Anand Neelakantan
Anand Neelakantan: The Pen that Built Baahubali's World Before the Battle Began and author of bestsellers Asura and The Asura Way
Anand Neelakantan brings mythology alive with his captivating storytelling and fresh perspectives
Ananya Verma
Fashion IndustryWatch Anand Neelakantan Deliver Impactful Motivational Sessions
wayanad
english, hindi, malyalam
10+ years
disruption, storytelling masterclass, alternate thinking, spirituality, culture, diversity & inclusion
About Anand Neelakantan
Anand Neelakantan is a bestselling Indian writer, screenwriter, columnist, and orator who rewrote mythological narrative by focusing on the underdog, or in his instance, the "villain." An engineer by background from Thrippunithura, Kerala, he initially created a splash with Asura: Tale of the Vanquished (2012), rewriting the Ramayana from Ravana's perspective. The book sold more than a million copies and was included in Amazon India's "100 books to read in a lifetime." He then wrote the Ajaya duology (Roll of the Dice in 2013 and Rise of Kali in 2015), a new adaptation of the Mahabharata from the perspective of the Kauravas. Next, Anand Neelakantan wrote the official prequel trilogy to Baahubali, beginning with The Rise of Sivagami, that topped bestseller lists and received critical success. Anand's books have been translated into more than nine languages and three have been shortlisted for the Crossword Book Award.
Most recently, Anand Neelakantan has widened his literary horizon with outstanding range. His recent publication, "Many Ramayanas Many Lessons" (January 2025), delves into the transformation and varied meanings of the Ramayana through the ages and across cultures. Earlier this year, 2024, he explored non-fiction with "The Asura Way: The Contrarian Path to Success" and children's writing with "The Tale of a Naughty Prank: A Puffin Chapter Book." His children's book "Mahi-the elephant who flew over the blue mountains" was shortlisted for the 2024 Crossword Popular Children's Book Award, which proves he can engage younger readers while still delivering his trademark storytelling depth.
The movie industry has also caught up; KR Movies and DAR Films have bought the movie rights to his book "Vanara: The Legend of Baali, Sugreeva and Tara," planning to make a multilingual film that will introduce his contrarian approach to mythology on the big screen. Outside fiction, he has also authored highly praised screenplays, like Siya Ke Ram, Mahabali Hanuman, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Sarfarosh, Swaraj, and TAJ: Divided by Blood. From 2017 onwards, he has also written the fortnightly "Acute Angle" column for The New Indian Express. Anand Neelakantan is a regular speaker at top literature festivals in India and around the world, such as Paris, Abu Dhabi, and other international spaces. His voice, which is anchored in mythology and contemporary connection, is heard worldwide. He has also conducted sessions on Creative Writing as guest faculty in top organizations such as IIM Indore and HDFC Ltd.'s in-house leadership development programmes, enabling professionals and students alike to grasp the power of narrative and creative construction.
Anand Neelakantan is a bestselling Indian writer, screenwriter, columnist, and orator who rewrote mythological narrative by focusing on the underdog, or in his instance, the "villain." An engineer by background from Thrippunithura, Kerala, he initially created a splash with Asura: Tale of the Vanquished (2012), rewriting the Ramayana from Ravana's perspective. The book sold more than a million copies and was included in Amazon India's "100 books to read in a lifetime." He then wrote the Ajaya duology (Roll of the Dice in 2013 and Rise of Kali in 2015), a new adaptation of the Mahabharata from the perspective of the Kauravas. Next, Anand Neelakantan wrote the official prequel trilogy to Baahubali, beginning with The Rise of Sivagami, that topped bestseller lists and received critical success. Anand's books have been translated into more than nine languages and three have been shortlisted for the Crossword Book Award.
Most recently, Anand Neelakantan has widened his literary horizon with outstanding range. His recent publication, "Many Ramayanas Many Lessons" (January 2025), delves into the transformation and varied meanings of the Ramayana through the ages and across cultures. Earlier this year, 2024, he explored non-fiction with "The Asura Way: The Contrarian Path to Success" and children's writing with "The Tale of a Naughty Prank: A Puffin Chapter Book." His children's book "Mahi-the elephant who flew over the blue mountains" was shortlisted for the 2024 Crossword Popular Children's Book Award, which proves he can engage younger readers while still delivering his trademark storytelling depth.
The movie industry has also caught up; KR Movies and DAR Films have bought the movie rights to his book "Vanara: The Legend of Baali, Sugreeva and Tara," planning to make a multilingual film that will introduce his contrarian approach to mythology on the big screen. Outside fiction, he has also authored highly praised screenplays, like Siya Ke Ram, Mahabali Hanuman, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Sarfarosh, Swaraj, and TAJ: Divided by Blood. From 2017 onwards, he has also written the fortnightly "Acute Angle" column for The New Indian Express. Anand Neelakantan is a regular speaker at top literature festivals in India and around the world, such as Paris, Abu Dhabi, and other international spaces. His voice, which is anchored in mythology and contemporary connection, is heard worldwide. He has also conducted sessions on Creative Writing as guest faculty in top organizations such as IIM Indore and HDFC Ltd.'s in-house leadership development programmes, enabling professionals and students alike to grasp the power of narrative and creative construction.
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Career Highlights and Achievements of Anand Neelakantan
Forbes India Top 100 Celebrity List
Featured among India’s top 100 celebrities by Forbes India for his cultural impact.
The Rise of Sivagami – Baahubali Prequel
His Baahubali universe prequel was shortlisted for the Crossword Popular Award.
Author of Ajaya Series
Ajaya: Roll of the Dice & Ajaya: Rise of Kali - Mahabharata from Kaurava's perspective
Mahi – The Elephant Who Flew Over the Blue Mountains
His children’s book was shortlisted for 2024 Crossword Popular Children’s Book Award.
Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons
Launched in 2025, this book delves into mythological interpretations.
Global Reach of Works
His books have been translated into multiple Indian and international languages.
Why Anand Neelakantan ?
Snapshots of Anand Neelakantan
Showcasing some prominent images and videos of Anand Neelakantan including our previous events and other endeavors.
Anand Neelakantan
Anand Neelakantan: The Pen that Built Baahubali's World Before the Battle Began and author of bestsellers Asura and The Asura Way
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FAQs
Anand Neelakantan is an Indian mythological fiction author, columnist and screenwriter, best known for Asura and the Baahubali prequel trilogy. engage4more lists him as a keynote speaker for corporate events, leadership offsites and storytelling sessions.
The author's name is spelt Anand Neelakantan, though readers often search Anand Neelkanthan or Anand Neelakandan. engage4more lists him under the correct spelling, and every booking enquiry for the mythology author reaches the same engage4more team.
Anand Neelakantan's books include Asura, the Ajaya series (Roll of the Dice and Rise of Kali), Vanara, and the Baahubali: Before the Beginning trilogy, starting with The Rise of Sivagami. engage4more books him for talks drawing on these stories.
Anand Neelakantan's latest novel is Mahishasura: The Legend of Kumarikandam, released by Penguin Random House India in November 2025. It blends mythology, science fiction and AI themes, and engage4more can build corporate sessions around its ideas.
Anand Neelakantan has written for television series including Siya Ke Ram, Mahabali Hanuman and Taj: Divided by Blood. engage4more highlights this screenwriting experience for audiences interested in scripting, storytelling and building narratives that hold attention.
Through engage4more, Anand Neelakantan speaks on lessons from mythology for modern leaders, storytelling from the underdog's point of view, creativity, and the craft of retelling familiar stories. His sessions suit leadership, marketing and creative teams.
To book Anand Neelakantan, share your event date, city, format and audience size with engage4more through the enquiry form, activities@engage4more.com or +91-8044186906. The team checks his availability and sends a customised quote.
Anand Neelakantan's fee for events booked through engage4more depends on format, duration, city and travel. engage4more shares a transparent, event-specific quote once you submit your requirements, so you can plan your budget before confirming.
Yes, engage4more can request Anand Neelakantan for interactive storytelling workshops, fireside chats and moderated conversations as well as keynotes. These formats work well for leadership offsites, brand teams and literature-themed corporate events.
Anand Neelakantan, who lives in Wayanad, Kerala, can be requested through engage4more for virtual sessions as well as in-person events across India. Share your platform, time zone and audience size to confirm his availability and receive a quote.
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Contact booking manager to hire [Artist Name] for the event at +91-8044186906 | activities@engage4more.com