Blurb: Ram, a native of Alleppey, Kerala, relocates to the bustling city of Chennai with dreams of mastering filmmaking and writing a novel. But when he meets Anandhi, a feisty receptionist at his college, his world turns upside down. As Ram and Anandhi’s relationship evolves from animosity to undeniable passion, it sets off a series of events that transforms their lives in ways they never imagined. Peopled with a colourful cast of characters, this love story unlike any other, explores their tumultuous relationship against the backdrop of college life and societal challenges. Tender and devastating, Ram C/O Anandhi is as entertaining as it is unforgettable.
The story, Ram C/o Anandhi begins with Sriram, who is called Ram by all and sundry, reaching Chennai to take a film making course. He has taken up residence with his friend’s older brother Bineesh who works in Chennai and another student, Kiran with whom Ram shares his room. As the story moves, we meet Vetri and Reshma, Ram’s classmates and friends; Anandhi who is receptionist at the college and comes across as an arrogant girl whom everyone dislikes. We also meet Malli, a aruvani.
As the story unfolds, we see Ram not only discover more about his friends and the people around him, learns of their secrets and but also grow as a person himself. As he understands the hustle of a big city and living on his own away from the protection of his parents, he observes the people around him and learns about their struggles.
At the beginning of the novel am and Anandhi are at loggerheads, always fighting with each other but as days progress they get to know each other more and their animosity changes to friendship and then something more. But Ram C/o Anandhi is not their love story; it is so much more. It is about friendship, brotherhood, humanity, loss and resilience.
The story is crisp, fast and totally engrossing. The story has many sub-plots with every character’s background and life given equal importance to that of Ram. As Ram maneuvers the busy and sometimes confusing lanes of Chennai and sometimes life, his friends too are shown to overcome their struggles and move ahead. All this helps in the growth of Ram.
The original book, written by Akhil P. Dharmajan is in Malayalam and it has been brilliantly translated to English by Haritha C.K. The best part is that essence of the story is not lost in translation. My favourite parts in the book is Anandhi and the friendship between Malli and Ram.
Anandhi, introduced as an arrogant, ill-mannered and avaricious girl is revealed to have many facets in her personality and it is showcased by the author throughout the book. The author has built a mystery around her persona and it is captivating for a reader.
Another beautiful aspect of the novel is the friendship between Ram and Malli. Ram first meets Malli, a aruvani in a train where she takes money from him. Their relationship starts on the wrong foot but soon they become friends. Malli’s story is one of heart break, resilience and survival. She is one of the strongest characters in the book and it is heartwarming to see a writer giving importance to people like Malli who need representation in real life too.
All in all, I enjoyed reading the book and would definitely recommend it. Ram C/o Anandhi is an entertaining book with some great story and brilliant characters.
My rating: 4.7/5
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