The title Sikandar Ka Muqaddar beautifully suggests a beautiful thriller denoting the stars Avinash Tiwary and Tamannaah Bhatia. While a film begins nicely with engaging and strong storytelling, it loses its pace and focus at midway.

Director Neeraj Pandey is embarking on this film after keeping the audience at its toes with movies like Baby (2015) and Special 26 (2013). His past theatrical movie, Auron Mein Kahaan Dum Tha, struggled with identity crisis and confused audience whether it is a romantic drama or a thriller or a long soap opera called at film. Thankfully, Pandey is all back with his forte in Sikandar Ka Muqaddar.

Plot Overview

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The movie follows Sikandar, played by Avinash Tiwary, who finds his life turned upside down after being accused of stealing diamonds from a jewelry exhibition. Tamannaah Bhatia plays Kamini, Sikandar’s wife, and Jimmy Shergill takes on the role of Jaswinder Singh, the investigating officer. Alongside Rajeev Mehta as Mangesh Desai, they become suspects in the robbery. Despite no evidence proving his guilt, Sikandar faces a series of personal and professional setbacks.

That's why Sikandar becomes all the more desperate, and the promise made to Jaswinder-given that one day everything will come out in the open-now takes a terrifying turn. After 15 years, that promise gets activated by an important call from Jaswinder and triggers all events.

A good exciting opening was provided for a fast pace action and intended to engage the audience into Pandey's well-tailored experience. The screenplay gives out limited data to build suspense and tease the audience for finding the diamond robber.

Where It Falters

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However, the narrative falters halfway through as the focus shifts from the thrilling heist to Sikandar’s personal struggles. This tonal shift may alienate some viewers who were initially captivated by the mystery. The inclusion of a romantic song, seemingly unnecessary, disrupts the pacing and detracts from the intensity of the story.

The climax, while pivotal, doesn’t deliver the impactful twist one might expect after such a promising buildup. The resolution takes longer than necessary, echoing the issues seen in Pandey’s previous work, Auron Mein Kahaan Dum Tha.

Performances

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Avinash Tiwary brings depth to Sikandar’s character, carrying much of the emotional weight of the story. Jimmy Shergill is one to watch after continuing to perform solidly by mostly opting for police roles and complex characters. Tamannaah Bhatia complements the narrative with an understated yet effective portrayal of Kamini.

Final Verdict

Sikandar Ka Muqaddar is quite an entertaining thriller which sometimes gets its moments of brilliance. The film definitely draws most of its life and spirit through its unusually rounded storyline with pretty good performances; only the shift of its pace and tone hurts it further. Clever wordplay in the title-flipping the iconic Muqaddar Ka Sikandar-is a nice touch.

Starting 29 November, Netflix will stream the film, which is surely worth a watch for fans of Neeraj Pandey's kind of storytelling. Expect it in meekness.