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 The unpublished manuscript was a finalist for the Writing Award in the 2022 Page Turner Awards.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

X-Men: Days of Future Past

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When a super hero film doesn’t try too hard to impress, this is the result. It was easy to watch, the characterisation was strong, the effects were excellent (a standard these days) supported by a decent plot. You settle into the film pretty quick after its dramatic beginning, knowing exactly how it will end, but the action, drama and visual sequences are engaging till its timely conclusion.

An ensemble cast comprising of Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, Ellen Page, Nicholas Hoult, Shawn Ashmore, Peter Dinklage, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart are surprisingly given important and appropriate footage, except Halle Berry who has very little presence.

Bryan Singer has directed X-Men, X2, Superman Returns, produced X-Men: First Class, amongst many others, so is no stranger to the genre, which shows in his film making. He builds the right tone and feel quickly, taking you on a mixed paced ride with enough thrills and mutant theories to await the next one. Watch out for a 10 second glimpse after the end credits have completely finished.

3/5

Me, Myself and I

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Have a seat, grab a snack, because this three- way chat will confuse you at best, with hopes of entertaining you.

Here’s how a typical conversation in my head goes:

Me: I think that everything should be perfect in my world, though I may not be. Everyone should know what I want, think, like, dislike. People should conform to my beliefs.

Myself: I know that I am a part of this ever-evolving, ever-changing universe. I attract my own lessons and the people in my life are there for a purpose, the events that occur, do so for my own growth.

I: A conscious part of me that watches the debate between the above two, my resident jury of aging brain cells. It knows that the ego needs taming, that I am a soul that is aware of its place in the scheme of things. It hopes that I can achieve a reasonable thought process which can be both world-wise and true to itself. It doesn’t question me, though it sees me falter, or make a complete a** of myself, but it stays put, like a loyal vigilante who will not leave me, or judge, or sing ‘I told you so’.

Our mind is usually reasoning our thoughts and actions, juggling many dialogues at once. Some acknowledge this, while others continue (maybe blissfully) unaware, simply working from one action/reaction to the next.

What I have learned is that we usually play tricks with ourselves. We go through a conversation where “Me” usually gets the first say. Once “Me” is done making its point, “Myself” starts shedding light on some important aspects that may have been missed out. It goes to and fro, until of course, the larger part (either your ego or your awareness) let’s you express yourself. “I” remains as it always did, a silent supporter and a gentle reminder of your actions/decisions past and present.

The future is of course, full of infinite possibilities. Experience teaches us that let “I” guide you, while the other two indulge in banter which may or may not be entirely fruitful. You will always be known as the outcome of your internal battle, let it be who you really are and not masked by your version of your ‘ideal’ or ‘perfect’ self.

And above all, let love, compassion and kindness be your guide, because if they are, you will never go wrong.

Fading Gigolo (2013)

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John Turturro is the main lead in this insightful film, which he has also written and directed. The story is about the oldest profession, but the twist is sensitive. His chemistry with Woody Allen is perhaps the best, who acts as his ‘agent’. Beneficiaries include Sharon Stone, Sofia Vergara and Vanessa Paradis. Liev Schreiber provides the complication in the end.

The writing of the film makes it unique, where we are not concerned about ‘the act’ itself, but the lead up to it. We wonder of course, why the likes of Sharon Stone, for example, would ever require such services. It goes to show that everyone is struggling with their own reality and being attractive isn’t a confirmed ticket to ‘mating’.

Watch this otherwise mild concoction for a very strong subject, which entertains and enlightens.

2.5/5  

Million Dollar Arm (2014)

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Disney brings us the true story of RInku and Dinesh, two boys who win a competition in India to play baseball back in the USA. This was a last attempt to save a flagging career by sports agent JB Bernstein, who travels through India with a novel concept to recruit young men.

The strength of this movie is that its based on a true story, which makes it more real than aspirational. It is handled sensitively, showing a more rural and congested India, but not as gritty and stark as ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. What starts off as unique strategic move, turns into an evolutionary journey for all those who are on it.

Classic ‘sports film’ moments, the well placed highs and lows, the background score, make this film predictable, yet enjoyable. The casting is very impressive, with a host of talented actors present, but not necessarily impactful.

In the end I think this film was more of a culture exchange, rather than atheletic, which gave it its warm fuzzy Disney feel.

A strong pitch with a soft heart.

3/5

Godzilla (2014)

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This time the ‘King of Monsters’ may be on the side of the human race, naturally being drawn to radiation seeking MUTO’s (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism). Some think its nature’s way of dealing with the MUTO’s, others fear that Godzilla might create havoc. What ensues?

A back story with too much ‘forced drama/emotion’ leads us to the fantastic action sequences and destruction scenes. A tad long at 122 minutes, the 3D didn’t lend much to the visuals, though it wasn’t a deterrent either. New cities make a debut in the catastrophe landscape, a relief from the usual. 

The fans will love it and other mortals like us will enjoy the special effects. Isn’t that what a summer blockbuster is all about?

2/5

Amour (2012)

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When a film is called ‘Love’ we expect to see the ‘popular expressions’ of this universal force. What we are shown though, are the true colours, strength and qualities of love and its magnanimity.

An octogenarian couple is faced with the greatest test when one of them falls ill and starts deteriorating. How they both cope with it and keep their dignity and interdependence so balanced, is true genius by director Michael Haneke.

At age 85, Emmanuelle Riva became the oldest Best Actress Oscar nominee of all time. She and Jean-Louis Trintignant play an endearing yet resilient pair. The various complexities that old age and being by yourself bring upon them, are communicated in passing depth, which touch you momentarily, preparing you for the next scene. What unfolds is not necessarily difficult to watch, but a reality for all who are in relationships, or aspire to be in one.

The end is a triumph for love.

3.5/5

Philomena (2013)

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Judi Dench brings us yet another deep and understated performance as Philomena, supported brilliantly by screenplay writer and actor Steve Coogan. A political journalist needs to resurrect his career and a real life story takes him and his subject to the USA and back, where he unravels not only her past, but deals with his present as well.

The theme is difficult to bring alive, the proceedings make you wonder how it will all end. Theories of religion, the instincts of a mother, tolerance of sexuality, the past of the church all make a compelling story, which has a fair pace keeping in mind the length and breadth of the mystery. Peppered with footage which gives us glimpses of the past, we too feel like discovering and putting this piece to rest.

A film directed by two time Oscar nominee Stephan Frears (The Grifters, The Queen), it is filled with emotion and drama in the most tight-lipped, restrained manner possible.

3.5/5 

2 states (2014)

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A book written by and apparently based on Chetan Bhagat’s own dating and marriage story, has Arjun Kapoor (Krish) in a positive role, finally! Alia (Ananya) shines in a confident yet traditional role, different from her other two outings. They make a sparkling couple thanks to the way the director Abhishek Verman has presented them.

The story is simple, reminiscent of a side story in Vicky Donor where the Bengalis finally party with the Punjabis. Here of course, its the ‘Madrasis’ who are subject to Punjabi antics, dished out deliciously by Amrita Singh. She is up against Revathy, who gives it back with equal fervour. Wish there were subtitles for such a film, to let the audience truly be part of both states.

Its an ensemble cast effort, be it the strong and silent Shiv Kumar Subramanium who plays Alia’s dad, or Arjun’s alcoholic father Ronit Roy plays so convincingly. Both families put together, you have a southern buffet served with a north Indian tadka, made sensitively and sincerely.

The director has planned his highs and lows well in the film, sometimes stretching the plot too thin, but taking you to a beautiful conclusion nevertheless.

3/5

Blue Jasmine (2013)

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Only Woody Allen can attempt such films and do justice to them. We have seen why actors have been lauded for their performances in the past. They get into the character, display a range of emotions. They are raw, unaffected, soulful, dramatic or understated.

Cate Blanchett manages to do all of the above mentioned, in one scene, weaving in and out of hysteria, breathlessness, denial, delusion, throughout the film. To beat Meryl Streep’s performance in August Osage County, she did something right. Strike that. Many things right. And just for that you should watch her as Jasmine.

Alec Baldwin lends able support, as do Sally Hawkins, Bobby Cannavale and Andrew Dice Clay. What we learn about are ‘patterns’. Either we repeat them, or we doubt them and try and break them. The key is to identify which ones are good for us, and which ones are detrimental.

The music makes the turmoil easier to digest and the skyline gives us something concrete to balance the erratic behaviour of the cast.

3.5/5

Rio 2 (2014)

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We are back in the world of Blu, Jewel, Linda and the gang, where they travel from Rio to the Amazon. While the earlier story was told from a singular point of view, this one was about the entire species and of course, the in-laws (always a funny subject!).

The ‘other’ love story that happens on the side is highly unlikely and perhaps provides more entertainment than the domesticated Gunderson family. Andy Garcia as the father-in-law, Kristin Chenoweth as Gabi, Bruno Mars as Roberto and Philip Lawrence as Felipe add more to the already talented cast.

It has more colour, resonance to current issues, family values, the whole animated experience.

Watch if you are a ‘Rio’ fan.

3/5