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 The unpublished manuscript was a finalist for the Writing Award in the 2022 Page Turner Awards.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

XMEN Apocalypse (2016)

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Bryan Singer shows us what a good action movie can be, while developing characters and showing us great special effects.

Unlike The Avenger series, where cliched dialogue and mindless destruction in the form of a CGI overload usually mark the proceedings, here we have effects for the sake of narrative.

Oscar Isaac plays the villain with a patient, menacing quality, while Michael Fassbender plays Magneto with the dilemma most mutants face. James McAvoy is dependable as Charles Xavier, growing into his role and communicating volumes about his gifts and others’.

The ensemble cast includes Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, Tye Sheridan, Sophie Turner, Olivia Munn and Lucas Till, who add dimensions to the story with their character and are all important in the forces for and against. The premise, though anarchic, is also a direct attack on how we live our lives today and what we would be better off without.

An engaging tale, which is built slowly, giving actors the depth to perform and connect with the audience, the films’ strength was its story telling without relying on special effects. A remarkable feat!

3.5/5

Money Monster (2016)

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Director Jodie Foster cleverly presents a social commentary on the state of the American economy and the financial situation of many in the country.

George Clooney pimps stocks on a show, seducing investors like a cabaret dancer. Julia Roberts plays his producer and when they are faced by an armed assailant played brilliantly by Jack O Connell, a lot of truths are exposed.

The film is tight, building tension in parts and giving the audience a chance to digest the proceedings. While the conflict and the resolution isn’t a huge surprise, it’s how we get there which keeps us on our toes.

George Clooney displays a range of eccentricities and emotions and Julia Roberts, the ‘voice in his ear’, keeps it together for him, her crew and the audience.

3/5

The man who knew infinity (2016)

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Dev Patel’s career best comes packaged in his usual earnest manner, but this time he’s dealing with a complex subject in a difficult world crisis.

Based on India’s mathematician who introduced ground breaking theories without proofs, S. Ramanujan, it is the story of how a Cambridge professor took him under his wing, so to speak, but ended up soaring to great heights himself because of the knowledge he helped unravel.

Shot at Trinity College by director Matthew Brown, where it originally happened, time literally stands still in the hallowed halls of learning. Jeremy Irons as Professor G.H.Hardy is perhaps the anti-thesis to his co-protagonist, where he tames and cajoles the fury and magnitude of formulas inside him. This dance of proof vs. knowledge is why the film leaves a lasting impact.

It brings numbers alive in the eyes of its actors. A pure delight to watch genius and those who appreciate it.

3.5/5

Mother’s Day (2016)

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Gary Marshall, known for his multi starrer ‘special day’ movies and classic Pretty Woman, brings us a more casual, chilled out flick which explores the bond that children share with their mothers.

Many issues are addressed in a passing manner, without becoming dramatic. Julia Roberts’ character throws light on the difficult choices many mothers are faced with, whereas Jennifer Aniston’s character shines by bringing a delicate balance in her family life.

Jason Sudeikis is a doting single father to his two daughters whilst Kate Hudson and her sister have their own secrets from their parents. As is tradition, the film culminates on Mothers Day, with various laughs and warm moments.

A ‘mom-com’ that shows us the many traditional and changing relationships between mothers and their kids, it was a fun, light watch.

3/5

Nil Battey Sannata (2016)

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The first thought I had when I saw this film is why aren’t big stars doing simple movies which have competitive budgets and great stories? The title itself is so intriguing that when you come to know its meaning, it adds another layer to the already nuanced film.

Swara Bhaskar is faced with an uphill task when her daughter’s weak mathematics threaten the completion of her matriculation. With the help of her employee Ratna Pathak Shah, she deals with this issue in an original albeit unlikely manner.

Her daughter Apeksha/Apu, played by Ria Shukla, shows us the plight of youth today, their choices, or lack of, highlighting a major problem. She is forceful yet vulnerable. Her friends at school, Sweety (Neha Prajapati) and Pintu (Prashant Tiwari) also leave a thoughtful impression in their limited screen time, especially nerdy Amar (Vishal Nath).

Ratna is the helpful, accommodating but not superficially philanthropic employer, who does her best but doesn’t spoil Chanda. Swara as Chanda does justice to an ordinary person’s extraordinary efforts. She brings a layered portrayal very easily on screen, making it believable without going over the top. Math teacher Pankaj Tripathi is comedic and humane, while Sanjay Suri in his guest appearance leaves some hope for the underdog.

Director Ashwini Iyer Tiwari has brought to life a balanced film which is riddled with disparities and imbalances. She has achieved a normalcy in dire circumstances by not resorting to melodrama and saying it ‘as it is’.

A beautiful mother daughter tale, told in a straightforward manner, reaching its core message effortlessly. Must watch!

3.5/5

Jungle Book (2016) Hindi version

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Jungle Book – Hindi version : I am happy I saw the English version first, because the Hindi one had more humour. Had I seen it first, the English one would have seemed flat. Irrfan as Baloo was hilarious! His punjabi accent and comic timing gave depth to the character. Thoroughly enjoyed it! Priyanka Chopra as Kaa was perfect. Her voice has the right ‘hypnotic’ effect. There is nothing this girl can’t do. Om Puri as Bagheera was pitch perfect and Nana Patekar as Shere Khan was menacing. Shefali Shah as Raksha was strong yet nurturing. Bugs Bhargava Krishna does the voice of King Louie in a dramatic Anglo/Hindi style. The artist who has done Mowgli’s voice is appropriate. The only thing missing was the song ‘Jungle Jungle baat chali hai’. It could have easily been incorporated as the music for the End credits. That would have been complete entertainment for the Indian cinema goer. The film and all its dubbed versions has already crossed 100 crores. An equal, if not better watch!

4/5

The Jungle Book (2016)

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Jon Favreau is a magician who weaves a tale which is rich beyond measure! He achieves aesthetic brilliance and sensory perfection with the characters that are so beloved in India and all over the world.

The story of Mowgli and his friends is told with convincing reality, so much so that it enthrals children and adults alike. The talented voices of Ben Kingsley, Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Christopher Walken, Lupita Nyong’o are perfect, creating feelings of tension, fear, security, adventure, trance, belonging and freedom!

Young actor Neel Sethi makes a confident debut amongst the live action / CGI reimagining, which leaves you spell bound. It is as real as it can be, capturing the grace of the animal world, where their love is equal, if not more, than what humans have for their families and friends.

A tale told with precision and dedication, it is a treat for all our senses!

4/5

Ki & Ka (2016)

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What do you get when you reverse gender roles? When a man wants to be a home maker and the woman wants to earn? You get director Balki’s half baked film with some isolated messages.

The film moves quickly with Kareena / Kia and Arjun / Kabeer meeting and displaying their personalities, likes and dislikes. An unconventional relationship develops between a university topper and a competitive career driven executive.

My problem with the film was its inconsistency. While Arjun and his mother in law Swaroop Sampat were in character, it was Kareena who deviated. Some of her actions and words didn’t ring true with her decisive and strong outlook.

In the end the message by the ‘cameos’ was better than the real one, but a message nonetheless for the male dominated society that we live in. Arjun was the clear hero/ine of the film. The story would have made more sense if it was about a ‘stay at home dad’. Special mention for the creative interiors of their beautiful apartment.

Baby steps to a larger, stronger and more cohesive message.

1.5/5

Kung fu Panda 3 (2016)

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The first feeling while you are watching the film and the last thought as it completes, is how rich it is. Abundant in animation, characterisation, message and values, it is engaging at every level.

Directors Nelson and Carloni bring an appropriate part 3 to the audience, tying in pandas to the story and explaining why Po was chosen to be dragon warrior. We see some leaps for the characters, but as always there is a short yet mystical explanation for it. They managed to create a state of wonderment and awe throughout which in itself is worthy of applause.

The all star cast who lend their voices to these lovable characters do a flawless job, with lots more who join the Panda party.

In a world where we should strive to be original individuals, this film sends a simple yet deep message home.

3.5/5