Genre: Thriller, Suspense
Director: Piyush Jha
Producer: Sudhir Mishra
Banner: Big Pictures
Music Director: Justin-Uday, Sandesh Shandilya
Star Cast: R. Madhavan, Sanjay Suri, Parzan Dastur, Ayesha Kapur
Release Date: 21 Aug 2009
Though the basic premise behind 'Sikandar' is quite convincing, some more depth in the screenplay and characterization could have made it all the more effective. The twists in the story have been properly planned, adding to the overall pace. There are many scenes in the movie that will touch you profoundly, making their impact in your mind as well as your heart. The cinematography is excellent, capturing the real essence of Kashmir's beauty. Still, the pace is a bit slow and a bit crispier editing could have made the film more effective.
While the pre-climax of 'Sikandar' is completely gripping, the same cannot be said about the ending. It is too subtle and leaves you wanting for more. In terms of performances, Parzan Dastur is quite effective in the title role and completely justified his casting. Ayesha Kapoor, last seen in 'Black', gave a decent performance as well. As for Sanjay Suri, he was not bad, but we have seen him delivering much better than this. Arunoday Singh and Madhavan came across as quite convincing, but did not get to do much in the film. All in All, 'Sikandar' is a good effort from Piyush Jha, but lacks that extra punch needed for a hit!
Sikandar Pre-release Review
There was a time when Kashmir's beauty attracted filmmakers to the valley. With time, the beauty was replaced by terrorism, which has probably vowed to destroy the 'Paradise On Earth'. Today, we see numerous films being made with the backdrop of Kashmir and terrorism. Yet another film in this genre is 'Sikandar'. However, this particular movie brings along with it a distinctive twist. It tries to show us Kashmir - its beauty as well as the ugly menace called terrorism - through the eyes of kids. This is what makes the film different!
Though the basic premise behind 'Sikandar' is quite convincing, some more depth in the screenplay and characterization could have made it all the more effective. The twists in the story have been properly planned, adding to the overall pace. There are many scenes in the movie that will touch you profoundly, making their impact in your mind as well as your heart. The cinematography is excellent, capturing the real essence of Kashmir's beauty. Still, the pace is a bit slow and a bit crispier editing could have made the film more effective.Sikandar Pre-release Review
'Sikandar' is the story of Sikandar Raza, a 14 year old schoolboy who lives in Kashmir. He is the victim of a militant attack that took place 10 years back, in which he lost both his parents. An orphan since then, he lives with his aunt and uncle, in a small town in Kashmir. He has only two desires in his life - to keep his foster parents happy and to score a goal on the football field. One day, while returning home from a school football match, he finds a gun lying on the path.
Despite being discouraged by Nasreen, a 14 year old girl he has just become friends with, Sikandar picks up that gun. That one moment changes his life forever, beginning his journey into the darker side of his nature. Acting as Sikandar's conscience keeper, the quiet yet strong Nasreen tries to put him off from being allured by the gun. However, her efforts go in vain and Sikandar is sucked deeper into situations beyond his control, and people get killed.
As new situations arise, initially, it seems that there is no connection between the latest events and Sikandar's predicament. However, as the mystery unravels, the kid comes across as an innocent victim. In fact, he seems to be a puppet, who is playing in the hands of militants, army, peace-bartering politicians and even religious heads of the little Kashmiri town. As the climax comes, the pieces of the puzzle starts falling together and result in an outrageous disclosure.
