- Title: Sikandar Ka Muqaddar
- Director & Writer: Neeraj Pandey
- Genre: Heist, Thriller, Drama
- Release Date: November 29, 2024
- Cast Highlights: Avinash Tiwary, Jimmy Shergill, Tamannaah Bhatia, Rajeev Mehta
Plot Overview: A Thriller with Too Much Drag
Sikandar Ka Muqaddar brings back Neeraj Pandey’s signature style, blending heist drama with thrilling twists. The film’s premise revolves around Sikandar (Avinash Tiwary), who is accused of stealing diamonds worth Rs 50 crore in the 2000s, and the cat-and-mouse chase between him and Officer Jaswinder Singh (Jimmy Shergill). As Sikandar tries to move on with his life, Singh is determined to catch him, suspecting his involvement despite lack of proof. While the premise is engaging, the film’s long runtime—almost two and a half hours—dampens its impact, making it feel unnecessarily stretched.
The flashbacks, melodrama, and slow build-up prevent the thriller from maintaining a gripping pace, and by the time the climax arrives, the suspense feels lost, with the ending becoming predictable.
Character Development: Good Performances, Lack of Depth
The characters, especially Sikandar, are compelling but lack the depth needed for greater emotional engagement. Avinash Tiwary does an excellent job portraying Sikandar’s struggle with fate, but the character’s emotional arc feels underdeveloped in certain places.
Jimmy Shergill, known for playing cops, delivers a nuanced performance as Officer Singh. His suave demeanor and inner conflict add layers to his character. Tamannaah Bhatia, though having a smaller role, shines in emotional moments, and her chemistry with Tiwary feels natural but doesn’t generate much heat.
Performances: Strength of the Film
Despite the film’s flaws, the performances stand out. Avinash Tiwary, as Sikandar, carries the movie on his shoulders with a powerful and nuanced performance. His portrayal of a man whose fate seems to betray him at every turn is both heartbreaking and admirable.
Jimmy Shergill, once again playing a cop, brings a fresh twist to the role, adding depth to Officer Singh with his subtle yet commanding performance. Tamannaah Bhatia and Rajeev Mehta, though playing secondary roles, contribute solid performances that help to elevate the story.
Cinematography and Visuals: A Balanced Approach
The film’s cinematography is grounded in the sepia tone that Neeraj Pandey often uses to evoke nostalgia, but here, it feels out of place, especially when the narrative is not set in the past. The visuals at times become a distraction rather than enhancing the story, making it hard for viewers to stay fully immersed.
Music and Sound: Adds to the Drama
The film’s music and background score are tailored to heighten the drama, but the constant use of intense music at crucial moments starts to feel overbearing. While it works in some places to create tension, it also takes away from quieter moments that might have otherwise delivered more emotional weight.
Pacing and Editing: A Stretch Too Far
The film’s pacing is the biggest issue. It begins with a fast-paced robbery sequence, which hooks the audience immediately, but as the story unfolds, the pacing begins to drag. Flashbacks and repetitive plot points slow down the narrative, and at times, it feels like the film is unnecessarily stretching its runtime. The editing could have been tighter to make the heist drama more thrilling and engaging.
Writing and Dialogues: Missed Opportunities
The screenplay, penned by Neeraj Pandey himself, doesn’t quite live up to the expectations set by his earlier works. While the premise of the stolen diamonds and the intense investigation could have made for an exciting story, the execution falls short. There are several moments where the dialogue seems forced or melodramatic, and the lack of unpredictability makes the twists less effective.
Emotional Impact: Not Enough to Hook the Audience
Despite solid performances, Sikandar Ka Muqaddar struggles to create a lasting emotional connection. The thrills that are expected from a heist film are undermined by the film’s drawn-out narrative, which ultimately fails to keep the audience fully engaged.
What Worked and What Didn’t
What Worked:
- Strong performances, especially from Avinash Tiwary and Jimmy Shergill
- A gripping premise that initially hooks you
- Neeraj Pandey’s ability to create moments of suspense and intrigue
What Didn’t Work:
- Lengthy runtime that affects pacing and thrills
- Overuse of flashbacks and melodrama
- Sepia tone that doesn’t suit the story
- Lack of unpredictability in the plot
Final Verdict: 3/5 Stars
Sikandar Ka Muqaddar is a decent one-time watch, particularly for fans of Neeraj Pandey’s heist thrillers. However, its long runtime and pacing issues prevent it from living up to its full potential.
Should You Watch It?
If you’re a fan of heist dramas and enjoy Neeraj Pandey’s storytelling style, Sikandar Ka Muqaddar offers a watchable experience. However, be prepared for a slower pace and predictable twists. The film ends on a cliffhanger, so there is hope for a second part, where the film could improve and redeem itself.