Watch Sikandar

Sikandar, directed by Sohrab Modi and released in 1941, is a historical drama set in ancient India. The film features a star-studded cast including Sohrab Modi as Alexander the Great, Prithviraj Kapoor as Porus, and Vanamala as Rukhsana. The story follows the conquest of Alexander the Great as he leads his army to the Indian subcontinent with the intention of expanding his empire. The film highlights the resistance put up by Porus and other Indian rulers against Alexander’s invasion.

The opening scene of the movie sees Alexander addressing his army, declaring his intentions to conquer the Indian subcontinent. Alexander’s portrayal is striking as Sohrab Modi immerses himself in the character, with his demeanor and dialogues capturing the essence of the legendary warrior.

The story then shifts to India, where we are introduced to Porus, the ruler of the kingdom of Pauravas. Porus is a proud and valiant ruler who refuses to submit to the foreign invader, setting up the stage for an epic battle between the two mighty warriors.

As Alexander’s army crosses the Jhelum river, they meet Porus and his army in a fierce battle. The battle scenes are particularly impressive, featuring hundreds of soldiers on both sides. The filmmakers sparing no expense in showcasing the scale of the battle, with stunning visuals that capture the intensity of the conflict.

As the battle rages on, we are introduced to Rukhsana, a beautiful dancer who is employed by both Porus and Alexander to distract the other side’s soldiers. Rukhsana’s character plays a crucial role in the plot, as her relationship with Porus evolves throughout the film.

One of the standout scenes in the movie sees Porus and Alexander engage in a one-on-one battle. The two warriors exchange blows, with neither gaining the upper hand. The scene is brilliantly choreographed and executed, with both actors giving stellar performances.

As the film progresses, we see Alexander’s health deteriorate. The movie does a great job of showcasing the psychological and physical strain that the conquest had on Alexander. The conqueror, once feared by his enemies, is now a shadow of his former self.

The film ends with the battle of the Hydaspes, which is one of the most famous battles in history. The battle sees Porus’s army defeated but Alexander is impressed with Porus’s valiant fighting against him. Alexander then proposes a deal where he would make Porus a king and his ally if Porus accepted Alexander as his king. Porus declines, saying “I will not give my country at all, this my country has always been my motherland”.

Overall, Sikandar is a well-crafted movie that delivers an engaging and captivating story. The performances by the lead actors are exceptional, especially Sohrab Modi as Alexander and Prithviraj Kapoor as Porus. The film’s production values are impressive, with the battle scenes and sets showcasing the grandeur of the era. The movie is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and Bollywood classics.