Do you often wonder how, what started like the most electrifying heist storyline could devolve into some senseless game of cat-and-mouse stretching beyond 15 long years? Such is precisely Netflix’s Sikandar Ka Muqaddar, directed by Neeraj Pandey. Between mystery and some drama interspersed with that emotional twist-and-turn the cinematic journey across this period exceeds all expectations.
Whether it could work for anyone along the lines over such 15 years plus is discussed right at the bottom.
Movie Guide:
OTT Release Date: 29 November 2024
Run Time: 2 hours 22 mins
Genre: Drama, Crime, Thriller, Heist, Action, Mystery
Certificate Type: UA
Language: Hindi/ 2D
Movie Cast: Jimmy Shergill, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia
OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDB: 6.0/10
The Story:
The film takes off with an audacious steal of four costly red diamonds for Rs 60 crores from a show in Mumbai. The premise is perfect—it is high-security, priceless ornaments, and lo, the diamonds disappear into the ether. Jaswinder Singh, or Jass (played by Jimmy Shergill) enters the picture as a gallant policeman recognized for his brilliant instincts. Jass is finally assigned the duty of cracking that case and filters down his suspicion of three people: Kamini Tamannaah Bhatia and Sikandar Avinash Tiwary, and then Mangesh (Rajiv Mehta).
Then follow a roller coaster ride of suspense, flashbacks, and an over-a-decade-long chases through many cities. This is the million-dollar question: Did any one of these three steal the diamonds, or does Jass have an obsession in his head and can’t seem to get this straight?
Also Read: ‘Mismatched’ Season 3 (2024) Review: A Rollercoaster of Confusion and Disappointment
What Works?
- Captivating Performances: Jimmy Shergill, as Jaswinder Singh, nails it. A tough cop who is a battler both in terms of personal demons and relentless obsession. Avinash Tiwary, as Sikandar, performs well in an underconfident techie, who goes about his business very composed, unlike the situation demands. Tamannaah Bhatia brings the innocence, so you wonder till the very end what really motivates her.
- Twists and Turns: It really keeps you in suspense, particularly in the first half. Every time you feel you know where it’s headed, some new twist changes everything again.
- Visuals and Locations: From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the sleek skyline of Abu Dhabi and the historic charm of Agra, the cinematography by Arvind Singh is a treat for the eyes. The locations have been well utilised, enriching the storyline.
- Intelligent Storytelling: One can see that Neeraj Pandey has a knack for writing thrillers. The film keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats by going back and forth from 2009 to the present.
What Doesn’t Work?
- Pacing: The setup in the initial half is really gripping, but as the film goes on, it loses pace. The whole 15 years are stretched without reason, making some scenes feel way too long.
- Too Predictive Twists: While the movie has its fare of surprise moments, some twists are a bit too predictable for a seasoned thriller fan. By the time the climax comes in, the tension does not really land as well as it could have.
- Too Long a Runtime: At 143 minutes, the film should have been edited down. Some of the songs, although melodious, seem quite out of place and disrupt the flow of the narrative.
The Highlights:
One of the three distinct elements of Sikandar Ka Muqaddar is that it deals with the heist genre quite differently. Unlike the regular chor-police dramas filled with high-octane chases and gunfights, this film evolves into something where the hero and the villain cannot easily be distinguished. Every character has shades of gray, making them more relatable and interesting.
Jimmy Shergill as Jass is especially interesting. His over-reliance on instinct and his inability to let go of the case makes him both worthy and pathetic at the same time. Avinash Tiwary as Sikandar keeps you guessing, whether he’s guilty or just a victim of circumstance .
The Shortcomings:
The biggest flaw with the film is its pacing. The first half is gripping; however, the second half becomes a meandering narrative where one loses focus on the story. The flashbacks, though important for the plot, are repetitive and don’t feel like they have added much to the emotional depth of the scene. Also, the lack of a definitive ending might frustrate some viewers.
My Take:
Sikandar Ka Muqaddar isn’t your ordinary thriller. It has got some bright features, coupled with some dodgy moves: intelligent storytelling along with powerful performances marred with few frustrating slip-ups. In short, the kind of viewer that will definitely not enjoy the kind of viewing in Special 26 or A Wednesday, is the type this film’s probably going to let down, but a nice watch indeed: it speaks to obsession and the moral limit.
So, should you stream it? If you’re in the mood for a slow-burn thriller with strong characters and a unique approach to a heist story, give Sikandar Ka Muqaddar a shot. Just don’t expect a fast-paced edge-of-your-seat experience, and you’ll enjoy the ride.
Watch Sikandar ka Muqaddar on Netflix
Also Read: ‘Mismatched’ Season 3 (2024) Review: A Rollercoaster of Confusion and Disappointment