Anand Neelakantan is best known for his thought-provoking reimaginings of ancient epics and folklore. Born in Kerala, Neelakantan’s writing delves deep into the world of historical fiction and Indian mythology, where he often offers alternate viewpoints to the traditional tales we know from the great epics like the ‘Mahabharata’, ‘Ramayana’, and other classical texts.
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Before turning to writing, Neelakantan worked in various sectors, from engineering to corporate roles, before deciding to dedicate himself to literature. His debut book, ‘Asura: Tale of the Vanquished’, set the stage for his unique style of storytelling. He flipped the conventional narrative and offered a fresh perspective on age-old mythologies. Neelakantan has since become one of India’s most recognized writers, earning accolades for his storytelling abilities and ability to breathe new life into classical epics. His books have been translated into several languages, and he has won numerous awards, including the Kalinga International Literary Award in 2017 and Crossword popular award in 2013.
Here are some of my favourite books by Anand Neelakantan:
- Asura: Tale of the Vanquished (2012)
This is the book that launched Anand Neelakantan to fame. I was lucky enough to receive a review copy of the book and it made me sit up and take note. ‘Asura’ reimagines the life of Ravana, the antagonist from the ‘Ramayana’, as a misunderstood hero. Through the eyes of Ravana, we are presented with an entirely different narrative, one that challenges the conventional portrayal of him as the villain. The novel presents the story from Ravana’s perspective, delving into his struggles, his vision for Lanka, and the complexities of his character. Neelakantan’s brilliant storytelling makes this one of his most popular and acclaimed works.
2. Ajaya: Roll of the Dice (2013)
‘Ajaya’ takes a similar bold step by flipping the script on the ‘Mahabharata’. The book focuses on the story of Duryodhana, often seen as the villain in the epic, and presents his perspective on the events leading to the great war. Neelakantan shows Duryodhana as a misunderstood figure, offering a compelling argument that the heroism of the Pandavas may not be as clear-cut as traditionally presented. The book is a fascinating read for anyone who has always wondered what the “other side” of the Mahabharata would look like. The author followed up ‘Ajaya’ with ‘Ajaya: Rise of Kali’.
3. Karna’s Wife: The Outcast’s Queen (2013)
While Ajaya gave us Duryodhana’s perspective of Mahabharata, this book offers a fresh perspective on the life of Karna, one of the most tragic characters in the ‘Mahabharata’. But Neelakantan doesn’t just focus on Karna; he introduces us to his wife, Vrushali, who has long remained a sidelined character in the epic. Through Vrushali’s eyes, we get a poignant portrayal of love, sacrifice, and the struggles of being married to someone as complex as Karna. The book explores themes of fate, destiny, and personal choice in a society bound by rigid traditions.
4. The Rise of Sivagami (2017)
Set in the world of the ‘Baahubali’ film franchise, ‘The Rise of Sivagami’ is a prequel to the movies and explores the origins of the powerful Queen Sivagami. In this book, Neelakantan delves into the complex politics of the kingdom of Mahishmati and the rise of a woman who defies conventions. The book is a fast paced read full of intrigue, betrayal, and the power struggles that shape the world of Mahishmati, making it a must-read for fans of the ‘Baahubali’ series.
5. Vanara: The Legend of Baali, Sugreev and Tara (2019)
Anand Neelakantan revisited the ‘Ramayana’ once more, but this time from the perspective of the Vanaras – the monkey warriors. The book focuses on the lives of Baali, Sugreev, and Tara, characters often marginalized in the epic. By offering insights into their lives and struggles, Neelakantan brings a fresh layer of depth to these characters, reminding us once again that there were so many lives involved that we do not know much about.The novel examines brotherhood, loyalty, love, and the consequences of power, making it a significant addition to his body of work.
If you are looking to introduce your kids to mythology, folklore and epics, Anand Neelakantan has you covered as well. You can check out ‘The Very Extremely Most Naughty Asura tales for Kids’, ‘The Tale of the Naughty Flying Mountains’, and ‘Mahi-The Elephant Who Flew Over the Blue Mountains’ among others.
Anand Neelakantan breathes new life into ancient tales and that is what sets him apart in the world of fiction. His works provide fresh perspectives on characters and stories that have been ingrained in cultural consciousness for centuries. By delving into the lives of those traditionally seen as villains, sidelined characters, or misunderstood figures, Neelakantan gives voice to the “other side” of history. In doing so, he makes readers stop, and revisit their own perceptions of morality, heroism, and the complex nature of storytelling. Anand Neelakantan’s books are not just retellings but an invitation to rethink and reimagine all the narratives that we have grown up with and look at not only the age old stories, but also at the world around us with a new lens.