MUMBAI: Sikandar Ka Muqaddar, directed by Neeraj Pandey—acclaimed for thrillers like A Wednesday and Special 26—stars Jimmy Shergill, Avinash Tiwary, and Tamannaah Bhatia in a heist drama that begins with great promise but ultimately falters. The narrative revolves around Sikandar Sharma (Avinash Tiwary), a prime suspect in a high-stakes diamond heist worth Rs 50 crore, and Inspector Jaswinder Singh (Jimmy Shergill), whose relentless pursuit of Sikandar leads to personal and professional turmoil. The story spans 15 years, exploring the lasting consequences of the unresolved case.

While the film's opening sequences are gripping, featuring a single-shot technique that adds urgency, the momentum soon dissipates. The overlong runtime, clocking in at two and a half hours, hampers its pacing, making it feel tedious. Flashbacks are overused, the climax is stretched, and the sepia-toned visuals seem unnecessary in a contemporary setting. The screenplay, written by Pandey himself, fails to deliver the layered and deceptive storytelling his earlier works are known for, with predictable twists and disjointed subplots diminishing the thrill.

The performances, however, stand out as a silver lining. Jimmy Shergill skillfully portrays Jaswinder Singh, blending intensity with vulnerability as his character grapples with obsession and regret. Avinash Tiwary impresses as Sikandar, navigating the emotional highs and lows of a man wronged by circumstances. Tamannaah Bhatia delivers a nuanced performance, particularly in scenes depicting her character's emotional struggles. Despite their efforts, the script doesn’t fully capitalize on their talents.

The film begins to lose focus with the second act delving into generic and melodramatic territory, as Sikandar struggles with social rejection, financial instability, and personal loss. The narrative shifts between past and present but lacks the finesse needed to tie these elements together cohesively. Even the attempt at a cliffhanger ending feels forced, leaving more questions than answers.

Despite its shortcomings, Sikandar Ka Muqaddar offers glimpses of Pandey’s signature style, particularly in its opening sequences and character dynamics. Yet, it ultimately falls short of the high standards set by his previous works like Baby and Special 26. The film is a one-time watch for fans of the genre, though it struggles to rise above its limitations and deliver the gripping heist drama it aspired to be.