Re-coding myths

Reboots of epics and myths are flooding the market and finding favour with readers

Bookstores across Bangalore are increasingly lining their shelves with mythological thrillers by Indian authors. With social media updates on every new novel in the market, content is no longer a constraint. It’s all about the choice of reading. And rebooted myths find favour with Bangaloreans.

The trend seems to spell good times for upcoming authors such as Kavita Kane, Anand Neelakantan and Anant Pai.

Amish Tripathy’s

The Immortals of Meluha trilogy sold more than a million copies. Novels such as Kavita Kane’s

Karna’s Wife and Chitra Bannerjee Divakaruni’s

The Palace of Illusions narrates parts of the Mahabharata with dynamic character sketches of Uruvi and Draupadi respectively.

Kavita says: “Epics are a huge canvas of human psychology. The most remarkable part is that we identify the characters in our daily lives. The response for the genre is huge, especially from the youth. It's not the black and white areas of a character, but the shades of grey that interests readers. Mythology has always been a part of our education and entertainment. It is the perspective of the protagonist that matters the most. Mythology gives a larger-than-life image and proves that characters are nothing but a product of circumstances and situations.”

Young people enjoy myths with a millennial aspect. Kavya Rajagopal, from Christ University says: The Palace of Illusions is incredible book. Draupadi has a strong voice. I look forward to reading more such books.”

Krishna Gowda, owner of Bookworm book store says: “After Amish Tripathy's trilogy, the trend has set in. Anand Neelakantan’s yet to be released

Rise of Kali is eagerly anticipated.”