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 The unpublished manuscript was a finalist for the Writing Award in the 2022 Page Turner Awards.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

Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015)

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Drac and the gang are back! This time round the hotel is open to humans and he has a grandchild to dote on. The animation directed by Genndy Tartakovsky takes the story further, but not the experience.

Part two of any film is tricky, and very few achieve a leap in the plot. The characters that we liked in the first film are present, though some of them are relegated to the background.

We have some additions to the voices, one of them being the beloved Megan Mullally (Karen from Will & Grace). Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg and Selena Gomez reprise their roles with the others. The tension in the plot is mild and culminates late, which is perhaps the weakness of the film.

Overall, a good animation with an average plot. Could have more punch. Didn’t resonate like the first.

2.5/5

SanJay’s Super Team (2015)

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The short film that preceded ‘the good dinosaur’ was a welcome surprise for its subject and treatment. The imagination of a little boy and his experience with the gods in a video game type environment made it relevant and relatable for today’s generation. How they manage to communicate a ‘marriage of faith and technology’ in 7 minutes, whilst entertaining you with slick animation is a feat achieved by director Sanjay Patel.

3/5

The good dinosaur (2015)

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Disney has stepped out from its comfort zone with this simple story which has a very detailed and realistic animation.

Director Peter Sohn has reversed the characters, and made the human and dinosaur species co-habit the earth. The dinosaurs speak whereas the human child doesn’t. That twist, with the straight forward tale of parenting, sibling fun, friendship and the will to achieve, make this story endearing. The negative and challenging elements are shown with an abandon which is uncharacteristic for Disney.

Enjoy the little moments in this film which is anything but complex.

2/5

In the heart of the sea (2015)

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Director Ron Howard has made some greats in his career and he just added one more. While the film is heavy on special effects, as it would be impossible to recreate the incidents, it still leaves an impact.

If you don’t know about the hows and whys of whale hunting in the 1800s, or ever read Moby Dick, this film is a crash course on the subject and era. They move things along swiftly, without wasting time on extraneous detail. The result? A top notch IMAX 3D film with a sound story.

The visuals are not only dramatic but difficult to digest as well. It speaks of a world we don’t even remember in theory, which is its strength. The characters telling the story (Brendan Gleeson, Ben Whishaw) and in the epic itself (Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Tom Holland) and the supporting cast, do complete justice to the plot.

A thrilling tale with dependable acting.

3/5

Secret in their eyes (2015)

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When two powerhouse performers like Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman come together, you expect a good film. On that count and many others, the movie over delivers.

The smartly cut promo prepares you on what to expect. The film on the other hand, throws you off. It’s filled with intense moments and chases, emotional trauma and legal processes, all of which contribute to a wholesome movie experience.

Nicole Kidman shows a side we haven’t seen before. Vulnerable yet tough, she is smart and to the point. One particular scene establishes her as the seasoned and strong actor that she is.

Julia Roberts is perfect. Not a movement or muscle moves in a way which doesn’t magnify her emotions appropriately. She does complete justice to her character and has many scenes which leave you in despair, experiencing her agony.

Chiwetel Ejiofor plays the dependable male lead. He balances both the ladies with his own contribution of tenacity and insight. His ability to not give up ultimately drives the film and audience, to its conclusion. The supporting cast adds to the drama.

Director Billy Ray has made a difficult subject, easy to watch. In the current climate it’s still given the right angle, without prejudice. No surprises there as he is an acclaimed screenplay writer. There were some cuts here but nothing which we couldn’t figure.

A brilliant film with solid performances and deep story telling.

3.5/5

Tamasha (2015)

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I would like to start with a big pat on the back of director Imtiaz Ali who had the guts to make this film. A commercial canvas as large as this exploring minute, nurtured passions and ambitions is truly commendable.

It’s everyone’s story. There will be some part, or more, that you will identify with. How we don’t chase our dreams, or why we conform to society. How we don’t realise when we became part of the race, a race that nobody ever really wins. How we have to find ourselves first, before hoping to find love. And how we have to be our true, genuine self to achieve anything of value in our life.

This and a lot more is woven into the film. A wise man had once told me ‘there are only 5 stories, it’s how you tell them’. This film says similarly, on the outset, but manages to give you the essence and learning of many stories.

Deepika is the golden girl with a magical touch. She outdoes herself in every role. This film shows her depth as a young actor. Careless abandon, intense pain, unrequited love and everything in between is natural and effortless.

Ranbir Kapoor is back! It was refreshing to see the spectrum of his talent after a while on screen. His suppression, his angst, how his passion spills into the life he has created for himself shows that he still is one of the best actors we have. He embodies everyone’s story.

The movie shows a philosophy of life, true to many Indians, on screen, in an eccentrically real way. It’s a class film, where many supporting actors act as sign posts and turning points. Vivek Mushran is a revelation! Beautiful locales and soulful music complete the Tamasha.

3.5/5

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Happy thanksgiving everyone. Though the current state of the world doesn’t give us much to be thankful for, it’s only through love and good energy can we change it. We have to be responsible, especially on social media. We have to spread positivity, and not react to news that is created to harbour hate and violence. We have to be mindful of negative press and ones who spread it without verifying its authenticity. And above all, we have to hold on to our loved ones, for its them who makes our world.

Spectre (2015)

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A Bored Bond combined with slick Indian censorship results in a series of scenes sewn together for our benefit.

To give director Sam Mendes his due, he has handled the various modes of transport with some remarkable action, but there is no tension.

A lack of adrenaline is precisely what this film suffers from, and it seems Daniel Craig’s apathy towards a character that gave him so much, weakens it further. Bond Girl Lea Seydoux is a combinations of beauty, brains and brawn and puts a little sparkle into the fading Bond.

We miss Judi Dench as ’M’, though Ralph Fiennes does an ok job minus the wit. Monica Bellucci makes a cameo while not so menacing villain Christoph Waltz tries to terrorise but fails.

Ben Whishaw as ‘Q’, Naomie Harris, Andrew Scott provide able support and Dave Bautista leaves an ‘impact’ without saying much.

One of the weaker films and a let down after Skyfall. Points for action and locales, not traditional Bond espionage and spy thrills.

2/5

It’s the same year

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As the year is reaching its final month I look back and think how it started out. We had resolutions. We had dreams. We had check lists. We had desires which were not on the list or probably not even dancing around in our conscious mind. But somehow without our full intention, they manifested from our subconscious. One friend lost considerable weight and attracted great opportunities. Another expanded his business. One flew to places he has just wished for and another made new friends. Some found love while some found work. Some moved and some contemplated a move. All in the same year. In the very time they didn’t think they would. Or even should because they were not ready or ‘deserving’. But time my friend, will present what’s good for you at the right time, and prepare you for the right time in ways that may not seem right. Trust Time.

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015)

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So let’s acknowledge one thing first, the Barjatyas and Fox Star have spent money on the production, and it looks good, mostly.

Besides that there is little to talk about. But as its customary, it shall be discussed, in the hope again, to save your time and money.

Rajshri productions usually focus on family dramas and this is no exception. The tension though, lacks depth and meaning, looking lacklustre with caricature like characters. Random scenes, a weak plot, a supporting cast that wasn’t utilised well, and some misfits were cast too.

Salman Khan has more chemistry with Anupam Kher than with Sonam Kapoor. She does what she does best, look good and mouth some dialogues. The cinema erupted into laughs when she was crying, so that’s the verdict on her acting ability.

Deepak Dobriyal provides some comic relief. Swara Bhaskar is regressive, Armaan Koli laughable. Neil Nitin Mukesh looks princely in a role which suited him well, but lacked dimension.

The songs are abysmal baring the title track. Songs used to be Sooraj Barjatya’s strength, but over the years, that too has dwindled.

Was it as bad as ‘Mein Prem ki Deewani hoon’? Let’s just say they are tied, and leave it at that.

1/5