If
approached
with
minimal
expectations,
Sikandar
Ka
Muqaddar
offers
enough
suspense
to
justify
an
OTT
viewing,
observes
Sonil
Dedhia.
Sikandar
Ka
Muqaddar
had
all
the
ingredients
to
deliver
a
gripping
drama
—
an
interesting
cast,
an
intriguing
plot
and
a
talented
director
known
for
thrillers
like
A
Wednesday
and
Special
26.
Still,
the
film
settles
for
mediocrity.
While
it
offers
moments
of
suspense
and
intrigue,
the
overall
execution
feels
uneven,
leaving
it
in
the
realm
of
average
cinema.
The
film
is
set
in
Mumbai
in
2008
and
revolves
around
a
high-stakes
diamond
heist
that
puts
three
individuals
under
suspicion:
Sikandar
Sharma
(Avinash
Tiwary),
Kamini
Singh
(Tamannaah
Bhatia)
and
Mangesh
Desai
(Rajeev
Mehta).
Leading
the
investigation
is
Inspector
Jaswinder
Singh
(Jimmy
Sheirgill),
whose
instincts
drive
the
narrative.
As
the
investigation
unfolds,
the
film
blurs
the
lines
between
guilt
and
innocence,
questioning
the
motives
and
morality
of
its
characters.
The
setup
is
strong,
and
Neeraj
Pandey’s
script
attempts
to
unravel
the
mystery
layer
by
layer.
But
the
execution
struggles
to
maintain
a
consistent
grip
on
the
audience’s
attention.
What
starts
as
a
promising
heist
thriller
gradually
loses
steam,
weighed
down
by
an
uneven
narrative
pace
and
underwhelming
character
arcs.
Pandey
has
established
himself
as
a
master
of
suspenseful,
cerebral
storytelling.
Films
like
Baby
and
Special
26
showcased
his
ability
to
weave
intricate
narratives
while
maintaining
taut
pacing.
Unfortunately,
Sikandar
Ka
Muqaddar
lacks
the
same
finesse.
The
film’s
pacing
is
inconsistent.
While
some
scenes
build
tension
effectively,
others
drag,
causing
the
narrative
to
lose
momentum.
The
screenplay
struggles
with
balancing
its
multiple
characters
and
subplots.
Instead
of
seamlessly
intertwining
them,
it
often
feels
scattered,
as
if
the
film
is
unsure
where
its
focus
should
lie.
The
moral
ambiguity
of
the
characters
—
where
no
one
is
entirely
innocent
or
guilty
—
is
a
highlight
but
this
theme
is
not
explored
deeply
enough
to
leave
a
lasting
impression.
Dialogues
rarely
sparkle.
They
fail
to
deliver
the
sharp,
impactful
exchanges
that
Pandey’s
films
are
known
for,
leaving
the
emotional
and
intellectual
engagement
lacking.
Despite
its
flaws,
Sikandar
Ka
Muqaddar
does
have
its
moments.
The
initial
setup
of
the
heist
and
the
ensuing
investigation
are
intriguing.
Pandey
teases
the
audience
with
hints
and
misdirection,
keeping
everyone
guessing
about
the
true
motivations
of
each
character.
The
film’s
visuals
and
background
score
add
to
its
appeal.
Mumbai
in
2008
is
recreated
effectively,
and
the
production
design
immerses
the
viewer
in
the
setting.
Where
Sikandar
Ka
Muqaddar
falters
the
most
is
in
its
pacing
and
payoff.
The
middle
portion
of
the
film
drags,
with
scenes
that
feel
repetitive
or
unnecessary.
This
slows
down
the
momentum
built
into
the
opening
act.
By
the
time
the
climax
arrives,
the
audience’s
investment
in
the
story
may
have
waned.
The
climax,
though
clever,
feels
abrupt
and
underwhelming.
It
lacks
the
emotional
or
intellectual
payoff
that
one
might
expect
from
a
Neeraj
Pandey
thriller.
The
film’s
attempt
to
leave
the
audience
with
an
ambiguous
moral
question
is
admirable
but
lacks
the
punch
needed
to
make
a
lasting
impact.
The
performances
are
a
saving
grace,
even
if
they
don’t
elevate
the
film.
Jimmy
Sheirgill
is
ever
dependable
and
delivers
a
competent
portrayal
of
Inspector
Singh,
balancing
obsession
and
professionalism.
But
his
character
lacks
the
depth
needed
to
make
him
truly
memorable.
His
dialogue
delivery
and
screen
presence
are
strong,
yet
the
script
doesn’t
allow
him
enough
moments
to
shine.
Avinash
Tiwary,
as
the
titular
Sikandar
Sharma,
brings
a
mix
of
vulnerability
and
mystery
to
the
role,
but
his
character
feels
underexplored.
Tiwary
has
the
charisma
to
carry
complex
roles,
as
seen
in
his
past
work
but
here,
he
is
let
down
by
inconsistent
writing.
Tamannaah
Bhatia
stands
out
as
Kamini,
showcasing
a
blend
of
strength
and
vulnerability.
Her
transformation
from
a
seemingly
simple
character
into
a
pivotal
figure
adds
some
intrigue
but
the
script
does
not
fully
utilise
her
potential.
The
supporting
cast,
including
Divya
Dutta
and
Rajeev
Mehta,
offer
adequate
performances
but
are
similarly
constrained
by
limited
material.
Sikandar
Ka
Muqaddar
is
a
film
that
has
the
potential
to
be
a
standout
thriller
but
falls
short.
While
it
delivers
moments
of
intrigue
and
features
solid
performances,
its
inconsistent
pacing
and
underwhelming
character
development
prevent
it
from
achieving
greatness.
Fans
of
Neeraj
Pandey’s
previous
work
may
find
it
enjoyable
as
a
one-time
watch
but
it
doesn’t
reach
the
heights
of
his
previous
work.
For
viewers
seeking
a
nuanced,
edge-of-your-seat
thriller,
this
film
might
feel
underwhelming.
However,
if
approached
with
minimal
expectations,
Sikandar
Ka
Muqaddar
offers
enough
suspense
and
moral
ambiguity
to
justify
an
OTT
viewing
for
this
weekend
before
the
audience
braces
itself
for
Pushpa
2:
The
Rule
next
week.
Sikandar
Ka
Muqaddar
streams
on
Netflix.
Sikandar
Ka
Muqaddar
Review
Rediff
Rating:
