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
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, he 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 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. Now, he resides in Mumbai with his family and keeps reinventing well-known epics on their head.
He 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, he 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 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. Now, he resides in Mumbai with his family and keeps reinventing well-known epics on their head.
He 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.
disruption, storytelling masterclass, alternate thinking, spirituality, culture, diversity & inclusion
Achievements
1. Asura: Tale of the Vanquished was a bestseller and included in Amazon India's "100 books to read in a lifetime"
2. Ajaya: Roll of the Dice and Ajaya: Rise of Kali, Mahabharata from the Kaurava point of view.
3. The Rise of Sivagami (Baahubali prequel) rose to the top bestseller lists, shortlisted for Crossword Popular Award 2018
4. "Mahi-the elephant who flew over the blue mountains" shortlisted for 2024 Crossword Popular Children's Book Award
5. "Many Ramayanas Many Lessons" launched January 2025, his further exploration of mythological interpretation
6. Film adaptation rights for "Vanara" bought by DAR Films and KR Movies for multilingual production
7. Included in Forbes India's "100 top celebrities" in 2015 and 2017
8. Debut non-fiction title "The Asura Way: The Contrarian Path to Success" released January 2024
1. Asura: Tale of the Vanquished was a bestseller and included in Amazon India's "100 books to read in a lifetime"
2. Ajaya: Roll of the Dice and Ajaya: Rise of Kali, Mahabharata from the Kaurava point of view.
3. The Rise of Sivagami (Baahubali prequel) rose to the top bestseller lists, shortlisted for Crossword Popular Award 2018
4. "Mahi-the elephant who flew over the blue mountains" shortlisted for 2024 Crossword Popular Children's Book Award
5. "Many Ramayanas Many Lessons" launched January 2025, his further exploration of mythological interpretation
6. Film adaptation rights for "Vanara" bought by DAR Films and KR Movies for multilingual production
7. Included in Forbes India's "100 top celebrities" in 2015 and 2017
8. Debut non-fiction title "The Asura Way: The Contrarian Path to Success" released January 2024
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Why Anand Neelakantan ?
Anand Neelakantan doesn’t retell stories—he reframes entire epics. By stepping into the shoes of Ravana or Duryodhana, he urges audiences to question power, morality, and the comfort of familiar narratives.
Whether writing award-nominated children’s books or business frameworks like The Asura Way, Anand proves that ancient tales can inform every generation and industry.
From bestsellers to screen adaptations like Vanara, Anand shares the excitement and challenges of bringing mythology to life—from bookshelves to Netflix to the big screen.
With a blend of research, humor, and vivid anecdotes, his sessions unpack how myth meets marketing, and how narrative shapes identity, leadership, and success.
For literary fests, boardrooms, or universities, Anand inspires through cultural empathy, alternate viewpoints, and the power of storytelling to expand minds across ages and borders.
Booking Anand Neelakantan through engage4more means a stress-free, smooth, and expertly managed experience. From the first enquiry to post-event coordination, our team handles everything with precision. With a proven track record of working with top-tier talent, engage4more ensures your event delivers both impact and inspiration. To Book Anand Neelakantan for your next event via engage4more, you can mail activities@engage4more.com or call +91-8044186906
Snapshots of Anand Neelakantan
Showcasing some prominent images and videos of Anand Neelakantan including our previous events and other endeavors.
