Sikandar (Foot Soldier) (2009)

57% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
52% of users liked it
(5,858 ratings)

A 14-year-old schoolboy from Kashmir becomes an innocent pawn in a treacherous game between militants, the army, peace-broker politicians, and religious leaders after discovering a handgun on his way home from school. Sent to live with his aunt and uncle after militants killed his parents when he… More A 14-year-old schoolboy from Kashmir becomes an innocent pawn in a treacherous game between militants, the army, peace-broker politicians, and religious leaders after discovering a handgun on his way home from school. Sent to live with his aunt and uncle after militants killed his parents when he was just four years old, Sikandar Raza's primary goals are to make his foster parents proud and keep his soccer game sharp. Then, one day, while walking home from a soccer game with his friend Nasreen, Sikandar finds a gun. Despite Nasreen's gentle attempts to dissuade her friend from picking up the weapon, Sikandar decides to take the gun home, and the darker side of his nature gradually begins to emerge. Later, when people around the city begin getting killed, it starts to become apparent that the young schoolboy has become hopelessly ensnared in a twisted game being played by the people in power. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By: Piyush Jha
Written By: Piyush Jha
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Aug 21, 2009 Wide
On DVD: Oct 6, 2009
Studio: Big Pictures Releases

Critic Reviews

Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times
The film boasts a significant story with several effective plot twists that make it worth a look.
Rachel Saltz, New York Times
Wants to make a statement about hatred and cycles of violence. But this odd, unsuccessful movie is too rigged to have any broader implications.
Michelle Orange, Village Voice
A simple, cautionary tale gone berserk with potboiling twists and a moral ambition as lush and layered as the Kashmir Valley.
Matthew Nestel, Boxoffice Magazine
Watching the piece is akin to seeing a good rehearsal shot by a competent technical crew. Nothing more.
Avi Offer, NYC Movie Guru
Loses steam toward the end, but, nonetheless, manages to be a fascinating and heartfelt drama filled with suspense, intrigue and lush cinematography.
Louis Proyect, rec.arts.movies.reviews
Despite one-dimensional characterization of adult Muslim characters, this is a moving story about what happens to a Muslim boy who discovers a gun.
Andrew Schenker, Slant Magazine
Sikandar does the one thing unforgivable for a film concerned with ethical accounting: absolve the hero of ultimate responsibility for his actions.