By Ananya Kashyap |Opening Doorz Editorial | December 14, 2024
Rating: 3/5
The Essence: Directed by Neeraj Pandey, ‘Sikandar Ka Muqaddar’ promises a gripping narrative filled with twists, but does it deliver on its potential? Known for hits like A Wednesday, Special 26, and Baby among others, Pandey ventures into a genre that blends crime, mystery, and drama, yet falters in its execution.
The Plot: A Case That Spans 15 Years
The movie begins with a high-profile jewellery robbery at an exhibition 15 years ago, immediately setting the tone for a suspenseful tale. The narrative alternates between the past and the present, where ex-detective Jaswinder Singh (Jimmy Sheirgill) remains obsessed with solving the case despite being removed from the police force. His obsession has cost him his marriage and career, but he continues the investigation independently, determined to prove his instincts right.
The seamless transitions between timelines are commendable, but the passage of 15 years is not convincingly depicted. There is little effort to show the evolution of characters or settings, which could have added depth to the narrative. The movie fails to convincingly portray the 15-year gap, making it hard to believe in the characters’ transformations or the progression of time.
Character Dynamics and Performances
Jimmy Sheirgill delivers a compelling performance as the obsessed cop who is hell-bent on finding the culprit, portraying his obsession and anguish with finesse. His nuanced acting highlights the psychological toll of an unresolved case. However, it is Avinash Tiwari (playing Sikandar Sharma) who steals the show. Known for his roles in Laila Majnu and Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, Tiwari’s portrayal of the enigmatic suspect is intense and layered. His character’s transformation throughout the film is noteworthy, leaving a lasting impression.
Tamannaah Bhatia, on the other hand, is underutilized. Despite her character’s critical involvement in the case, the film doesn’t capitalize on her potential, relegating her to a handful of impactful but insufficiently explored scenes. Divya Dutta’s cameo as Jaswinder’s estranged wife adds emotional weight, albeit briefly.
Strengths: The Climax and Mystery
One of the movie’s highlights is its climax. The revelation of how the robbery was orchestrated is ingenious and satisfying, leaving the audience in awe. While the build-up to the heist feels implausible at times—particularly the unrealistic portrayal of functional surveillance cameras failing to capture the culprit—the eventual explanation redeems these flaws to some extent.
The persistent back-and-forth between timelines is handled smoothly, maintaining the suspense without confusing the audience. Pandey’s direction ensures that the twists are well-placed, keeping viewers engaged.
Weaknesses: Pacing and Editing
At two-and-a-half hours, the movie feels unnecessarily stretched. Certain elements, like the introduction of a third suspect who serves no real purpose, and a clichéd romantic subplot between Avinash Tiwary and Tamannaah Bhatia, could have been trimmed. While it establishes their relationship, it feels unnecessary and out of place in a narrative-driven film. Its exclusion would not have affected the storyline and could have further streamlined the runtime.
The editing table could have been more ruthless. A tighter runtime, reduced by 15-20 minutes, would have significantly improved the pacing, ensuring the audience remained hooked throughout.
Tamannaah Bhatia’s role is a missed opportunity. While her involvement in the case is pivotal, the lack of emphasis on her character’s journey undermines her importance. A more detailed exploration of her backstory could have added depth to the plot.
Final Verdict: A Mixed Bag
Sikandar Ka Muqaddar is an ambitious project that showcases Neeraj Pandey’s knack for crafting suspenseful narratives. However, it falls short due to its uneven pacing, lack of realism, and missed opportunities in character development. Jimmy Sheirgill and Avinash Tiwari’s performances are the film’s saving grace, with the latter emerging as a rising star to watch out for.
Despite its flaws, the movie’s gripping climax and engaging mystery make it worth a watch, especially for fans of the genre. With better editing and a more focused script, Sikandar Ka Muqaddar could have joined the ranks of Pandey’s finest works.
CREDITS
Movie: Sikandar Ka Muqaddar
Producer: Shital Bhatia
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Star Cast: Jimmy Sheirgill, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, Divya Dutta
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