Sikandar Ka Muqaddar (2024): A Decent Heist Thriller With Missed Potential

Rating: 3/5

Directed by Neeraj Pandey, Sikandar Ka Muqaddar is a heist thriller that begins with a daring diamond robbery in Mumbai. The story centers around Inspector Jaswinder Singh (Jimmy Sheirgill), whose relentless pursuit of the elusive Sikandar Sharma (Avinash Tiwary) spans over 15 years. What starts as a straightforward police procedural morphs into a tense exploration of obsession, morality, and justice.

Jimmy Sheirgill delivers a standout performance as Jaswinder, portraying the complexities of a man whose career and personal life are consumed by his obsession. Avinash Tiwary is equally compelling as Sikandar, maintaining an air of mystery that keeps the audience guessing about his true role in the crime. Tamannaah Bhatia, as Kamini Singh, adds emotional weight to the story, though her character feels underdeveloped and could have had more impact.

Neeraj Pandey’s direction brings a gritty, atmospheric quality to the film. Cinematographer Arvind Singh does an excellent job capturing the urban underbelly of Mumbai, using sharp contrasts and dynamic framing to elevate the tension. However, while the film looks polished, it struggles to maintain a consistent tone, oscillating between an intense thriller and a slow-paced drama.

The narrative has an intriguing premise but falters in execution. The first act sets up the stakes well, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the twists are predictable and lack the shock value expected from a film of this genre. At over 2.5 hours, the runtime feels excessive, with certain scenes dragging and weakening the overall tension.

The soundtrack, composed by Kalyanji Virji Shah and Anandji Virji Shah, fits the film’s mood well, with subtle, haunting undertones that enhance the suspense. However, the music doesn’t stand out enough to become a memorable part of the film.

The film explores themes of obsession, justice, and the thin line between right and wrong. Jaswinder’s relentless pursuit of Sikandar becomes a metaphor for the cost of unchecked determination. While these themes are compelling, they are only touched upon superficially, leaving the emotional impact somewhat muted. A decent watch for fans of the heist thriller genre, but it doesn’t quite live up to Neeraj Pandey’s previous works like Special 26 or A Wednesday.