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
The Rise of Sivagami – Baahubali Prequel
His Baahubali universe prequel was shortlisted for the Crossword Popular Award.
The Asura Way: The Contrarian Path to Success
Released his debut non-fiction book in January 2024.
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.
Vanara Film Adaptation
Film rights for Vanara were acquired by DAR Films and KR Movies.
Screenplay & TV Writing
Wrote and conceptualised leading Indian television shows inspired by Indian epics
Global Reach of Works
His books have been translated into multiple Indian and international languages.
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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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