Sikandar Ka Muqaddar (2024) – Complete Review

Synopsis

The story follows a determined cop (played by Ashrut Jain) as he investigates a diamond heist that has left everyone scratching their heads. His obsession with solving the case leads him down a dangerous path, ultimately culminating in a tense showdown with his primary suspect (Allinson Louis Aranha). As the two characters face off, they discover unsettling truths that alter the course of their lives forever. Tamannaah Bhatia plays a pivotal role, bringing her charm and emotional depth to the film.

Performances

Ashrut Jain’s portrayal of the obsessed cop is convincing. He nails the internal conflict of his character, balancing his sense of duty with the growing obsession that threatens to consume him. However, while his performance is strong, at times, it feels a bit one-dimensional, especially during some emotional confrontations where the script doesn’t allow him to fully explore the depth of his character.

Allinson Louis Aranha, as the elusive suspect, delivers a solid performance as the mysterious antagonist. He doesn’t just embody the usual criminal character but brings an air of ambiguity, leaving the audience questioning his true motives. Aranha’s nuanced portrayal keeps viewers intrigued throughout the film.

Tamannaah Bhatia, though in a supporting role, stands out. Her character brings balance to the narrative, offering both strength and vulnerability. Bhatia’s natural screen presence and emotional depth make her a standout in a film that otherwise focuses primarily on the tense cat-and-mouse chase.

Direction and Cinematography

Neeraj Pandey is no stranger to creating tense, thrilling narratives (A Wednesday, Special 26). While Sikandar Ka Muqaddar has a premise that could have been executed brilliantly, it falters at times. The direction keeps the pace steady, but it occasionally lingers on predictable moments. The film could have benefitted from tighter editing, particularly in the second half, where some of the suspense feels drawn out.

The cinematography, however, is striking. The dark, moody color palette amplifies the intensity of the crime drama. The camera angles used during chase sequences and confrontations keep the energy high, making the action scenes visually engaging.

Story and Screenplay

The story is intriguing at its core. A crime mystery revolving around a diamond heist offers plenty of opportunities for twists and turns. However, the screenplay falters in certain places. There are moments where the script falls into predictability, and the suspense is not as tightly wound as it could have been. The dialogue, while impactful at times, often feels forced and lacks the raw, gripping tension that one would expect from a film of this genre.

The film’s pacing also stumbles during its emotional and investigative sequences. Some parts drag a bit, especially when trying to build character depth, which at times detracts from the overall thrill.

Action and Crime Elements

Sikandar Ka Muqaddar does deliver on the action front, with chase scenes and shootouts that are well-choreographed and engaging. The action is high-octane, yet it doesn’t always have the emotional payoff needed for maximum impact. The criminal undertones of the story give it a gritty feel, but the heist itself, while intriguing, doesn’t quite reach the level of complexity expected from a Neeraj Pandey film.