Ram c/o Anandhi
| Author | Akhil P. Dharmajan |
|---|---|
| Translator | Haritha C. K. |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Genre | Fiction Romance |
| Publisher | DC Books (Malayalam) HarperCollins India (English) |
Publication date | 2020 (Malayalam) 2025 (English) |
| Publication place | India |
| Pages | 320 (Malayalam) 332 (English) |
| Awards | Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2025[1] |
Ram c/o Anandhi is a Malayalam-language contemporary romantic novel written by Indian author Akhil P. Dharmajan. It is first published by DC Books in 2020. The novel gained popularity for its emotional storytelling, vibrant characters, and cinematic narrative style.[2] The English translation by Haritha C. K. was published by HarperCollins India in 2025.[3]
Plot
[edit]The novel revolves around Sriram (Ram), a young aspiring filmmaker from Alleppey, who moves to Chennai to pursue his dreams. He stays in a mansion run by an old woman, where he meets Anandhi, a spirited receptionist. What begins as friction turns into a deep, meaningful bond.[4] The story also features characters like Malli, a transgender woman, and explores the found-family dynamic among residents of the mansion.
Author
[edit]The novel is written by Akhil P. Dharmajan, born in Pathirappally in Alappuzha district, Kerala, is a writer and screenwriter. He holds a diploma in mechanical engineering and a background in film direction.[5] Apart from novels like Ojobord and Mercury Island, he co-wrote the screenplay of the Malayalam film 2018.[6][7]
Reception
[edit]The novel was well received for its cinematic storytelling, character development, and emotionally engaging plot.[8][9] Many reviewers praised its authentic portrayal of South Indian life and its sensitive handling of gender identity.[10] As of April 2024 , the novel has sold over 1.3 lakh copies.[11] By November 2024 it reached sale of more than 3 lakhs copies.[12][13]
Awards
[edit]In June 2025, Ram c/o Anandhi won the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar in the Malayalam category.[14]
Film adaptation
[edit]In December 2023, it was announced that Ram c/o Anandhi will be adapted into a feature film. The adaptation was officially announced at the Kerala Literature Festival. The film is reportedly directed by Anusha Pillai, marking her directorial debut. Pillai has previously worked as an assistant director with acclaimed filmmaker and actor Kamal Haasan.[15]
Wealth Eye Cinemas owned by Vignesh Kumar is producing the film. Pranav Mohanlal and Sai Pallavi are reportedly being considered for the lead roles of Ram and Anandhi, respectively. The film will be simultaneously shot in Malayalam and Tamil.[16]
Controversy
[edit]Following the novel’s commercial success,it faced widespread piracy. Within weeks of its popularity surge in early 2024, pirated PDF versions of the novel were widely circulated on social media and messaging platforms.[17] The publishers and author publicly condemned the act, stating it severely impacted earnings and undermined the efforts of regional writers.[18]
In June 2025, the novel’s win of the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar drew mixed reactions from literary circles. Some critics argued that the novel leaned heavily on pop-culture appeal and cinematic style, and questioned whether it met the literary depth typically associated with Akademi honors.[19] Others, however, defended the choice, citing its accessibility, cultural impact, and representation of modern urban narratives in Malayalam literature.[20]
References
[edit]- ^ "Akhil P. Dharmajan bags Yuva Puraskar for 'Ram c/o Anandhi'; Children's Literature Award for Sreejith Moothedath". Kerala Kaumudi. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "സിനിമ കാണുന്ന പോലെ ഒരു നോവൽ മലയാളത്തിലും; ഇത് റാമിന്റെയും ആനന്ദിയുടെയും കഥ". Manorama Online. 29 December 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "If life were a film | Review of Ram C/o Anandhi by Akhil P. Dharmajan". The Hindu. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Book Review: Ram c/o Anandhi is all about love, loss and life through a filmi lens". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Akhil P Dharmajan Shares his Inspirational Writing Journey at Sharjah International Book Fair". Metro Vaartha. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
- ^ "എന്നെ ദ്രോഹിച്ച് നിങ്ങൾക്കൊന്നും മതിയായില്ലേ: അഖിൽ". Manorama Online. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
- ^ "'വെള്ളക്കെട്ടില്‍പെട്ടു പാമ്പുകടിയേറ്റു, ഭയക്കാനൊന്നും ഇല്ല': 2018 തിരക്കഥകൃത്ത് അഖില്‍ പി ധര്‍മ്മജന്‍". Asianet News. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
- ^ "Social media romance buzz turns novels chart-toppers". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Looks like a book, feels like a movie". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Road to romance". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Ram C/O Anandhi : How a marketing campaign and viral videos created a bestseller". The Hindu. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "'എഴുത്തുകാരനാകണമെന്ന ആഗ്രഹത്തിൻ്റെ പേരിൽ പരിഹസിക്കപ്പെട്ടു'; റാം c/o ആനന്ദിയുടെ കഥാകാരൻ അഖിൽ പി ധർമജൻ പറയുന്നു". Samayam. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Malayalam literature goes lit with record sales". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "അഖിൽ പി. ധർമജന്റെ 'റാം c/o ആനന്ദി'ക്ക് കേന്ദ്ര സാഹിത്യ അക്കാഡമി പുരസ്കാരം". Media One. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Akhil P Dharmajan's Malayalam Novel Ram C/O Anandhi To Be Adapted Into Film". News18. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
- ^ "'റാം C/O ആനന്ദി' സിനിമയാകുന്നു; സംവിധാനം അനുഷ പിള്ള". Asianet News. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
- ^ "'അല്‍പ്പമെങ്കിലും മനസ്സാക്ഷി കാണിച്ചുകൂടേ? ഞാന്‍ എന്തപരാധം ചെയ്തു'; കുറിപ്പുമായി 'റാം C/O ആനന്ദി'യുടെ സൃഷ്ടാവ്". Asianet News. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "'Ram C/o Anandhi' pirated copies at Ernakulam exhibition: FIR registered, one held". Mathrubhumi News. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "റാം c/o ആനന്ദി: വിപണിയിൽ ജയിച്ചു എന്നല്ലാതെ യാതൊരു മേൻമയുമില്ല; ഇത്തരം കൃതികളെ ആദരിക്കുന്നത് ഭാവിയിൽ ദോഷം ചെയ്യും: കല്പറ്റ നാരായണൻ". Dool News. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Akhil P Dharmajan wins Yuva Puraskar". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 June 2025.