Book review: Ram c\o Anandhi by Akhil P. Dharmajan
If life was a film….
The first thing that strikes one after reading this book is that it could easily be made into a film. Not so coincidentally, the author, Akhil P. Dharmajan, co-wrote the script of the hit Malayalam movie ‘2018.’ In his author’s note, he calls this book ‘a cinematic novel,’ stating that he wants the reader to feel they are watching a film while reading the book. And it helps that all the elements that go into a regular commercial film are in here: friendship, love, drama, mystery, and even the proverbial fight sequence in the climax.
The story is based mainly in Chennai and the city is very much a character in the book, providing both texture and backdrop to the narrative. The protagonist Ram comes from Kerala to learn filmmaking at a college. We soon meet the supporting characters, two of whom will be his friends and companions as he navigates life in a new city. Then, the woman he falls in love with makes her appearance and their combative first meeting is the cliched staple of many a romcom.
Backstories
His friends and the object of his affection all stay as tenants at the house of an old woman, Paatti. Everyone has a backstory that is explained at length but there is no effort made to delve into who these characters really are. The writing just skims the surface, and depth is sacrificed for the pace.
There is one subplot though, involving a transgender character that is handled very well. Ram’s friendship with this woman has a refreshing, charming feel to it. We get a peep into the lives of the transgender community and the travails they face.
This book has been translated from Malayalam and published for the first time in English. The translation by Haritha CK reads as jarring and clunky in quite a few places.
The author has made one interesting choice though, in how he ends the story. It is very different in tone from the rest of the book and reflects how very often things pan out differently in real life as compared to romcoms.
This review appeared in The Hindu`s Literary Review of 15 June 2025.
Ram C/o Anandhi by Akhil P. Dharmajan. Harper Fiction.303 pages.Rs 399.
Sheila Kumar • June 13, 2025