Sikandar

Sikandar is a 2009 Indian drama film directed by Piyush Jha. The title of the film comes from the name of its central character, Sikandar Raza, who is played by Parzaan Dastur. The film also features Ayesha Kapur and veteran Bollywood actor, Sanjay Suri in prominent roles. The film supplies a stirring commentary on socio-political conditions faced by people in the conflict-ridden region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sikandar, the titular protagonist, is a 14-year-old boy living in the Kashmir region of India. Parzaan Dastur, who famously played the silent Sikh boy in "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai", has progressed brilliantly as an actor to portray Sikandar's character with authenticity and vulnerability. His portrayal of the nuances of Sikandar's experiences, as he navigates through a turbulence-infused region while trying to maintain his innocence, is truly commendable.

Contrasting the picturesque serenity of the Kashmir valleys is the menacing melancholy of tensions and turmoil. Amidst all this, all that Sikandar passionately desires is to play football and maybe become the best footballer in his locality someday. His natural and uncomplicated dreams take a twist when he stumbles upon a gun on his way back from a football match.

The gun suddenly catapults Sikandar into the harsh realities that surround him. It draws varying interests from the characters in his life. Ayesha Kapur, who impressed audiences with her power-packed performance in "Black", plays a pivotal role as Nasreen – Sikandar's trustworthy ally, who knows his secret and stands by him. As the plot unfurls, so does their relationship, and the handling of innocent yet deep connections between adolescent friends is sensitively showcased.

Sanjay Suri essays the role of Mukhtaar, an adult who provides advice and guidance to Sikandar. With an enigmatic persona, he underplays his role deftly, adding many shades to his complex character, thus connecting a lot of dots in the storyline.

Apart from them, actor R. Madhavan makes a notable guest appearance and brings in a new aspect to the unfolding drama. Each character in this film is interlinked and crucial for the development of the storyline and revelation of ultimate truths.

The film isn’t just about the personal growth and challenges of Sikandar. It dives deep to expose the nerve-wracking turmoil in the Kashmir region, narrating a tale of dread and despair. Through its narrative, the film inspects the profound effects it has on its residents, especially on children who bear considerable brunt and live in constant fear. The storyline of Sikandar uses the metaphor of innocence and dreams of normalcy amidst the havoc of the political unrest.

Under the impressive direction of Piyush Jha, this film manages to weave a very interesting and gripping narrative. The remote, everyday locations of Jammu and Kashmir have been used efficiently to heighten the sense of realism. The beauty of the valley provides a stark contrast to the grim narrative and offers spectacular visuals that remain etched in viewer's memories.

The cinematography by Somak Mukherjee is truly exceptional, capturing the beautiful landscapes of Kashmir and merging it smoothly with the storyline. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music, lyrics by Prasoon Joshi, and sound design by Baylon Fonseca beautifully complement the film’s narrative as they lend more depth to the understanding of the story.

Sikandar is not a conventional film. It’s a film with a heart and a soul. It questions, it nudges, it unveils, and most importantly, it makes one think. Amidst the regular churn of Bollywood blockbusters, Sikandar comes across as a profound and thought-provoking film that aligns with the reality of a disturbed region and its impact on the innocence and dreams of a young life. The movie has successfully depicted a heart-wrenching reality of conflict zone and simultaneously maintained a light-hearted perspective of a young dreamer who aspires to play football. It’s a tragically beautiful blend of the two polarities interwoven beautifully.

Remember, Sikandar is not merely a movie; it's an experience that is bound to make anyone look at life and its larger issues with a fresh perspective.