Anand Neelakantan: Revitalising Mythological Narratives

In the rich tapestry of Indian mythology and history, Anand Neelakantan emerges as a luminary, reshaping and retelling timeless tales with remarkable success. With over 14 books to his name, Neelakantan has secured his position as one of India’s most beloved authors, celebrated for his distinct perspective on mythological fiction. His journey is as multifaceted as his storytelling, encompassing roles as a columnist, screenwriter, public speaker, and even actor. Let’s delve into the captivating life and career of this versatile storyteller.

Early Life and Education

Hailing from Thripoonithura, a picturesque village near Cochin in Kerala, Anand Neelakantan began his intellectual journey at the Government Engineering College, Trichur in Kerala. Despite his technical background, his creative talents flourished during his more than two-decade-long tenure at the Indian Oil Corporation, where he honed his skills as a cartoonist, contributing his wit and artistry to Malayalam magazines.

However, it was his decision to depart from his corporate career that marked a significant turning point in his life. Driven by his passion for writing, Neelakantan embarked on a quest to explore the world of storytelling and the transformative power of reimagining ancient narratives.

A Unique Approach to Mythology

What distinguishes Anand Neelakantan is his innovative approach to mythology. Specialising in retelling tales from the vantage point of the antagonists or lesser-known characters, he infuses new vitality into age-old stories, offering readers a fresh and enthralling perspective.

His debut novel, “Asura: Tale of the Vanquished” (2012), boldly reimagines the Ramayana from the viewpoint of Ravana, swiftly becoming a bestseller and captivating audiences with its novel interpretation. This success spurred Neelakantan to embark on a literary odyssey, including a two-book series on the Mahabharata, “Ajaya: Roll of the Dice” (2013) and “Ajaya: Rise of Kali” (2015), narrated from the Kauravas’ standpoint. Venturing into the world of Baahubali, he penned the official prequel trilogy, “Baahubali: Before the Beginning,” which unveils the origins of the legendary characters and events from the blockbuster film franchise.

Expanding Horizons

Neelakantan’s creative endeavours extend beyond novels, encompassing children’s literature with “The Very Extremely Most Naughty Asura Tales for Kids” (2020) and captivating audio dramas like “Nala’s Damayanti” and “Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons.” His influence also permeates Indian television, where he has crafted screenplays for popular serials like “Siya Ke Ram,” “Mahabali Hanuman,” and “Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat.” Notably, he showcased his acting prowess in the Doordarshan Television show “Swaraj,” portraying the antagonist Ettappa Naicker.

Anand Neelakantan’s literary contributions have transcended linguistic barriers, with his books translated into numerous Indian languages as well as Indonesian, widening his reach to a diverse audience.

Accolades and Recognition

Neelakantan’s literary prowess has earned him widespread acclaim, with “Asura: Tale of the Vanquished” featured in Amazon Books’ list of “100 books by Indian authors to read in a lifetime” and achieving over a million copies in sales. Additionally, three of his books have been shortlisted for the Crossword Book Award. His impact extends beyond literature, as Forbes India recognised him among the “100 top celebrities in India” in 2015 and 2017. Through his thought-provoking columns in The New Indian Express, titled “Acute Angle,” he offers readers invaluable insights into contemporary issues.

Anand Neelakantan’s ability to infuse new vitality into ancient myths and legends has endeared him to readers, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in the literary landscape. With his innovative storytelling, he continues to captivate audiences worldwide, breathing fresh life into age-old narratives.