Sikandar Ka Muqaddar Review: Neeraj Pandey's Thrilling Crime Drama

Sikandar Ka Muqaddar Movie Review: Neeraj Pandey's Crime Drama – A Tale of Twists and Tedium

In the world of Hindi cinema, crime dramas have a special place, and Neeraj Pandey’s Sikandar Ka Muqaddar aims to carve its niche in this space. Known for delivering gripping thrillers, Pandey ventures into a gritty tale of revenge, deception, and obsession with this Netflix release. However, while the premise promises excitement, the execution struggles to keep up, leaving viewers with a mixed bag of thrills and fatigue.

At Candle News, your go-to source for trendy and breaking updates on movies, web series, and entertainment, we dive into this heist drama to bring you an in-depth review. Is it worth your time? Let’s find out.

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About Sikandar Ka Muqaddar

Directed by: Neeraj Pandey
Starring: Jimmy Shergill, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, Divya Dutta
Streaming On: Netflix
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Spanning over 15 years, Sikandar Ka Muqaddar pits two strong-willed individuals against each other in a tale of obsession and justice. Jimmy Shergill plays Jaswinder Singh, an investigator haunted by an unsolved diamond heist, while Avinash Tiwary as Sikandar Sharma portrays a man who’s at the receiving end of relentless scrutiny. The film oscillates between timelines and geographies, but does the narrative truly grip the audience?

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Plot: A Heist That Haunts

The story kicks off with a high-stakes diamond heist that sets the stage for the relentless chase between Jaswinder and Sikandar. Jaswinder, a once-revered investigator, stakes his reputation on solving the crime but finds himself stuck in a dead-end after 15 years. His obsession with the case leads him to target Sikandar, a computer technician with a seemingly normal life.

The back-and-forth between the past and present paints a picture of two lives disrupted by a single event. The film teases the audience with twists and turns but falters in maintaining the intrigue that Neeraj Pandey’s works are usually known for.

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Writing and Direction: A Double-Edged Sword

Neeraj Pandey, acclaimed for his sharp storytelling in films like A Wednesday and Special 26, ventures into familiar territory but doesn’t quite hit the mark. The writing, a collaboration with Vipul K. Rawal, leans heavily on flashbacks and long-drawn sequences that often dilute the tension.

Strengths:

• The central premise is engaging, setting up a psychological duel between the two leads.
• Pandey's knack for surprising the audience with twists is evident in a few moments.

Weaknesses:

• The timelines lack authenticity, with transitions feeling forced.
• Overuse of long takes and shaky camera movements becomes visually exhausting.
• The screenplay focuses excessively on the male leads, sidelining other characters and subplots.

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Performances: The Pillars of the Film

The performances in Sikandar Ka Muqaddar hold the narrative together, even when the storytelling falters.

Jimmy Shergill as Jaswinder Singh

Shergill delivers a solid portrayal of a man consumed by obsession. His character’s descent into despair and frustration is believable, but the inconsistent makeup and getup for different timelines are distracting.

Avinash Tiwary as Sikandar Sharma

Tiwary impresses as the wronged man, balancing vulnerability and determination. However, his character lacks the depth needed to make his arc truly impactful.

Tamannaah Bhatia and Divya Dutta

Both actresses bring their charm to the screen but are given minimal screen time. Tamannaah, one of the suspects, is underutilized, while Divya Dutta as Jaswinder’s wife is barely explored.

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Cinematography and Music: A Mixed Bag

The cinematography by Sudhir Palsane captures the tension and chaos of the story but often feels over-stylized. The excessive camera movement and repetitive angles detract from the experience. The background score by M.M. Kreem adds to the drama but doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

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Critique: Where Sikandar Ka Muqaddar Falters

Despite its promising setup, Sikandar Ka Muqaddar struggles to maintain its momentum. The tension that builds in the first half dissipates as the narrative becomes predictable. The film’s attempt to play a psychological game with the audience fails to deliver the edge-of-the-seat thrill it aims for.

Missed Opportunities:

1. Character Development: The supporting cast, particularly the female characters, are underdeveloped.
2. Pacing: The two-and-a-half-hour runtime feels stretched, making it a tedious watch.
3. Emotional Connect: The story doesn’t evoke the emotional investment it strives for.

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Final Verdict: Is Sikandar Ka Muqaddar Worth Watching?

Neeraj Pandey’s Sikandar Ka Muqaddar is a film that promises much but delivers inconsistently. While the lead performances and premise are commendable, the execution leaves much to be desired. Fans of slow-burn crime dramas might find moments to appreciate, but the overall experience falls short of the director’s previous works.

Rating: 2.5/5

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FAQs

1. Is Sikandar Ka Muqaddar based on a true story?

No, the film is a fictional crime drama penned by Neeraj Pandey and Vipul K. Rawal.

2. Where can I watch Sikandar Ka Muqaddar?

The movie is currently streaming on Netflix.

3. What are some similar movies by Neeraj Pandey?

If you enjoyed Sikandar Ka Muqaddar, you might like A Wednesday, Special 26, or Baby.

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