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 The unpublished manuscript was a finalist for the Writing Award in the 2022 Page Turner Awards.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

Independence Day : Resurgence (2016)

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

20 years later we have a Madame President, a spherical visitor and a reunion of bigger and deadlier alien ships. Unfortunately, director Roland Emmerich hasn’t infused much life into the plot, leaving the fun for the climax, by which time it’s too late.

CGI has its own role in such films, and it’s done well. What was annoying was the poor development of characters and a half baked script which clearly acts as a bridge for part 3. In terms of performance everyone was average at best, with many of the old cast reprising their roles.

We watched the film because of nostalgic value. It was a let down. But that doesn’t mean I won’t watch part 3 🙂

2/5

TE3N (2016)

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

Director Ribhu Dasgupta brings us an unusual and unique set of circumstances which lead to two kidnappings and three people who try to unravel them.

Amitabh Bachchan is a beaten old man, a grand father who is not sprightly or happy. He has one mission and will leave no stone unturned to achieve it. Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays a priest but has a past he doesn’t want to face. Instead he hides behind the will of God. Vidya Balan is credited as a special appearance but is pretty much present through out. She plays the cop who wants to believe but needs proof.

While the premise of the climax is understandable it’s not entirely believable. That said, it is still a good film with some moments that really make you think.

3/5

Udta Punjab (2016)

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

Director Abhishek Chaubey gives us his third outing after Ishqiya and Dedh Ishqiya. He has written and assisted a host of other layered films. It is grim, dealing with the reality of a difficult subject by all groups involved.

I am going to breakdown the review by performances, because each one is worthy of mention. I start with Alia Bhatt. Her journey, though tragic, is full of hope for those who want to fight addiction. The makers haven’t resorted to any meaningless display. There is enough for the imagination to feel her anguish.

Shahid Kapoor is his best eccentric self. An accidental rockstar, he represents many like him, who are lost in the labyrinth of drugs. He is self obsessed and dependant, but eventually evolves. His uncle played by the talented Satish Kaushik is representative of the many adults who put a veil on the reality of their kids. He is supportive of his evolution but also of his destruction.

Kareena Kapoor Khan is refreshing in a strong character role. She has a solid attitude without any qualms or fears. It was a delight to watch her real talent being tapped without any head tossing or melodramatic gestures. She shows she is a mature actor, the face of many in the war against drugs.

New actor Diljit Dosanjh represents the vulnerable, wayward and corrupt ways of the law which have to unite in the war against drugs. The fact that anyone tried to ban or censor anything in this film is proof that the reality was being suppressed. But Truth always Triumphs.

Bravo to the producers who stuck their battle and the Supreme Court for passing it with a minor edit. The language takes a little getting used to but it isn’t there for effect. It’s the harsh truth. This could be the plight of ANY drug user in ANY state of India and all those who facilitate it and fight it.

4/5

Finding Dory (2016)

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

13 years ago we saw the classic Finding Nemo by director Andrew Stanton who has been involved in so many iconic films it would be a crime not to list a few. He directed Wall – E, A Bug’s Life, wrote Toy Story 1, 2, 3, Monsters Inc, and been executive producer for a host others.

This time round we see Dory in all her glory, with her adorable yet difficult back story. Her short term memory loss makes her as adventurous and life embracing as she was. She gets flashes of her past and sets out to meet her parents.

While fans of the first film and especially those who were young adults in 2003, would appreciate the humour more, the current audience may not connect as much with the film. The story unfolds rapidly with cute characters, but doesn’t touch you the way the first one did.

The roles were reversed this time round and there were a lot of subtle and direct messages for family, friends and relationships in general. The octopus stole the show 🙂 Great voices by Ellen DeGeneres, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson and Ty Burrell.

Finding Dory is about finding yourself and also seeing who’s there for you along the journey.

2.5/5

Waiting (2016)

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

A very devastating subject is tackled head on in this sensitive but matter of fact film. Director Anu Menon serves us the harsh truth, curt and upfront, without giving much chance to recover or prepare.

Kalki and Naseer cleverly represent different stages of the grieving process, and also differing adaptation to the never ending tunnel of ‘waiting’ for their loved ones to recover. Their characters are full of insights of a reality which asks us to face our worst fears. Rajat Kapoor has a tricky role to play which shows us the plight of doctors. They are human, making them as imperfect as any of us. Let’s throw in the reality of who is actually there for you in your difficult time and voila! You have some very insane truths to digest!

The most difficult questions with no answers. A heart wrenching film!

3/5

The Conjuring 2 (2016)

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

This film builds fast and doesn’t waste any time in scaring you, repeatedly! The creepy events have moved from USA to the UK, and what better than a gloomy overcast street in North London to freak you out!

The two leads from the previous film are retained. Patrick Wilson is steady whereas his wife Vera Farmiga is effective in communicating her ordeal with the audience. The Hodgson family is simple and supportive, with 4 siblings and a single mom, life is tough in the 70s. Two characters who deserve special mention are Frances O Connor who plays the mother and Madison Wolfe who plays Janet.

Janet is a mind blowing talent. To carry off this level of trauma and terror was unbelievable. Reminiscent of previous works in this genre, it would be mentioned in one of the best. The mother, Peggy has an uphill task of survival as it is, but puts up a brave face and shows strength in terrifying circumstances.

The verdict? James Wan makes a film with enough tense moments which do not give you much time to recover! The end was rushed and some plot points were unexplained but it achieved what it set out to! An old friend makes a cameo right in the last scene, a welcome reminder that there might be a part 3.

3.5/5

Me before you (2016)

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

What starts as a simple story slowly grows into a heart warming tale. You get glimpses of ‘Guzaarish’ and ‘The Fault in our stars’, but an overall muted version of the two. It’s not intense or overtly emotional but strikes a chord nonetheless.

Emilia Clarke is the soul of the film. She smiles with her eyes, eyebrows, chin, hands, clothes and shoes. An impeccable performance as Lou Clark, she is full of life and has a strong sense of duty.

Sam Claflin is the focal point of the story. While everything revolves around him, it’s his very restrained efforts which keep him enigmatic till the end. His minimal words and actions give us an insight into his world and volumes on how to live and appreciate life.

A sensitive balanced take on difficult choices and unlikely relationships.

3/5

Phobia (2016)

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

Finally a good Hindi horror/thriller film! It delivered on all fronts, with scares, twists, turns and no typical nonsense.

Radhika Apte has done a brilliant job, playing the artist who has a traumatic experience. How she and the others around her cope with it, and her own uphill healing journey, make the rest of the film.

The writing, editing, camera work and background score all tie in first place for the ‘hero’. Crisp, taut and intelligent, it answers every question you may have. Every scene, however short and fleeting, is important.

There are three cleverly written ‘borderline’ characters, who are always doubted or generally weird. Satyadeep Mishra as her friend Shaan links her world with one of reality. Her neighbours aren’t regular either. Manu is creepy and Nikki is surprisingly fearless.

A film about Agoraphobia, it’s frightful and craftily directed by Pawan Kripalani.

3.5/5

Angry Birds (2016)

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

A popular franchise and a film many, including me, were looking forward to. It was such a disappointment!

The film has a faintly beating pulse, with most jokes revealed in the trailer. No laughs were heard, even from the kids! Snack sales were up and I had a rare coffee to keep awake.

A handful of humorous moments in a rushed end, a predictable tale, some metaphors on current issues, few memorable voices, mostly blah!

Such a waste of good talent!

1/5