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Rajkummar Rao's 'Maalik': Why director was unhappy with final cut
11 May 2026

Filmmaker Pulkit, whose last theatrical release was Maalik, recently opened up about the pressures of releasing films in theaters.

In an interview with Variety India, he admitted to feeling overwhelmed while working on Maalik.

"There is a lot of pressure on filmmakers in the theatrical world," he said. "For Maalik, I wasn't happy with the final film because I didn't do a good job under pressure."

"So, I don't want that pressure."

What was 'Maalik' about?
Film details

Maalik, which starred Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar in lead roles, was released in July 2025.

The film follows Deepak, a farmer's son who becomes a gangster in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) during the 1980s.

It explores his journey from being an ordinary man to becoming a feared figure driven by ambition and personal loss.

Pulkit on his upcoming film, 'Kartavya'
New project

Pulkit is now gearing up for the release of his next film, Kartavya, which will premiere on Netflix on May 15.

The film stars Saif Ali Khan and marks a return to the heartland for the actor.

Pulkit said he was eager to take Khan back to this setting, as "no filmmaker had explored him" in this space since Omkara.

"I was very eager to take him back to the village, and luckily, he came on board."

Pulkit on his experience with SRK
Acknowledgment

Pulkit also expressed his gratitude toward Shah Rukh Khan, who produced Kartavya.

"When I was growing up in a small city, I used to have Shah Rukh Khan's photos on my walls," he said. "To get to see him and to get two films produced by him (Kartavya and Bhakshak) is a surreal feeling."

"Whatever little interaction I have had with him has been incredible. All his feedback is amazing."