-defining moment. Yet, her ability to hold her own against Rao and resonate with audiences and critics will determine if *Maalik* becomes her breakout role or another missed chance. With the release just days away, the spotlight is on Manushi to seize this moment.
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