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 The unpublished manuscript was a finalist for the Writing Award in the 2022 Page Turner Awards.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.

What’s your story?

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Which is your favourite FRIENDS character? Next time you are asked that, behold! It is a trick question. It’s a great way to strike a conversation, find some common ground (What?! You are not a FRIENDS fan? Shortest conversation ever!).

The trick behind it is that the person asking either wants to know what you connect with most, what you aspire to be, or simply what you are all about.Sometimes it is to communicate what the asking party is like, in a quick non-judgemental manner. Would you call yourself ‘flaky’? No! But you wouldn’t mind calling yourself ‘Phoebe’. See the difference? (I am flaky I’ll say anything!)

The truth is, we identify with certain characters, songs, films, poems, stories. We look for characters that are like us, and hinge our solace on the way their story progresses. Whether it’s Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, Hermione or Fudge forbid Voldemort, our qualities or personality traits that are similar have been pointed out by those close to us.

Many times I have overheard people talk about the four diverse girls in Sex and the City. They are laughing and slotting their friends into the four categories and people deny or defend themselves. Why? It’s because they don’t like how that particular character’s story is progressing, or many times, how it ends. Sometimes they want to guard their personal life or traits, and don’t want to be easily branded as ‘Samantha , Carrie, Charlotte or Miranda’.

Popular culture has and always will play a role in the lives of those who consume it. So far I have been talking of Western content. (Some eyes are relaxing now, as the real stuff comes to the fore!) Hindi cinema and songs have had and continue to have a bigger impact on me. When I am not with my 6 friends at Central Perk or laughing at insults from Karen Walker, where Jack McFarland jumps around, Grace Adler stuffs her face and Will Truman looks upset and uninterested, I enjoy watching Hindi cinema, both old and new and I love Hindi songs! (Come on! The Lyrics are so much more meaningful! Eyes roll all around).

Whether its romantic classics or comedy capers, we all have a ‘Raj & Simran’ aspiration, a ‘Raveena Karishma Bajaj Gogo’ laughline, ‘Anjali & Rahul’ friendship, ‘Naina Catherine Kapoor Patel’ saga or ‘Rahul Pooja Nisha’ triangle that we like or enjoy watching more than once.  What I have noticed without meaning to highlight, is that many times, we hide behind our favourite characters. We would all like to be someone else but settle for what we are popularly thought to be, because most stories do turn out ok, so even ours will, right?

But real life is not written by a team of writers playing to the ratings. You are the only audience, writer, director and the main lead of your show. Many times people become the side act, step up, take centre stage. It’s your story and you should get to say it! Yes by all means use the metaphors and references you are comfortable with, but create your own madness!

Having said that, will every Monica meet a guy like Chandler? I would like to believe so.

Ram Leela (2013)

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Guns blazing, Gujarati swear words, a 500 year old animosity of two warring sides and of course what blossoms between all this is: LOVE. An Eccentric, Sexual and Mad drama unfolds.

Not Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s (SLB) traditional film making style, he has stepped well out of his comfort zone of ‘tender love stories’, ‘social protocol’, ‘clear and slow progression’, ‘witty and U-rated dialogue’. Here the pace is fast, the language is harsh, many times lined with crass double meaning. Violence which was missing in most of his films is not only present but not easy to watch at times.

SLB is an unforgiving perfectionist. In the past we have seen beautiful sets and locations, which exude a dominant colour palette with undying symmetry. This time round, there is imperfection, a myriad of colours and an aesthetic sense that makes a scene alive without the feeling that you are watching a perfect set. He has done the music as well, and the songs are as always filled with metaphors, a visual treat to watch with some difficult dance moves. His direction makes all this seem as part and parcel of the film, but for once the story, songs or sets don’t dominate, its the acting of the 3 main characters that steals the show. We start with number 3:

Ranveer Singh is a director’s actor. He has manifested on screen what the director wanted him to, but somehow doesn’t seem man enough or strong enough to match up to his co-star, who seems to be wearing the pants. He is ‘supporting’ his female lead, a phenomenon which is usually the other way round.

Supriya Pathak Kapur is a spectrum of talent. To play Hansa Parekh in Khichdi and Dhankoraba ‘Baa’ in this film, you see the same eyes soften you in one, and terrify you in the other. Her restraint and explosions in the same sentence show you not only the character but her acting diversity.

Deepika Padukone has not grown as an actor. She has leaped to the moon. Her 4th big release this year (Race 2, YJHD, Chennai Express) she is the raw, sensual, hopeless in love energy which SLB has managed to capture on screen. You can’t take your attention off her expression, dance and threateningly seductive voice and body language.

A Ram Leela is traditionally performed on the street for all to see. Here as well, the story takes place in front of people at most times, for them to witness the tragedy.  This film is a tribute to the over the top rendition of India’s most famous story, with an ‘Adult’ SLB twist. An appropriate credit to Romeo & Juliet has been given right at the beginning, so either dance the dance while you watch Ram Leela or curse Shakespeare until it is over.

3.5/5

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

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The 9 realms, super special effects (which are a standard in Hollywood) and a popular super Hero and star cast could not salvage this film. Barring the humour from Kat Dennings who plays ‘Darcy Lewis’ the graph of this film and all its characters was flat, many times laughable. Is the mere presence of gigantic ships which appear threatening and predatory enough? Where are the villains who give the hero a healthy fight?

We have complex theories which are worked out at the drop of a hat, an ‘Ether’ of unexplainable power, Loki who plays along with Thor and Jane Foster, a wooden Natalie Portman, makes you wonder why actors are not doing their job, acting!

It takes a lot for a film to bore me and induce sleep. Very few pass the challenge. This one almost did.

Nothing can save this film.

1/5

Krrish 3 (2013)

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Let’s clear the rationale behind making sci-fi or super hero movies in India. Indian audiences have given large business to the recent Iron Man, Super Man, Avengers etc, in English and more so in the dubbed versions across the country.

So we are sure smaller cities and towns will have people who will appreciate the new Krrish. But as we all know, largely our viewers are spoiled, and may need some help with the story, so the film starts with a recap of the last two films. It makes you realise they were more original and with better music, but that is probably a calculated move, though not a good one.

Parts of the film are laughable, parts are commendable. The special effects have definitely set a good standard for an Indian film, but still lack the finesse of Hollywood movies. They enjoy larger budgets, which is where our films fall short I guess.

We have mutants or ‘maanvars’, a villain who is not menacing enough, sorry Vivek, you tried your best, a super hero who doesn’t bring anything new to the table, not even a new expression. Kangana had a good crisp role, Priyanka danced around with some good scenes. Hrithik Senior was more effective than his Junior counterpart.

The stock ‘emotional scene’, the stock ‘secular song’, the stock ‘super hero in us all’ were all plugged in for our benefit. Not to mention the ‘Raghupati Raghav’ song, a track played in a party which should have been put in the credits. Why stuff songs in when they are not required? The only song which made sense and was beautifully shot was Alisha Chinoy’s ‘Dil tu hi bata’.

We had many scientific and plot premises which were well constructed and used. Harry Potter fans will immediately identify with one of the key gadgets. The end gives us a mash-up of Silver Surfer, Iron Man, Super Man, Hulk type scenes, with special effects that still require finishing.

If your kids insist you take them for the film, then you must. It could work to your advantage and they would skip Krrish 4 which could be in the offing. I think Rakesh Roshan should put this concept to rest, as the current offering seemed rushed to make it for Diwali. A cohesive, well edited film is what we were expecting, but of course we were disappointed.

I think super hero movies were effectively ruined for Indians when Aamir Khan uttered those iconic words, ‘Gogo ji aapka ghagra’.

2/5

This is the end (2013)

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The biblical apocalypse is upon actors who are playing themselves at a party in Beverly Hills. What ensues is a mix of silly, funny and downright outrageous.

James Franco is playing host to Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Michael Cera, Emma Watson, Rihanna and many others. It seems like a frat party, which has predictable wild moments. The bizarre events that follow are fun to watch because of the presumed real life personalities and their reactions.

Survival, egos, conflicting opinions, there is a clear build up to a hilarious climax, making it a fun home or flight watch.

2.5/5

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Sometimes we say things hoping they come true, and they do.

Sometimes we plan things hoping they happen, and they don’t.

Either way know you are being protected and guided, and only the best is eventually going to happen.

Never go against your instinct, silence the devil inside, the angel whispers, listen to it.

Monsters University (2013)

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Not having watched Monsters Inc. till now (a lot of eyes rolling with judgement) I was not prepared for how thoroughly I would enjoy it. The world they had created was entirely new (for me) and since this was a prequel to the first one, it worked out well as a hilarious but soul searching back story.

Classic themes were touched upon, though at times it is more grown up, practical, work hard and stick together to win kind of approach. This animated film felt more real in that sense. Billy Crystal and John Goodman lend voices to characters which are not only lovable but identifiable as well. Helen Mirren as the Dean is perfection!

Monsters Inc. was released way back in 2001, so this second instalment came a little too late, but it was enjoyable and original.

3/5

Gravity (2013)

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(This review contains spoilers!)

The reputation of this film preceded itself, and director Alfonso Cuaron has done complete justice to giving us an understanding of gravity.

This film can be discussed on two very separate levels. The first is technical. Within the first few minutes, following Sandra’s character ‘Ryan’, I actually felt uneasy. The movement and angles captured how it would feel to float, and to replicate that with the use of camera is pure GENIUS.

We kept alternating between Ryan’s vision to a more holistic one, which also helps in experiencing the entire environment, its magnitude, its silence and its vulnerability.

George Clooney’s character ‘Matt’ not only keeps us entertained, but grounded as well. He very well acts like an ‘anti-gravity’ agent, because we have gotten so involved in Ryan’s psyche that we need him to balance us.

The second level which really came across in the film is how the universe is an expansion of our inner self. As human beings we need a physical ‘anchor’. Gravity here was perhaps a metaphor for Ryan who was floating aimlessly through her life. Though she was physically weightless, what came across more was her mind which wasn’t ‘tethered’ to anything. What she found out there, was her own purpose and finally ‘letting go’ to ‘come back’.

Speaking about special effects, sound quality and their precision may seem redundant for an excellent film like this, but nonetheless, I will say that the perspectives and tension that they created were just brilliant.

This is advanced film making folks, not to be taken ‘lightly’!

4/5

This deck has more than 52 cards

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So you feel you got a raw deal in life?  A bad set of cards? Here’s a theory. We all have access to the same pack, but there are some extra cards you probably didn’t recognise. We get some good games, some good pairs, some cards that are discarded by other players and they suit our ‘sequence or vision’ and voila, you have a winning game. Sometimes you don’t. Sometimes you ‘pass’. But all the games come out of the SAME deck and once you’re done playing, it is packed and put away. No points for guessing who the dealer is, but you always get to CUT them.

The deck of life though, is never put away. We are shuffled every day, someone’s loss is someone’s gain, some days are all ACES (depending on which game you know) and some are just not your days. Some days you are invincible, everyone wants to bet their money on you, and some days you stand on the side and cheer the rest. Some days you have to play just so that there are enough players. You get the general idea.

In a good deal, you get the ‘CHANCE’ card, which is thrown your way to either take or ignore. What happens next is only known if you look back at the sequence of events after you took it, or rejected it. As the old adage goes, “what you don’t know, won’t hurt you”. If you ever draw a web of events, you can trace back the exact moment you changed the course of your life with one move. How many people you met and incidents you had after that wouldn’t have happened because of that ONE MOVE. And a whole other set was waiting for you if you chose another move.

Then there is a ‘LUCK’ card. I have been told some people are luckier than others. I believe that all people are blessed in their own way, and what you may consider ‘lucky’ for others, they may not for themselves, and vice versa. Many times we can’t see how lucky we are, and how much others yearn for that same luck. All I can say is recognise what or who is lucky for you. Sometimes you feel lucky when you have a person who brings the best out of you, tolerates the worst of you, encourages you, is happy for you. Maybe when you’re in their company good things happen, you get good news, or better still, you get ‘your next big idea’. Acknowledge their presence and make them aware how good their energy is.

We’ve all heard of the elusive ‘DESTINY’ card. Your destiny could be that unstoppable force that motors through and takes you, maybe blindfolded, sometimes on a rollercoaster, to where you need to be. At times your luck, chance, passion and your own thoughts make the universe conspire to fulfil your most cherished dreams and desires. People can brush the product of your life as ‘destiny’, never knowing how hard you had to work to deserve it, or what distances you travelled in the unknown, plummeting through what seemed like scary inky darkness. Only when it takes your blood, sweat and tears, can you crown something as ’your destiny’. It’s definitely not something to be taken lightly and it could even be something you DIDNT chose, but it’s yours to live.

There is one card that ALL OF US get, which is called FREE WILL. Only problem is, many of us don’t know we have it, and keep it tucked away in the back or more sadly so, throw it away. Please know that even if you throw it away, it’s something that you can always get back. This card is forever with you, summon it, and it’s there. Don’t be scared to use it, it may free you from everything that has ever kept you from being the best you are.

I am sure I will discover more cards in the course of this game called life. But until I do, be happy with the ones you have, because they are only going to get better.

This story is dedicated to my Good Luck Charm

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The glass is neither half empty or half full. The glass just is. Be happy you have a glass, which you can see, hold and debate about. Some don’t even have that privilege.