Why a bestseller has Kerala talking

Akhil P Dharmajan’s widely read novel earns literary acclaim while inviting reflection on evolving tastes and storytelling traditions

Should popularity be considered a marker of literary merit, or must literary value rest solely on enduring aesthetic and intellectual standards? This long-standing question has resurfaced in Malayalam literary circles with fresh urgency following the selection of “Ram C/O Anandhi”, the widely read debut novel by Akhil P Dharmajan, for the Sahitya Akademi’s Yuva Puraskar.

More than celebration, the announcement sparked a polarising debate. While many praised the book’s popularity and fresh narrative style, detractors argued that it lacks the literary depth expected of a work honoured by a national literary award.

First published in 2020, the novel follows Ram, an aspiring filmmaker from Alleppey, who moves to Chennai in pursuit of his dreams. Along the way, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, including Anandhi, a receptionist at his film school, and Malli, a transgender woman. With over three lakh copies sold, the novel has reached readers across Kerala.

The book opens with a striking disclaimer: “If you are expecting a typical novel, I ask for your forgiveness. The title that suits me better than a writer is that of a storyteller… If you are a serious literature enthusiast, my storytelling might sometimes disappoint you.” This admission has become a central point in the debate, with critics questioning whether a work that distances itself from “serious literature” deserves a prestigious literary honour.

Critics have been particularly vocal. Literary critic PK Rajashekaran questioned the jury’s decision, arguing that awards from bodies like the Sahitya Akademi must be rooted in literary merit, not popularity. “Ram C/O Anandhi does not meet the standards such awards demand.

This sends a misleading signal to the literary community,” he said. Rajashekaran also challenged the credibility of the jury, claiming their academic credentials do not necessarily reflect literary discernment. “Professorship or a PhD does not make one a qualified literary judge. The jury owes us an explanation of what merit they found in this work,” he added.

Drawing historical parallels, Rajashekaran noted that past bestsellers like “Oru Sankeerthanam Pole” by Perumbadavam Sreedharan were hugely popular but lacked lasting literary value. In contrast, classics like “Khasakkinte Ithihasam” and “Nalukettu” continue to endure because of their literary depth. “A book can be studied academically to understand popularity trends, but that doesn’t justify honouring it as serious literature,” he said.

However, Rajashekaran clarified that the author himself is not at fault. “He wrote a book and found success. The issue lies with those who chose to elevate it beyond its scope.”

Writer Kalpetta Narayanan echoed these concerns, warning that awarding “Ram C/O Anandhi” could set a troubling precedent. “This feels less like a literary recognition and more like an award for a start-up venture,” he said, alluding to the book’s commercial success. According to him, the novel lacks emotional depth (bhavukathwam)—a key ingredient in meaningful literature. “Unlike the emotionally rich debuts of writers like OV Vijayan or S Hareesh, this work falls flat. Recognising it might undermine future literary standards,” he said.

Writer Jisa Jose added a political dimension to the critique, arguing that the book fails to engage constructively with the socio-political themes it touches upon. “It avoids meaningful engagement with the politics it represents. What does the book leave behind after reading? Very little,” she said. Jose also criticised the jury.  “Popular fiction like “Ram C/O Anandhi” is often crafted for entertainment using simple language. When such works receive literary honours, we must question the criteria behind the selection.”

Writer Indu Menon compared the novel to ‘Muthuchippi’, an adult magazine—a remark widely condemned as dismissive and inflammatory.

Abin Joseph, recipient of the Sahitya Akademi’s Yuva Puraskar in 2010 for “Kalyaseri Thesis”, said the criticism against Dharmajan’s award win is unwarranted. “A book shouldn’t be dismissed just because it’s popular,” he said, adding that even during the eras of literary icons like OV Vijayan and Anand, writers like Muttathu Varkey and Kottayam Pushpanath had wide appeal. “MT Vasudevan Nair respected Muttathu Varkey.

We must value popular writers too.” Ashokan Cheruvil echoed this view. “Ram C/O Anandhi” avoids the subtle infusion of apolitical, middle-class, feudal nostalgia and explores timely issues like the Sri Lankan refugee crisis and transgender lives,” he said. “Marketing success doesn’t determine literary value. Failed authors shouldn’t resent those who succeed.”

Young poet Aadi, winner of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Youth Poetry Award, said popular fiction reflects changing post-Covid reading habits. “Readers today prefer accessible, emotionally resonant stories rather than those with dense, serious content. The success of such works shows this changing trend.” Social critic Ram Mohan Paliyath added that some of the criticism reeks of literary elitism. “The novel addresses LGBTQ and feminist themes, and has brought new readers to literature,” he said.

Dharmajan remained measured in his response to the controversy. “Constructive criticism is welcome—like suggestions on improving character development or narrative structure. That kind of feedback helps me grow. But some comments are clearly defamatory, and they do hurt,” he said. Dharmajan defended his narrative style as intentionally cinematic and simple, aimed at beginners who are stepping into the world of reading. “Like warm-ups before intense workouts, new readers need accessible stories. That’s why the book resonated—it paints visuals in simple words that people connect with.”

He also rejected claims of manufactured popularity. “It was a self-published work. I sold the first 1,000 copies myself at railway stations and bus stands. Only later did bookstores take it up. I’ve given my all to this journey,” he said.

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