On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

Call me by your name (2017)

Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet were probably not expecting the stir this film would create in the awards season when they set out to act the principle characters.

Set in a simpler time, it speaks of discovery, passion and what usually follows, heartbreak. An unlikely love story in a charming locale, it reminds us of a story long forgotten, told in a nostalgic way. Peppered with deep and meaningful scenes throughout, all credit goes to director Luca Guadagnino for a sensitive cinematic adaptation of the novel of the same name.

3.5/5

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

Love, Simon (2018)

Nick Robinson plays the charming lead in a movie which holds the lens to the popular adage, ‘The mind see’s what it chooses to see’. A wonderful film which explores the curse of technology where the youth yearn for a simple love story. It’s told with an ease that befits this generation and has a host of fun characters and moments, all of whom lead it to back to its title.

3/5

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

Hichki (2018)

Inspired from a film called ‘Front of the class’, which is based on the book of the same name, this gem is directed by Siddharth P Malhotra.

Rani proves yet again that all a good actor needs is good writing. She has portrayed a variety of memorable roles in her career and this will be counted as one of her best. She tells us about Tourette Syndrome in exactly the way it should be spoken about, a tic which doesn’t alter intelligence or life expectancy.

The supporting cast is aplenty, with the teenagers and school staff front and center, and her family in the background. They essay their roles and transformation so seamlessly, that when the film is coming to an end, you want it to go on and on.

Everyone has teachers who have left a lifelong impression on them, I was blessed to have a few, and this film is a salute to the ones who never gave up on their students. Their efforts mould lives and build futures!

It’s a feel good film which deserves to do well, and has many meaningful messages about equal opportunity, acceptance and tenacity.

3.5/5

Soul Contracts

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

I truly believe in this. There are people who leave an impression in their time with you. There may have been intense love, friendship, family ties or earthly drama, of mistrust, deceit, betrayal or abandon. But the reason it affects you, is because you, yourself, asked them to do it, so you could learn something.

No human encounter is random, especially the ones you have deep connections with and learn from, as they are dear to you not only in this lifetime, but beyond as well. In light of this, don’t think badly of those you were close to, and don’t see anymore. Know in your heart that you will meet again in another world, with the same love, where you return, having learned the lessons you set out to, from this life.

Soul Contracts

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

Three billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

Full of anger, grief and frustration, director Martin McDonagh presents an unlikely premise in a wretched scenario.

The small town of Ebbing has had a terrible incident, but months later, it still remains unsolved. The mother, poetically played by Frances McDormand, seeks justice, and thinks of a unique way to get attention, and some answers.

What unravels is the unsettling police police department, a helpless Woody Harrelson and a violent Sam Rockwell, who add to the despair in their own ways.

A raw and unapologetic story where there is no respite, and the audience comes out seeking answers to questions they didn’t know they had.

Brilliant performances!

3.5/5

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

I, Tonya (2017)

A powerful film with stupendous performances, speaks of a story many of us will not be aware of, but is so relevant in every time period.

A very complex relationship between a mother and daughter plays out, where, as is customary, the daughter unwittingly chooses the same pattern again in her love life.

Margot Robbie gives a layered and intense performance as a skating champion who falls in love with a young man, to be accepted and loved, only to continues her journey of inner turmoil and the will and struggle to succeed despite all odds.

Allison Janney as the tough mom, who’s parenting is highly questionable but the intent isn’t, is superb! What insight and wit!

The remaining cast support the dark comedy, where the climax is elusive and full of surprises. It was a very controversial case at the time and has been recreated for our entertainment very successfully.

A brilliant set of performances, story telling and direction by Craig Gillespie.

3.5/5

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

The shape of water (2017)

It is no wonder that director Guillermo del Toro’s film got so many nominations and won major awards. It is also no wonder that it elicits many reactions; some misunderstood it, some treated it with indifference, some loved it, some hated it, while some marveled at it. I was in awe of the story telling and appreciated what it stood for.

The film is a metaphor, as is its story developed in every frame. There is no need for language when you love and there is no need to be the same race either. Love transforms, and though many claim to understand love, not everyone can process a different love.

It makes many statements, of personal, political and universal nature, wrapped in a film with a fluid protagonist. It also is perhaps a take on the meaning of love as well. As water has no shape, love cannot be defined, categorised or explained, it fills us and nourishes us just like water.

Brilliant acting by Sally Hawkins, Richard Jenkins, Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer, Michael Stuhlbarg and Doug Jones, who bring a story to Life by their varying restrain and intensity.

Not your usual film, it needs introspection to appreciate this genius.

3.5/5

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

Farewell Sri

When Divya Bharti tragically left the world, we mourned that a young talent was no more, with so much promise. She was beautiful, charming and had yet to make a place in our hearts.

When super stars such as Rajesh Khanna or Dev Anand passed, we thought they gave their best to the world. We made peace with their contributions but also their time with us.

Sridevi’s passing has left an abyss for her fans. Not only did she have a place in our hearts, but was instrumental in our growing years. Her film and dialogue references almost became a second language and we rooted for her characters because she played them. Her legacy of song and dance is equally rivalled by her brilliant comic timing and penchant for the dramatic.

What could she not do? Nothing. Why are we so sad? Because we wanted more. Because we love our icons and cannot comprehend when this happens to them. We feel it’s ‘too soon’, because we haven’t had our hearts content. Her comeback ‘English Vinglish’ was successful and appropriate, she remained current as a fashion icon, with her latest film ‘Maa’, for which she received a Filmfare nomination, and we always hoped she would create more magic. Her eyes spoke volumes and her smile teased millions. As India’s first female superstar, she crossed boundaries and was celebrated in many languages and communities. A career spanning 5 decades and over 300 films.

What can I say? Some have said a part of our childhood died, some mourn the icon, the actress or the dancing diva. I mourn the legend who switched on with the cameras and retreated to being the shy, introvert once they stopped rolling. Her film hits marked milestones in my growing years.

Once a Sridevi fan, always a Sridevi fan.

On By sandeepadnaniLeave a comment

Can’t believe our favourite Chandni is no more.

Sad Day for all us fans.

Lamhe will never be the same again 😢

A legend we lost so young.

Sridevi, your final act will never be forgotten.