Director Neeraj Pandey, celebrated for his compelling work such as Special 26, faced high expectations with his latest project, Sikandar Ka Muqaddar. Starring Jimmy Shergill, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Rajeev Mehta, the heist thriller premiered on Netflix on November 29. Although the film begins with an engaging premise, it soon falters, losing its grip and becoming more melodramatic than suspenseful, ultimately leaving viewers disappointed.
A Non-Linear Narrative with Dull Execution
The film adopts a non-linear storytelling approach, jumping between different time periods over a span of 15 years. It kicks off in 2009 at a jewelry exhibition, where a heist is underway. As soon as the police receive a tip-off, they spring into action and manage to neutralize the armed robbers, though diamonds worth 50 crores are stolen in the process.
Enter Jimmy Shergill’s character, Jasvinder Singh, a top-tier investigator known for his impeccable instincts and a 100% success rate. Singh quickly focuses on three suspects: Sikandar Sharma (Avinash Tiwary), a techie; Kamini Singh (Tamannaah Bhatia), and Mangesh Desai (Rajeev Mehta), employees at the boutique where the diamonds were taken from. Although there are three prime suspects, Singh firmly believes Sikandar is the culprit, trusting his gut feelings.
As the investigation unfolds, Singh’s relentless pursuit of the truth leads him down every investigative avenue, but he finds no concrete evidence to support his suspicion. Despite this, the trio gets bail, and in the meantime, Sikandar and Kamini develop a romantic relationship. From here, the film loses its focus, evolving into a melodramatic saga rather than a tense thriller. Singh, consumed by obsession, resorts to increasingly drastic measures to force Sikandar into a corner, ultimately leading to an emotional and physical breakdown. This slow unraveling stretches the runtime, dragging the plot into a frustratingly predictable and tedious experience.
A Missed Opportunity for a Gripping Narrative
The film’s lack of surprises and twists quickly takes away the thrill of the classic “whodunit” format. As the narrative continues to drag, viewers are no longer on the edge of their seats, as they can easily predict the outcome. The film would have benefitted from a more dynamic plot, exploring the “howdunit” aspect in greater detail. Unfortunately, the film’s drawn-out scenes and absence of a punchy soundtrack do little to maintain engagement, leaving the audience longing for a quicker resolution.
The psychological exploration of the relationship between the investigator and the suspect, though interesting at first, quickly becomes overindulgent. The title, Sikandar Ka Muqaddar (Sikandar’s Fate), could have been leveraged to explore the dynamic between Singh and Sikandar, but the film delves too deeply into this, undermining its potential impact. The final moment when Singh realizes the consequences of his obsessive pursuit is far too little, too late, and the climax feels more like a missed opportunity than a satisfying conclusion.
Strong Performances, But Underwhelming Overall
Despite the weak plot, the performances are one of the film’s few redeeming qualities. Jimmy Shergill delivers a convincing portrayal of a determined but increasingly rogue cop. His character, though familiar, is engaging, and he carries the film with his experience. Avinash Tiwary gives a strong performance as Sikandar, showcasing his acting prowess. However, Tamannaah Bhatia, despite being committed to her role, is not given much room to shine. Her character could have benefited from more pivotal moments that would elevate the overall plot. Supporting actors Rajeev Mehta, Divya Dutta, and Zoya Afroz also offer notable performances, albeit with limited screen time.
Conclusion: A One-Time Watch That Falls Short
Sikandar Ka Muqaddar begins with promise but quickly devolves into a melodramatic narrative that struggles to maintain tension and intrigue. The film tries to explore the psychology behind the cat-and-mouse chase, but its overly indulgent approach dilutes the impact. While the performances from the cast are commendable, the film’s stretched-out runtime, predictable twists, and lackluster climax make it a less-than-satisfying experience. In comparison to Neeraj Pandey’s previous works, this one doesn’t quite measure up. Sikandar Ka Muqaddar is, at best, a one-time watch, and those looking for a gripping thriller might find themselves disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in Sikandar Ka Muqaddar?
Jimmy Shergill plays the lead role of Jasvinder Singh, the determined investigator in the film.
When was Sikandar Ka Muqaddar released?
The film was released on November 29, 2024, on Netflix.
What is the plot of Sikandar Ka Muqaddar?
The movie follows a heist investigation where a top cop suspects a techie named Sikandar (played by Avinash Tiwary) and his associates of stealing diamonds. The film explores the complex relationship between the investigator and the suspect over 15 years.
Where can I watch Sikandar Ka Muqaddar?
Sikandar Ka Muqaddar is available for streaming on Netflix.
Who directed Sikandar Ka Muqaddar?
The film is directed by Neeraj Pandey, known for his successful thriller projects like A Wednesday and Special 26.