Danny Goes Aum

An easy mood piece envisioned with a quiet elegance. Subtle yet powerful performances and a moving score embodies the essence of the film- a poignant, poetic, wistful odyssey of exploration and self-discovery. With its unconventional story arc it eschews dramatic crises or narrative lurches in favour of something altogether more ambient. The calm unobtrusive cinematography compliments the film's aesthetic while showcasing a Goa one can only imagine and hope for. The movie's powered by director Sandeep Mohan's graceful vision; soulful and unhurried, a collection of relatable moments (or desires) and proves meaningful stories can be told with the simplest productions. Kudos to all involved.

Danny Goes Aum - New film by independent filmmaker Sandeep Mohan, chronicles the journey of a film-editor who discovers his voice while working on a film-script. Danny has 'edited' himself for too long by focusing on his past or by doing things that he needed to do to survive. But his true-self cannot be contained any longer so life puts him in a situation where he has no option but to 'conceive' himself again. I do not wish to give details of the Danny's journey because those are to be relished by watching the film. I can tell you one thing though that 'glasses' given by others have 'no power' and eventually we need to see the inner/outer world for ourselves.

I have always admired Sandeep's work. While Nirmal Anand Ki Puppy was path breaking, Shreelancer (my personnel favorite) encourages us to live in the moment. If Love, wrinkle-free was quirky then Hola Venky! Is a miracle simply because it was shot on a shoe-string budget in the US.

If you want to break into filmmaking, then my advice to you is to study Sandeep's films which always make this statement - Don't think too much, Dream & Do. They are a proof that more than budget and fancy equipment, filmmakers need to discover their stories and have conviction to tell them. Most film students study the work of renowned film makers and then don't attempt anything because the feeling of not being good enough paralyses them even before they take the first step. One needs to study films that make idea of making films more accessible. The journey still may not be easy but at least you will not take forever to start it.

Well done Sandeep and l hope that you make many more films and keep inspiring others who are on a similar path to be 'Do-lancers' instead of just being 'Dream-lancers'.

Well crafted film with little nuances that try to resolve the lead character's quest of self-discovery. Every character has its own prominence and journey. Dialogues are beautiful and the film has its own soulful space and pace. The technicalities like camera, locations and music is also amazing. Will touch the hearts of audiences for sure. The theme and story of the film is unique, yet simple and heart-touching. Loved the second half specially when Danny meets the Indian Girl, their conversations about life and relationships are amazing. Different characters with two different mindsets and perspectives.

I discovered this film on an airplane and was instantly drawn in by the title. The protagonist is a distingué English gentleman who journeys to Goa. His vocation as a script-writer/ editor remains unfulfilled, which I thought was symbolic of his general disposition as pensive and despondent. He is like a ghost ship, internally adrift when the two distinct female characters mysteriously and playfully board his ship as "fleeting passangers" so to speak whilst on their respective journeys and artfully nudge him to the shore where he does much introspection. I really appreciate the space this film offers and it feels like this wonderful and meaningful work of art maintains the same pace as your breathing. The music was unadultrated and stunning, which is really hard to come by whether it be a mainstream feature film or an indie film such as this one. Lovely French, English, and Indian cast and masterful direction, cinematography, and coloring. I wholeheartedly support meaningful pieces like this and I already have all the other works by this director on my list. I strongly recommend watching in the dark with headphones on as I did 30,000 feet above sea level!

-tea 13/5/2025.