Sikandar Ka Muqaddar Movie Review

Neeraj Pandey’s Sikandar Ka Muqaddar attempts to deliver an engaging heist thriller but falls short of the brilliance associated with his earlier works like A Wednesday or Special 26. Despite strong performances from its cast and an intriguing premise, the film struggles with pacing issues and predictable twists.

Critic's Rating

3.0/5

Story Overview

The movie revolves around a diamond heist involving red solitaires worth ₹60 crores, stolen from an exhibition in Mumbai. Officer Jaswinder Singh, played by Jimmy Shergill, suspects three people:

• Mangesh Desai (Rajiv Mehta): A veteran jewelry store employee.
• Kamini Singh (Tamannaah Bhatia): A colleague at the same store.
• Sikandar Sharma (Avinash Tiwary): A techie in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Singh’s fixation on Sikandar leads to a 15-year chase across cities like Mumbai, Agra, and Abu Dhabi, blurring the lines between professional duty and personal obsession. The story questions whether Sikandar is truly guilty or if Singh’s determination stems from his need to protect his reputation.

Key Highlights

AspectDetailsDirectorNeeraj PandeyGenreHeist ThrillerCastJimmy Shergill, Tamannaah Bhatia, Avinash Tiwary, Rajiv MehtaSettingMumbai (2009), Abu Dhabi, AgraRuntime143 minutesRelease PlatformTheatrical and OTT Release

The Cast: Performances That Shine

Jimmy Shergill as Jaswinder Singh:Brings depth to a man obsessed with cracking the case.
Balances his portrayal with vulnerability and determination.

Avinash Tiwary as Sikandar Sharma:Embodies the role of a suspect caught in a relentless pursuit.
Delivers a compelling mix of charm and ambiguity.

Tamannaah Bhatia as Kamini Singh:Plays a single mother with understated emotional depth.
Adds warmth to the film’s narrative.

Rajiv Mehta as Mangesh Desai:Portrays a character with shades of mystery and guilt effectively.

Verdict on Acting: The cast elevates the film, even when the screenplay falters.

Choreography and Direction

• Choreography: The film doesn’t heavily rely on dance numbers, but the songs are visually appealing and serve as emotional breaks.
• Direction by Neeraj Pandey: While the opening heist sequence is gripping, the overall direction lacks the tightness seen in his previous works. Pandey’s signature style of blending action with emotion is visible but not consistent.

Screenplay Analysis

The screenplay starts strong with the heist but slows down significantly in the second half.

• Strengths:The heist sequence is intense and visually striking.
  The back-and-forth between past and present adds complexity.
  
• Weaknesses:The second half feels dragged.
  Predictable plot twists dilute the suspense.
  

Structure Evaluation:

SectionPaceEngagement LevelOpening HeistFast-PacedHighInvestigationModerateMediumFinal ChaseSlowLow

What’s Special About the Movie?

• Emotional Depth: The film explores themes of obsession, guilt, and reputation.
• Visual Appeal: Stunning cinematography showcases vibrant Mumbai, glamorous Abu Dhabi, and the historical essence of Agra.
• Performances: The acting is the film’s strongest asset, with each actor adding layers to their characters.

Box Office Performance

While the movie had a decent opening, its pacing issues and lack of edge hurt its long-term performance.

• Opening Weekend Collection: ₹8 crores.
• Lifetime Collection (estimated): ₹25-30 crores.
• Audience Reaction: Mixed. Critics appreciated the performances but criticized the screenplay.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong performances by Jimmy Shergill and Avinash Tiwary.
• Intriguing start with a well-executed heist.
• High-quality visuals and cinematography.

Cons:

• Sluggish pacing in the second half.
• Predictable plot twists.
• Overstretched runtime.

Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?

Sikandar Ka Muqaddar is worth a watch for fans of Neeraj Pandey’s work and those who enjoy strong performances. However, if you’re looking for a high-octane thriller with unpredictable twists, this one may not fully satisfy.

Conclusion

Sikandar Ka Muqaddar tries to deliver a gripping thriller but falls short due to its slow pacing and lack of suspense. Despite its flaws, the film offers a decent watch, primarily for its stellar cast and visually rich execution.

If you enjoy character-driven stories with a mix of mystery and drama, this might be a good choice for a weekend movie night!