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 The unpublished manuscript was a finalist for the Writing Award in the 2022 Page Turner Awards.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

The Walk (2015)

On October 14, 2015 By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

Robert Zemeckis can add one more unique film to his large and varied repertoire. His recreation of the towers and the era itself gets points, and the way his tale is narrated leaves an endearing effect on the audience.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the principal role of the famous Phillipe Petit and has a believable French accent to boot. His dream, which is not a secret, was to walk the ‘void’ between the two World Trade Center towers in New York. A feat back in 1974, the world was still a trusting place and that vulnerability along with his passion has been captured beautifully. He is ably supported by an eclectic ensemble cast, their characters etched well even in their short roles.

Aesthetically the film is consistent throughout. It slowly builds the back story and the current scenarios to prepare you for the tense, nail biting, edge of the seat tension later. The climax merges serenity with tension, leaving you transfixed!

A sweeping cinematic experience where we walk the tight rope too!

3.5/5

Talvar (2015)

On October 10, 2015 By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

After a long time a gripping murder thriller drama hits the screens. No spoon feeding here ( a la drishyam) and very short scenes which flow fast but give you time to process and lead you to several conclusions.

Irrfan is… What can I say? He is himself. Dependable, real, talented as ever. Carrying out a complicated investigation in the circumstances that his character does, with his perfect reactions, is a treat to watch. Konkona Sen is powerful, has a tricky layered character which she does full justice to.

Megha Gulzar took up the formidable task of putting a real life controversial case on celluloid. Judging by her previous films which were good stories but didn’t get as much commercial success, this one is running house full and is a totally different genre. She keeps it crisp, taut and has a super cast, various supporting characters who do their job wonderfully well. Her capture of politics in the work place, power games and latent corruption are subtle but strong.

All in all you have a rare gem that demands to be seen. The fact that this really happened makes our legal system the scariest thing you would never want to be involved in.

3.5/5

The Martian (2015)

On October 6, 2015 By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

Ridley Scott does it again! Not only does he take us on a mission which is millions of miles away, but we also get to see a possible future of space travel.

While other films rely heavily on scientific mumbo jumbo or stoic tension, this film flows through its lengthy run, combining easy logic, humour and short doses of drama. Matt Damon shows that he can handle being the only living thing in a frame (barring some potatoes) and entertain us with his eccentricities.

While there is some ‘back and forth’ it jogs our sense of survival and answers more questions than it raises, making it part learning part entertainment. While the audience expects the worse, the story surprises us, especially the climax which has remnants from another recent famous and critically acclaimed film set in the starry vacuum.

Men may not be from Mars, but this film shows how they could survive on it.

3.5/5

The Intern (2015)

On October 4, 2015 By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

A nuanced and sensitive film, its strength lies in the way it brews. Slowly, full of aroma, it becomes potent over time, establishing connections with the characters in surprising ways.

Anne Hathaway is layered and vulnerable in a way she hasn’t portrayed before. She is every bit her character, Jules, as she expresses her flaws in passing, as well as her ambitions.

Robert De Niro as Ben exudes calm. He is the epitome of patience, understanding and wisdom in the film. All this and more, with little dialogue. His demeanour is solid but soft. He represents perfect balance.

A new take on the concept of an Intern, this film will keep you wanting more. It’s warm and real, showing new insights in professional and personal relationships. Bravo director Nancy Meyers!

3.5/5

Everest (2015)

On September 30, 2015 By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

Mostly sound and fury, it seemed like a documentary made for IMAX about the challenges and majesty surrounding the highest peak in the world.

The tension was left a little too late in the film, while the star line up played the second lead to Everest, which they did successfully.

The fact that it was based on a true story gave it some weight, but the story wasn’t dire enough. Scenes of the much more superior film ‘Alive’ came to mind, but the director, though dealing with loss of life, didn’t have the scope of the tragedy or the length of rescue time that leaves a mark.

A visual film with a few intense scenes and moments.

2.5/5

Manjhi : The Mountain Man (2015)

On September 7, 2015 By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

Set in post independence India, the tale of a lone man who wants to conquer a mountain for the betterment of his village is heart warming.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, plays the title role with such conviction, that you never think you are watching a film, but are somehow privy to a slice of their life. Radhika Apte who plays his spouse, has supported him ably, matching up to him in every frame. Their scenes have great chemistry and their intimacy is shot beautifully.

Director Ketan Mehta has captured the essence of the period, with appropriate dialogue, songs, body language, locations and sets. It’s earthy, not melodramatic and real.

The audience is left with a message in the end which could have been far more elaborate, but they say a lot in few lines. A sincere film with a big heart.

3/5

On August 15, 2015 By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

We can only enjoy independence if ALL our countrymen are progressing and prospering. Otherwise we are merely existing freely without any responsibility.

Drishyam (2015)

On August 11, 2015 By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

What could have been a taut thriller turned out to be a dragged, stretched drama which became predictable and at points, laughable.

What surprises me most is Ajay Devgn and Tabu agreeing to do such caricaturist roles where they are literally spoon feeding the audience, rather than emoting.

By the time the movie finished many people were repeating the clues as a joke, and the repetitive and simplistic nature of story telling diluted any impact it could have had.

All in all, a good story in an average film which needed to be atleast 40 minutes shorter with no songs. The character graphs were haphazard and the only relatable characters were Rajat Kapoor and the little girl.

2/5

Mission : Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)

On August 6, 2015 By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

After the Ghost Protocol debacle, the team has stuck to the safe formula from its predecessors, entertaining with good action and decent stunts. It however, does not have any overtly tense moments or cliffhangers as is customary for such films.

Tom Cruise has aged well, carrying the franchise on his shoulders with the help of Jeremy Renner, Alec Baldwin, Simon Pegg who provides the laughs and Sean Harris who provides the creeps. Rebecca Ferguson displays the rare combination of being a fatal feminine, with endearing looks and lethal moves.

The film explores several cities and has some very well crafted scenes, showing us different challenges and landscapes. Director Christopher McQuarrie has resuscitated a franchise and left room for a part six as well.

3/5

On August 2, 2015 By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

For the friends who have used their power and influence over others wisely, I admire you. For the ones who haven’t, you taught us to become wiser in our choice of friends. Today is a day to celebrate those who continue to bring a smile on your face. Happy days to you. Yes you. You know who you are.