Ram c/o Anandhi | Book Review
Review of Akhil P . Dharmarajan's novel - Ram c/o Anadhai
THEIR STORY
WILL STEAL YOUR HEART...
When
aspiring filmmaker Ram leaves peaceful Alleppey for bustling Chennai, he dreams
of making movies and writing novels.
Instead, he
meets Anandhi.
She's
fierce. He's ambitious. She's a receptionist at his film school. He's the
student who drives her crazy.
Neither
expects to fall in love.
But as their
hostility turns to passion, Ram and Anandhi face impossible choices. With
social barriers, and their own fears standing in the way, they'll have to
decide if their love is worth fighting for.
A sweeping
enemies-to-lovers story about dreams, destiny, and the courage to love without
limits.
Book #20 of 2025
This is one
of those books that you think belongs to a specific genre, only to discover it
seamlessly blends multiple unexpected ones! When I started reading, I assumed
it was a romance novel, but as the story unfolded, elements of mystery and
thrill gradually emerged, making it so much more than just a love story. While
categorized under romance, it steers clear of clichéd, over-the-top moments,
offering a refreshing and realistic portrayal of relationships—which I truly
appreciated.
The story
begins simply, following Ram as he moves to Chennai to pursue a course in
filmmaking, sharing an apartment with two other guys, Bineesh and Kiran. Along
the way, he meets Anandi, a receptionist at the film school, and befriends Vetri and Reshma at the
institute. As he navigates his new life, he also encounters a sweet paati
(grandmother) and her vintage Padmini car, as well as an unsettling experience
with an Aravani (transgender woman) during a train ride. Initially, everything
seems straightforward, but as the chapters progress, it becomes evident that
each character carries a compelling backstory, gradually weaving together into
something far more intricate and emotional.
By the time
I turned the last page, I felt like I had been on a rollercoaster of emotions,
completely immersed in the lives of these characters. Malli and Anandi’s
backstories, in particular, were deeply moving. Paati and her beloved Padmini,
though seemingly minor additions, play a much larger role in the narrative than
one might initially expect. The relationship between step-siblings Vetri and
Reshma is beautifully portrayed, filled with warmth and authenticity. Even
minor characters, like the hotel owner and his wife, leave a lasting impact,
making the story richer and more immersive.
Beyond
romance, the book delves into themes of friendship, camaraderie, sibling bonds
(even between step-siblings), rivalry, war, the struggles of transgender
individuals, love, and loss. Seeing it all through Ram’s perspective adds an
additional layer of depth, making the journey even more poignant.
The writing
is simple yet evocative, painting vivid imagery that transports you straight
into Ram’s world. Many times, I felt as if I was walking alongside him,
experiencing Chennai and all his journeys through his eyes. The ending beautifully ties into the
title, leaving you yearning for more.
Even though
I have not read the original book, I can say that the translation is
flawless—preserving the essence, emotions, and nuances of the original text,
making it just as impactful.
Though it does touch on heavy themes, including war and sexual violence, this book is an emotionally stirring and heartwarming read—one that lingers with you long after you’ve finished. Go for it.
Akhil P.
Dharmajan is a bestselling novelist and scriptwriter. He holds a degree in
Mechanical ITI along with diplomas in mechanical engineering and filmmaking. He
made his mark in the Malayalam film industry as the screenplay writer for the
movie 2018, India's official entry at the 96th Academy Awards. A prolific
contributor to digital discourse, Akhil is very popular on various online media
platforms and passionately engages with digital communities. His previous books
are Mercury Island and Ouija Board.
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