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 The unpublished manuscript was a finalist for the Writing Award in the 2022 Page Turner Awards.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

Batman vs. Superman : Dawn of Justice (2016)

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The story of 3 orphans turns into a series of disjointed scenes and effects, making the proceedings boring and stretched.

The story was set up to lead to a battle, and developing an annoying parallel negative character, who we could not take seriously. The biggest flaw in the film was the lack of tension and presence of a believable agenda.

Director Zack Snyder presents an empty movie with a few scenes that leave a mark, leaving a disconnected and frustrated audience to endure a senseless fight.

The only ‘justice’ served was that the film finally ended.

1/5

Eye in the sky (2016)

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The state of political bureaucracy is exposed in what seems to be an antithesis for how casually innocent lives were taken by world powers. Here a protocol is followed, providing taut drama and anxiety, where no rank wants to take responsibility of an act which is definitely required.

Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman play the principal roles in this politically charged thriller by director Gavin Hood. They are perfect in their roles, bringing appropriate amount of authority and frustration to the table.

The supporting cast play opposing sides well, mirroring our own dilemma. A talented display of tension and pressure in the face of unnerving circumstances.

3.5/5

Race (2016)

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Whenever we are reminded of the appalling treatment of the blacks in USA, as recent as early 21st century, we are faced with the sobering fact that how much discrimination is still prevalent today.

This film focuses on that and uses the open abuse of the Jews in Germany as a comparison. The back drop of the pre Second World War tension and the ambition and discipline of a young athlete makes for a remarkable story.

Everything is recreated brilliantly, the nuances are realistic and subtle. There is no resorting to the over dramatic, points are made loud and clear in few lines and fewer gestures. Amongst the cast, Stephan James and Jason Sudeikis leave a lasting impression, whilst a large supporting cast play their role well.

Director Stephen Hopkins (of Ghost and the darkness fame) has handled a multi layered tricky subject very well, with authenticity and sincerity.

3/5

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When Prahlad sat on Holika’s lap, it was TRUST. Even though it is our loved ones, those nearest and dearest to us, who sometimes try to HARM us, we cannot stop trusting. Just like every colour is important in the spectrum, so is every experience, every person in our lives. That is what makes us and our learning COMPLETE.

This HOLI embrace all the colours. They all have added something special to your life and made you the person you are today.

HAPPY HOLI!

Kapoor & Sons (since 1921)

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A complete 3 generation family film, finally! Serving tears and laughter in equal measure, we were tense, smiling, applauding and hoping throughout.

It may start off as a regular film about a family that has drifted, but old issues quickly surface and adults do what they do best, project those issues on to others.

The camera work is ‘intimate’, as if you are walking around and watching the events unfold live in front of you. Complete with twists and turns, the film has no dull moment. The writing left the audience surprised at regular intervals.

In terms of performance, Rishi Kapoor and Fawad Khan tie for being shining beacons in the ensemble cast. The former played an adorable cool grandfather, while the latter knocked the ball out of the park! Brilliant layered portrayal. The film belonged to them.

Ratna Pathak Shah and Rajat Kapoor as the parents portray instability and recklessness in strong doses, clearly carving out personalities for their sons who have developed just so. Siddharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt are their usual selves with a few intense moments.

Dharma productions and Karan Johar continue to be the flag bearers for family films with a strong message. This multi layered and faceted story is testimony to young director Shakun Batra’s evolution.

Must Watch!

3.5/5

Mad Max Fury Road (2015)

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A shot of intelligent adrenaline best defines the experience of this film. While you process the stunning action you also digest the various commentaries made on governments, the current state of the planet, resources and of course humanity.

Imagine action which is constantly moving, throughout the film. How difficult it is to capture and even more complex to weave a story into it. But every movement here, however quick or short is relevant and comes with a back story. That’s what makes the action real and valid. Spanning two days, we traverse the far and wide across desolate landscapes.

Director George Miller who is 71 years old was also at the helm of the first Mad Max in 1979. His vision is par excellence and his execution left us breathless, on the edge of our seats. Tom Hardy plays Max, a stark difference yet very similar to his act of survival in ‘The Revenant’. This time he was on the right team. But it’s Charlize Theron who steals the show with her will to escape and negotiate terms, her grit and strength of character standing tall and firm. Hugh Keays-Byrne, who played the villain in 1979, was menacing again as the Lord of the citadel.

The film is a mad ride, an ode to the American Western, on wheels. It’s lyrical and stylised without the pageantry, dazzling you with real action and leaving you to introspect a carefully wrapped message.

3.5/5

Zootopia (2016)

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‘Try Everything’ is still playing in my head while I write this. Even if you take away that much from the film, it’s worth it. The evolution of animation is evident in the minute detailing and multitude of colours which have been wonderfully crafted in this film.

Anthropomorphic animals give us an insight into highly relevant messages which are metaphorical with sound impact. New recruit rabbit Judy Hopps needs the help of a shifty fox Nick Wilde to solve a case. Enter politics, gender bias, glass ceiling, size, race, diet prejudice and voila! You have the modern messy world!

A host of talented voices (including Shakira) entertain us while we enjoy the vivid landscapes that exist in Zootopia, a kind of ‘utopia for mammals’. While their main concern is that predators don’t turn savage, we humans share the same problem.

Drawing parallels with the current state of society, this layered film delivers multiple messages and a heart warming friendship.

3.5/5

Aligarh (2016)

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Director Hansal Mehta is adept at handling tricky and sensitive subjects, so ‘Aligarh’ was something he tackled appropriately. From the moment the film opened, the mood, tone and pace of the film were set.

The unfortunate real life story of Professor Siras at Aligarh University, is retold by writer / editer Apurva Asrani in a sensitive, dignified manner, always facing the truth and relaying the facts.

Manoj Bajpai as Siras is the restrained shining beacon in the film. What could be a National Award worthy performance, he charms our hearts and wrenches our soul with his simple, docile manner. Charged for homosexuality, he beautifully and repeatedly asked for love not to be labelled or defined.

Rajkumar Rao is his usual dependable self, seeking out troubled waters and trying to calm the ripples by reason, logic and pure reporting. Ashish Vidyarthi as the lawyer gives us an insight into the laws as they were and are. The treatment of the subject is mature without resorting to melodrama or spite.

The troubled world for the LGBT community and the laws that are in place for them are brought to the fore in this tale told with patience and strength. The vision to bring this story to the audiences deserves every credit.

3.5/5