Sikandar ka Muqaddar

What's the point of making a thriller if you're not going to give it a conclusion? Seriously, Bollywood, what's happening? This is becoming a norm now-movies that hook you in with suspense, build tension for two long hours, and then just leave you hanging.

This latest so-called "thriller" follows the same pattern. You sit there, completely invested, eager to see how the story unfolds. But when the final ten minutes roll around, guess what? There is NO proper ending!

Sure, I'll give credit where it's due-Jimmy Shergill. He's the only saving grace of this film. His performance is as solid as always, and you can tell he's doing his best with what he's given. But even his makeup felt cheap (in first half) which is honestly insulting for an actor of his caliber.

Bollywood needs to stop this trend of ambiguous endings masquerading as "intellectual filmmaking." It's not clever. When people spend their time and money on a movie, they deserve a satisfying payoff-not vague nonsense that feels like a slap in the face.

I'm reluctantly giving this film 4 stars solely for Jimmy Shergill. Otherwise, it's a waste of time. Stop with the half-baked stories, Bollywood. Give us proper endings.

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 :)

You start the film hoping to see Neeraj Pandey's intense grip on such genre like Special 26 but sooner you'll realise that it'll be a mistake to even finish it.

Overall plot is promising but inside it's an empty coconut shell. You will exactly know what's gonna happen and guess what! The film never surprises you.

The Direction seems poor, I don't why Neeraj put continuous shots in the scenes where there is absolutely no requirement of that. I had to play some parts in 1.5x due to that.

Some Characters were forcefully developed and then left alone as if they have nothing to do with this.

This film is disappointment at its best. First "Auron me kahan dum tha" now this.

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.