Film Review: Sikandar Ka Muqaddar

Netflix and Friday Filmworks’ Sikandar Ka Muqaddar is a tautly crafted crime thriller that grips the audience with its sharp writing and layered performances. Neeraj Pandey, who has consistently excelled in the thriller genre, delivers yet another engrossing narrative that keeps the viewer hooked from start to finish.

The story revolves around police inspector Jaswinder Singh (Jimmy Shergill), a man with a flawless track record of cracking cases based purely on instinct. This time, however, he finds himself entangled in the complex investigation of a diamond theft involving three key suspects — Mangesh Desai (Rajeev Mehta), Kamini (Tamannaah Bhatia), and Sikandar Sharma (Avinash Tiwary). While Jaswinder relies on his instincts once again, the drama unfolds with unexpected twists that challenge his faith in his own methods.

Neeraj Pandey’s story is intelligent and thought-provoking, ensuring the audience is constantly second-guessing the outcome. The screenplay, co-written with Vipul K. Rawal, is tight, engaging, and layered with suspense. Although the drama dips slightly in pace at a couple of points, it quickly regains momentum, culminating in a final half-hour that is particularly riveting with its series of revelations. The dialogues are crisp and add to the film’s sharpness.

Performances are a major strength. Jimmy Shergill shines as Jaswinder, bringing both gravitas and vulnerability to his role. Avinash Tiwary is outstanding as Sikandar Sharma, adding depth to the character’s shades of mystery.

Tamannaah Bhatia delivers a natural performance as Kamini, while Rajeev Mehta is surprisingly impressive in a meaty role as Mangesh Desai. The supporting cast — including Divya Dutta, Ridhima Pandit, Zoya Afroz, and Santanu Ghatak — lend excellent support, with each actor making their presence felt in their respective arcs.

Technically, the film is top-notch. Neeraj Pandey’s direction is confident and assured, extracting the best out of both the script and his ensemble. Sanjoy Chowdhury’s background score elevates the tension and atmosphere significantly, while Arvind Singh’s cinematography captures both grit and elegance in equal measure. Praveen Kathikuloth’s editing is razor-sharp, ensuring the thriller never overstays its welcome. The action sequences by Amar Shetty are realistic and blend seamlessly into the narrative.

On the flip side, the film’s music by Payal Dev is serviceable rather than memorable, and the choreography doesn’t leave much of an impression. However, these are minor shortcomings in what is otherwise a highly engaging watch.

Verdict: Sikandar Ka Muqaddar is a gripping thriller that stands out for its intelligent writing, strong performances, and slick execution. With Jimmy Shergill in top form and Neeraj Pandey once again proving his mastery over suspense-driven narratives, the film is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

⭐ Rating: 4/5