Sikandar ka Muqaddar

You see the trailer and see Neeraj Pandey's name. The memories hit back!

Baby

Special 26

"This one must be a worthy movie," you tell yourself.

The movie starts off slow, you constantly keep waiting for something to happen, something to reveal itself but nothing happens. "Did I miss anything?"

The narrative keeps juggling between the past and the present, and there are nice intersections that keep you hooked throughout. Neeraj Pandey makes sure you feel bored initially and then when the story starts weaving itself, you get a few Eureka moments.

The set design in the past narrative could have used better art direction, hair and make up. I'm sorry but they looked all out of place. Looked like the production budget was tight.

It's not a typical "whodunit" since three suspects are readily singled out an they are the actors you see on the poster, so it all comes down to how did they do it? Even though from a cinematic point of view, some of the twists were good, realistically they seemed out of place.

"No one has so much patience" is what will you think.

Story - 7/10

Cast - 6/10

Direction - 8/10

"The End" title card comes during the climax, and the movie still continues from there for another 30 minutes. I liked that bit because I would have hated the movie if that actually happened.

The storyline could have been a bit tighter, there were a few unnecessary scenes but overall it was a good watch.

PS: The end is open ended but it feels justified.

This is a crime thriller set in the heart of Bombay (older name of Mumbai, India). It revolves around a heist that takes place in an expo event in a large hall. However, the police interrogate the wrong set of people. But are the police completely wrong?

Nothing you see in this movie is straightforward. However, it looks very simple at first. That's the expertise of Neeraj Pandey, who likes to open up the story like the layers of an onion. Mr. Pandey is an expert at heist stories, which is evident from his previous movies like Special 26, which performed very well. I would recommend everyone to watch this at least once, but not more than that :)

Entire plot is illogic..and 15 yrs for chasing...what a logic by neeraj Pandey...Hero character shows no logic and sense.... No proper action and thrill movements in movie...Characters Priya kamini and third lady character for supporting hero without any plans..Hero also don't have any ambition or why he theft no conclusion..Director thinks audiance can see all illogic things without any conclusion....atleast cinema show some thrill movements in this type of movie everybody expect but it doesn't show any thing ..no proper dialogues and action in this heist movie...people expected kore from director.

I was really looking forward to this film, knowing that Neeraj Pandey had written the story, the screenplay and directed it.

While professionals like Neeraj Pandey achieve the ordinary effortlessly, just like that, anything short of extraordinary disappoints their fans as they have fallen short of their own standards!

While for most filmmakers, this film could even pass as a brilliant attempt, for someone of the class of Neeraj Pandey, it falls really short of the bar...and yet it is not a bad film at all!

The story builds up nicely and continues to intrigue the audience, until there appear a couple of meaningless twists! For example, the twist in the Kamini Singh tale or the need for the character Tabassum is completely lost on me! I am certain that the narrative would have held together and probably appeared even more coherent without those additions.

The performances are very good. Jimmy Shergill & Tamannaah Bhatia live up to the expectations from them as actors and the relatively less known (to me), Avinash Tiwary, has certainly impressed. The other characters play their part very well...although I thought that an actor of the calibre of Divya Dutta could have had a more substantial role.

The de-aging of Shergill is not brilliant and the "no aging" of Avinash Tiwary and Tamannaah after 15 years is a rare miss for someone of Neeraj Pandey's class. But then, no one is infallible!

By all ordinary standards, the film is definitely watchable...at least a one-time watch.

Request to Mr. Pandey: Storytellers like you keep some of us still interested in cinema. We expect you to beat your own high standards every time. Please give us the pleasure of watching that happen over and over again.

Good, Open ended, Intriguing Movie. But, more was expected from Neeraj Pandey.. A Wednesday (2008) was Classic.

Yes, It keeps you guessing till end, Who is the main villain? How the heist has happened?

The film explores themes of ambition, morality, and the struggle for power within the backdrop of a rapidly changing society.

The film centers around the life of Sikandar, a young man from humble beginnings, whose aspirations drive him to navigate the complexities of life in pursuit of success.

From the outset, Sikandar is portrayed as a determined individual, eager to rise above his circumstances. His character embodies the struggles and dreams of many who aspire for a better life. The narrative delves into his relationships with family, friends, and adversaries, showcasing how these connections influence his journey. Each character plays a pivotal role in shaping Sikandar's decisions and the moral dilemmas he faces along the way.

As Sikandar's ambition grows, he encounters a series of challenges that test his values. The film intricately weaves a tale of ambition against the backdrop of ethical considerations, prompting viewers to reflect on the cost of success. Sikandar's pursuit of his dreams often leads him into morally ambiguous situations, forcing him to confront the consequences of his choices. This internal conflict is a central theme, highlighting the tension between personal ambition and ethical integrity.

Neeraj Pandey's direction is marked by a strong narrative and character development. The film captures the nuances of human emotions, portraying the highs and lows of Sikandar's journey with authenticity. The cinematography enhances the storytelling, with visually striking scenes that resonate with the protagonist's internal struggles. The pacing of the film keeps the audience engaged, building suspense as Sikandar navigates through various challenges.

The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, with each character bringing their own motivations and conflicts to the story. The interactions between Sikandar and these characters create a rich tapestry of relationships that reflect the complexities of life. The film does an excellent job of illustrating how ambition can both unite and divide individuals, showcasing the multifaceted nature of human connections.

The soundtrack complements the emotional landscape of the film, elevating key moments and enhancing the overall viewing experience. The music resonates with the themes of the story, drawing viewers deeper into Sikandar's world and the emotional stakes involved in his journey.

As the film unfolds, viewers are invited to consider the broader implications of Sikandar's choices. The narrative encourages reflection on what it truly means to succeed and the impact of one's actions on the community. The film's conclusion leaves audiences with thought-provoking questions about ambition, integrity, and the sacrifices one must make in the pursuit of their dreams.

Baby, Special 26 (2013) of Neeraj Pandey was also Good.

Strong Movie. Can be watched with Family.

Heist Movie.