by E. Nina Rothe
As an individual, I believe in peace. I try to exercise my belief by doing the occasional good deed, stepping away from a confrontation, letting go of past resentments so that I can move on and begin healing.
But as part of our worldwide community, I see more and more signs that seem to prove my thinking wrong. Every day, I wake up to TV news broadcasting images of horrific wars, countries trying to control individuals’ basic human rights, neighbors oppressing neighbors and even brothers fighting brothers. While my heart believes in the basic principles of Deepak Chopra — each of us is just a cell in a communal body, which collectively make up our world’s population — and Paulo Coelho — when we do something meaningful, the universe conspires to help us — my mind can’t help but worry.
This week’s new film ‘Sikandar’ directed by the talented Piyush Jha and produced by master filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, deals with just this conundrum. Does a teenage boy who has faced unthinkable tragedy in his past and deals with constant bullying in his present really stand a chance when he encounters the possibility of making most of his troubles disappear, even if the opportunity comes at a huge price?
Sikandar, played with great vulnerability by Parzan Dastur — you might remember his lovely turn at the chota sardar boy in ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, as well as his more serious role in ‘Parzania’ – finds a gun on his way to school one day. His new friend Nasreen, played by Ayesha Kapoor who blew us away as the young Michelle in SLB’s ‘Black’, tries to discourage him from picking it up but Sikandar grabs what he believes to be the opportunity to make his life right and maybe help his generous aunt in the process.
By a series of coincidences, errors and hidden manipulations, Sikandar finds himself fighting a battle that is way out of his league and absolutely beyond his control. The film is an insightful statement on the overwhelming power of evil, especially on the minds of those who are easily swayed. It is also a poetic commentary on family, particularly the kind we create through our friendships.
I admit it took a second viewing for me to completely understand the nuances and turns of the story. The ending remained a mystery for the whole day, until I woke up in the middle of the following night with an “I got it!” lightbulb moment. My single tip to you is to keep your eye on the Hand of Fatima.
That’s it, my lips are sealed from revealing any further clues!!
‘Sikandar’ features a divine ensemble cast, with R. Madhavan and Sanjay Suri reunited once more after their successful pairing in ‘Dil Vil Pyaar Vyaar’ and playing, respectively, an army commander and a reformed Kashmiri militant turned politician. For Suri the film was a painful journey home to the Kashmir of his youth, the place where his father was murdered by terrorists and which his remaining family forcefully abandoned 18 years ago (read the complete interview). It also marks the big screen debut of Arunoday Singh, an actor to watch in the future (mark my words!) as the terrorist who molds the young Sikandar.
And last but not least, the film also features the haunting and spellbinding musical direction genius of Shankar Ehsaan & Loy, on the catchy track ‘Dhoop Ke Sikke’, while Justin-Uday lend their fresh sound on such classics as ‘Gulon Mein’ — dedicated to the ghazal lyrics by Faiz Ahmed Faiz — and ‘Manzaraat’.
Some final words: ‘Sikandar’ is a film not to be missed. For those who have never experienced Kashmir first hand, it will make you momentarily feel like you have become one with the Valley. For those whose lives have been tragically touched by the conflict of the region, this will definitely hit very close to home, but by shedding light on it might perhaps begin to heal some of the unmentionable hurt.
August 21st, 2009 at 1:36 am
Hi Nina,
I loved your articles you have written so far for SIKANDAR….
Well I am the one managing the SIKANDAR facebook profile page…however, I am the Corporate Communications for BIGFlix.com, the DVD Rentals and Video on Demand business of Reliance BIG Entertainment….
I also manage the FACEBOOK fan page for BIGFlix DVD Rentals and BIGFlix.com… feel free to visit and also become a fan….
Cheers….
Pallavi Deshmukh
August 27th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Thanks so much Pallavi!
The film truly deserved all the great things that have been written about it. So moving!
I’ll see you on FB!
Nina