Author: sandeepadnani

Sandeep Adnani is the Amazon #1 Bestselling Author of ‘The Codes of the Exiled Rogue’ , ‘The Origin of the Exiled Rogue’ and ‘The Prophecy of the Exiled Rogue’ eBooks. He nurtured this metaphysical and transformational fiction idea for over six years before publishing the first part in July 2019. All three books of ‘The Exiled Rogue Series’, a trilogy about the purpose and meaning of life and beyond, are Amazon #1 Bestsellers in multiple categories. His first book, The Codes of the Exiled Rogue was declared an Award-Winning Finalist in the Fiction: Visionary category of the 2021 International Book Awards. His second book, The Origin of the Exiled Rogue was an Award Winner in the Science Fiction: Alien/Space category of the 2021 American Fiction Awards. It was also an Award-Winning Finalist in the Visionary Fiction category of the 2021 American Fiction Awards. His third book, The Prophecy of the Exiled Rogue was an Award Winning Finalist in the Fiction: Visionary category of the 2021 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest. The omnibus of the trilogy, The Exiled Rogue Series, won the Silver Medal at the Global Book Awards 2022, in the Metaphysical & Visionary Fiction category and Gold Winner at the ABLE Awards in 2024 in the Book Series category. Embarking on new genres, he has seven new stand-alone books in the offing. In 2021, he completed writing a futuristic sci-fi-romance which he is currently querying. The unpublished manuscript was a finalist for the Writing Award in the 2022 Page Turner Awards. He finished writing a mystery novel in 2022 and an Alternate Fiction novella in 2023. He has published three non-fiction novellas in the YOU DECIDE series. He is currently working on an illustrated children's book. He changed careers from the advertising/media industry and is now a mental health counsellor in Melbourne, with bases in Mumbai and Dubai as well.

Epic (2013)

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The ‘epic’ quality in this animated film was the animation itself. Bordering on capturing the natural landscape to 99% perfection, it made nature and all its detail as beautiful it is in real life, but with greater depth and majesty.

The story on the other hand, takes a while to sink in to. Once you are connected, you want to know what will happen, knowing full well how it will turn out. Probably too ‘adult and understated’ in its approach, it may not work fully as a children’s film, as they will take away much lesser than the grown audience.

Celebrities such as Beyonce Knowles, Collin Farrell, Amanda Seyfried, Jason Sudeikis amongst many others lend voices to characters who are fighting an ‘epic’ battle, and are merely the supporting elements set in top notch animation.

A great home or flight watch.

3/5

We’re the Millers (2013)

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There is something about sophisticated ‘R’ rated humour that has everyone in splits. I use that word to describe this particular genre of adult comedies, because the language has excellent comic timing in the guise of profanity.

Christened ‘America’s Sweetheart’ by USA and many of her fans overseas, Jennifer steps well out of her comfort zone and image to play a convincing stripper. Extremely fit, with fresh ‘Rachel’ style quips, she is a combo of the character we have loved on TV and a bold babe many of us wondered she could pull off.

Jason Sudeikis is a small time drug dealer who lands in a big time soup, courtesy an incident he shouldn’t have gotten involved in. Emma Roberts plays a runaway rebel and Will Poulter the 18 year old virgin (the judgement age having gone down from 40).

What follows next is a crazy road trip, with family dynamics that make ‘dysfunctional seem normal’. Pure Laughter Therapy!

3.5/5

Jobs (2013)

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A lot of people have called this film a documentary on ‘APPLE’. Well, I think Steve Jobs and Apple are synonymous, and Apple’s journey was in fact a result of his own actions, creativity, vision and tenacity.

The film gives us an insight to his humble beginnings, the personal computer we take for granted and can’t live without was an unheard of concept back then. Seeing those ideas come to life, ‘watching your work while you do it’ was the best part of the film.

As it progressed it got disjointed and the actual success of Apple or Jobs was not shown. Yes, the many difficulties and internal politics were played out, but its reward is something we should have seen on screen.

Ashton Kutcher did his best in a role which perhaps demanded more. His walk, body language, seemed appropriate at times and out of place at others. Playing a visionary such as Jobs is a daunting task, and it is an open question as to who could have played him better.

The supporting cast was brilliant, the authenticity of the film was commendable and at the end of it I left feeling informed, a little entertained, and a little cheated. It had everything to be a lot more but apparently chose to stay mediocre, which is SO NOT APPLE!

2/5

Celebrate India!

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Since you are far older than 67, my dear India/Bharat/Hindustan, I am not going to wish you an ‘English’ happy independence day. Your culture, heritage, language date back to the beginning of civilised time itself. We are a land where the only surviving ancient religion, or rather, a way of life, is still practised and celebrated in the visual arts and music. What we should commemorate today is not our independence, but that fact that we have survived thousands of years and continue to enrich the world. Proud to be an Indian today and everyday! Jai Hind!

Chennai Express (2013)

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SRK tries his hand at comedy and does a fair job in a film which has Rohit Shetty in the right doses. Signature scenes with cars blowing up and a fight at the end can be ignored, but the ‘generalisation of the south’ is too much to digest. While Deepika steals the show with an endearing accent (don’t know if it’s Tamil or Hyderabadi), the tone and feel they have thought for the film is maintained throughout. Subtitles would have worked wonders at integrating the states, but maybe it was asking too much from Mr. Shetty. Comedy of errors, woven with a simple story and many funny moments (if you get on the humour train from the start) can get you through this journey. Otherwise pull the chain and jump off, the only flawless thing about the film is SRK’s makeup!

2.5/5

The Conjuring (2013)

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Demonic activity is haunting the Perron family in their new home. Things which one could brush off as odd or unusual turn nasty and terrifying. The specialists in the field for ‘paranormal activity’ are the Warren couple, who can see, feel, test and document such events, to come up with the most suitable solution.

The premise is simple and so is the climax. What I wasn’t looking for, or rather wasn’t prepared for, was the way this film would DISTURB me. Yes it has the regular horror dose, building up slowly, using elements of fear, the unknown, surprise and a little gore. For seasoned horror viewers, this film may seem tame, but for me it gave the complete ‘blocking your ears and peeking through half opened eyes protected by parted fingers edge of your seat hardly breathing’ experience.

Director James Wan makes use of fine camera work, excellent back ground score and very authentic 70s feel, which made the already disturbing experience REAL. There are more forces at work here than a single problem, which make it all the more challenging for the viewer to digest or predict.

Based on true events, me, a non-horror person, suggest that you watch it!

Clap. Clap. Clap. (something you will understand only after watching the film).

3/5

Happy Friendship Day 2013

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Happy Friendship Day everyone! Just like all the other ‘Days’ this relationship is celebrated every minute of every day, all year round. You earn good friends and the true ones never leave you. To quote ‘It’s a wonderful life’, “Remember no man is a failure who has friends.”

The Wolverine (2013)

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I have heard Japan is an expensive country to visit. Want a cheaper option? Watch this film, sponsored by Japan tourism. And if you find Wolverine in it, there are bonus points for you! Hugh Jackman is more dominant then the character he is playing and the 127 minutes trudge along with very few highs and lows to get any reaction. The train sequence and the scene after the end credits deserve mention, rest are all missing soul, drama, action or a combination of all three. And another thing, why was it in 3D?

Straight to DVD for its fans, for the rest of us, pass!

1.5/5

3 years and counting…

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It was a soul searching trip across many cities in 3 countries in the summer of 2010, which made me realise that to grow further in life, I had to move out of Dubai. I had tentatively booked 23rd July 2010 as the date to fly when I bought my ticket, and as fate would have it, that date remain unchanged, changing my life forever.

3 years later, I am sitting in my study, looking out at nature, the monsoon rain providing the visual effects and background score, reflecting on my life and how it has evolved. Mumbai is not an easy place, but my friends made it easy for me. They are my family, and have seen me through my ups and downs in the city that never sleeps.

“Why Mumbai?” A lot of people asked. I loved Dubai while growing up, my four years in London at University were fun, but as an adult I was missing something in Dubai. The pulse, the vibe, the energy, was present, but somehow I couldn’t catch it. Mumbai was always home, but would the spoilt ‘NRI’ in me make it my permanent residence? Well, I guess NEVER SAY NEVER!

I remember friends and family back in Dubai joked that I would be back in 3 months. Some even wagered bets. I will not deny the sinking feeling when I was wheeling my trolley to check-in, moving only 2 hours and 20 minute flight away, thankful that both my homes were so close by.  I was headed to Maximum city, and I knew exactly why I chose it.

Mumbai is ALIVE, a city forever bursting with energy. We have pot holes the size of craters, the moon would take them seriously! Our traffic doesn’t understand the word traffic, and just stands still. There is chaos on the roads, especially when the Monsoon unleashes itself. But every person you see, has some character. Life is not a right here, it’s a privilege. And it’s that quality which keeps us grounded, makes us count our blessings, while we enjoy the many authentic sights and sounds of the city.

Signs of growth and modernization are visible in every corner, and whether its restaurants, cinemas, the theatre or the old fashioned street food and beach, everything is welcoming with the indefatigable spirit of Mumbai. Yes we complain and whine, things are not perfect here, but then, where are they? Perfection is in your mind, and yes, Mumbai challenges and motivates me like no other city has. I don’t think I would have taken to writing like this in Dubai. Here, life stares me every day in the face and asks me, ‘What makes you so special?’ and I have a different answer every time.

My love for cinema and having access to EVERY Hindi movie that releases, set me aside from many Bollywood fans across the globe who have to wait for DVDs or TV premiers. It also helps having censorship laws which are different from the Middle East, we get to enjoy English films in a more complete way J

We are all a product of our own choices and the people that surround us, and I am no different. My parents were immensely supportive and if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have taken the plunge. I would like to thank all those who made the last 3 years a fun and learning experience. I have met some very interesting people, and have celebrated many milestones here. Look forward to lots more in Aamchi Mumbai!