Sikandar 2009

Sikandar Raza, a 14-year-old schoolboy living in the picturesque yet conflicted region of Jammu and Kashmir, has been grappling with the profound loss of his parents, who were tragically killed by militants a decade ago. Since that fateful day, he has resided with his aunt and uncle in a tight-knit community, where all of Sikandar’s aspirations are deeply intertwined with the happiness of his caretaker relatives and his passion for football.

One pivotal day, while returning home from a school football match, Sikandar stumbles upon a gun lying carelessly on the ground. Against the cautious advice of his newly-formed friend, Nasreen, he makes the impulsive decision to pick it up. This moment marks the beginning of an unsettling journey into the murkier aspects of his personality. Nasreen, a quiet yet resilient character, assumes the role of Sikandar’s moral compass, urging him to resist the dangerous temptations that accompany the weapon. Yet, despite her guidance, Sikandar finds himself increasingly entangled in a web of violence that escalates beyond his comprehension.

As destiny unfolds, the seemingly disjointed events surrounding Sikandar’s life begin to reveal a grim tapestry woven from the conflicts among militants, the army, politicians seeking peace, and the influence of local religious leaders in their small Kashmiri town. The narrative intricately explores his transformation from a mere football-enthusiast to an unwitting pawn caught in a perilous game. Just when it seems the threads of his experiences will never connect, a shocking revelation ties together the disparate elements of his story, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of the world around him.

Ultimately, Sikandar’s plight serves as a poignant commentary on the innocence lost amid violence, and the moral dilemmas faced by youth in conflict-ridden regions.