'I didn’t do a good job under pressure': 'Maalik’ director Pulkit admits he was unhappy with final cut of Rajkummar Rao film

Filmmaker Pulkit has candidly reflected on the performance of his 2025 film ‘Maalik’, admitting that the pressure surrounding theatrical releases negatively impacted his creative process. Ahead of the release of his upcoming Netflix crime drama ‘Kartavya’, the director opened up about his dissatisfaction with the final cut of the Rajkummar Rao-starrer and why he currently prefers storytelling without box office pressure.In a recent conversation with Variety India, Pulkit spoke honestly about the challenges filmmakers face while making movies for theatrical release. According to him, the constant stress around opening weekend numbers and audience expectations can sometimes interfere with creativity.“There is a lot of pressure on filmmakers in the theatrical world. 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,” the filmmaker admitted. Pulkit further explained that he now values the opportunity to tell meaningful stories more than worrying about the platform of release.Sharing his perspective on OTT versus theatrical releases, the director said the final decision usually belongs to producers, but for him, storytelling remains the priority. “I think wherever you get a chance to tell a story, you should just do it. Whether a film has recovered money or not is not my lookout. Getting to tell a good story; that's my lookout,” he shared.Pulkit also pointed out that most films eventually arrive on streaming platforms anyway, which is why he no longer feels strongly attached to theatrical releases. “So, I don't care if it's OTT or not. Eventually, all the films come out on OTT. The day I feel confident that a film can be released in theatres without the burden of Friday pressure, I’ll make one again,” he added.Released in 2025, ‘Maalik’ was an action thriller starring Rajkummar Rao in a darker and more intense avatar than audiences were used to seeing. Directed by Pulkit and produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani, the film also featured Prosenjit Chatterjee and Manushi Chhillar in important roles.Before release, ‘Maalik’ generated significant curiosity among moviegoers because of Rajkummar Rao’s transformation and the film’s gritty tone. However, despite the initial buzz, the movie received mixed responses from critics and audiences alike. The film eventually concluded its theatrical run with an estimated worldwide collection of around Rs 29.51 crore.After ‘Maalik’, Pulkit is now preparing for the release of his upcoming project ‘Kartavya’, backed by Red Chillies Entertainment and produced by Gauri Khan. The crime drama stars Saif Ali Khan and Rasika Dugal in lead roles, along with Sanjay Mishra, Zakir Hussain, Saurabh Dwivedi, and Manish Chaudhari in pivotal characters.The story follows a police officer struggling to balance duty, morality, personal relationships, and justice while navigating dangerous circumstances. ‘Kartavya’ is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on May 15.