In a refreshing moment of candor, actress Manushi Chhillar has opened up about not being the “natural choice” for her role in the upcoming gangster drama Maalik. Known for her elegance and previous glamorous roles, the former Miss World is taking a surprising detour with her character Shalini in this gritty, action-packed film — and it turns out, even the makers didn’t initially picture her in the part.
Speaking about how she landed the role, Manushi shared an interesting behind-the-scenes anecdote: “When the director and writer first envisioned the character, I don’t think I was what they had in mind. Let’s just say I wasn’t the natural choice for the film. No one has really seen me in a role like this before. Luckily, I got the chance to test — and I guess that worked out.”
Directed by Pulkit, Maalik features Rajkummar Rao in the lead and marks Pulkit’s first theatrical release, backed by Tips Films and Northern Lights Films, the movie promises a gritty, emotional tale set in the heart of a crime world.
The ensemble cast also includes Prosenjit Chatterjee, Huma Qureshi, Saurabh Shukla, Swanand Kirkire, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Medha Shankr, ensuring a layered narrative with powerful performances.
Manushi’s casting as Shalini brings a fresh dimension to her filmography, signaling a deliberate shift toward meatier, more experimental roles. While audiences have mostly seen her in glossy, conventional parts, Maalik could be the project that redefines her onscreen image.
Maalik hits theatres on July 11, 2025, and all eyes are now on how this unexpected casting choice pays off. If Manushi’s instincts — and that audition — are anything to go by, she might just surprise us all.
