Sikandar Ka Muqaddar is a thriller that grips your attention from the start but falters midway. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, the film features Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Jimmy Shergill in key roles. While it offers an engaging story at first, it loses steam as it progresses, becoming more of a melodrama than the high-paced thriller it promises to be.
Sikandar Ka Muqaddar : The Plot
The film revolves around Sikandar (played by Avinash Tiwary), a man whose life takes a drastic turn after he is falsely accused of stealing diamonds at a jewelry exhibition. Along with his wife Kamini (Tamannaah Bhatia) and friend Mangesh Desai (Rajeev Mehta), Sikandar becomes a prime suspect in the robbery case. Despite being innocent, Sikandar’s life unravels as he loses his job, is rejected by society, and faces numerous personal challenges. Kamini, his wife, also falls seriously ill, adding to his struggles.
The story takes a dramatic twist when, after 15 years, Sikandar receives a call from the cop who had once investigated him, Jaswinder Singh (Jimmy Shergill). This moment sets the stage for the film’s suspenseful second half.
A Strong Start
At the beginning, Sikandar Ka Muqaddar hooks you with its intense atmosphere and intriguing mystery. Neeraj Pandey, who has a knack for keeping his audience on edge (as seen in Baby and Special 26), sets up the diamond theft as a puzzle that needs solving. The story moves quickly, offering just enough information to keep viewers guessing. Pandey’s writing ensures that you want to know who the thief is, creating a strong sense of urgency and suspense.
A Shift in Tone
However, around halfway through, the film’s tone takes an unexpected shift. What started as a fast-paced thriller soon slows down, focusing more on Sikandar’s personal struggles rather than the central mystery. This change in direction may not sit well with some viewers, especially those who were expecting a continuous thriller. The film also introduces a romantic song that feels forced and unnecessary, further slowing the pace and distracting from the main plot.
The Twist That Falls Flat
As the film builds toward its climax, it teases a big twist. Unfortunately, when it finally arrives, it doesn’t pack the punch you might expect. The slow buildup and delayed reveal make the twist less exciting than anticipated. Neeraj Pandey’s tendency to stretch out the story leads to a drawn-out ending, where it feels like the plot is dragging on longer than necessary. This flaw was also seen in his previous film, Auron Mein Kahaan Dum Tha, which suffered from a similar issue.
Strong Performances
The cast of Sikandar Ka Muqaddar delivers strong performances. Avinash Tiwary does a good job bringing Sikandar to life, especially in his interactions with Jimmy Shergill. Their “Tom and Jerry” dynamic—where Sikandar tries to prove his innocence while Jaswinder remains suspicious of him—adds a layer of intrigue to the film. Jimmy Shergill, known for his roles as a cop or gangster, delivers another solid performance. Tamannaah Bhatia adds depth to her character, supporting the story effectively.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Sikandar Ka Muqaddar is a decent thriller with moments of suspense and drama. While the film starts strong and has an interesting premise, it loses its way as the plot shifts gears, becoming more of a personal drama than the edge-of-your-seat thriller it promised. Neeraj Pandey’s decision to overload the story with subplots and songs weakens its impact. However, the performances, especially from Tiwary and Shergill, help keep the film engaging.
The film, streaming on Netflix from November 29, offers a mixed experience. It’s worth watching for fans of Pandey’s work, but it’s far from a perfect thriller. The title, Sikandar Ka Muqaddar, cleverly plays on the phrase Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, which adds a layer of meaning to the story, but unfortunately, the execution doesn’t quite live up to the clever wordplay.
