'Vihangam' is well-known filmmaker, and as original and creative a mind I have ever known, Gangaraju Gunnam's first novel. The novel comes out of Gangaraju's deep wish to share his angst with the world and he does it in the way only he can - in classic Ayn Rand fashion with characters who do not bend, who stick to their principles come what may, who do not shy away from their destinies and who do not conform to popular logic. Obviously, they are game changers, the ones who disrupt and change the world.
Our hero is Vihang, someone who believes in the truth, someone so wired for truth that as a child he would puke if he heard a lie. Vihang is more than that, he is smart, compassionate and has many original ideas that he implements with a team of believers like him. Tripe A, his mentor and close fiend, Rohit, Kiran and he, work from their office at 13th hour Movies. The story begins with Vihang filing his nominations to become an MP and then releasing an ad that openly says he will bribe anyone with 5000 rupees for a vote.. The media is in a tizzy about this 'truth'. He ruffles many feathers and is barred from contesting.
Then he starts a Uber type of an app called Vahini which disrupts the local taxi system and once again he is forced to close it down by the unions and their political bosses. (Vihang shuts down his businesses without rancour or hatred.) Next he starts a schooling system that makes children learn practical things, every day things, that are useful in life - called Early Bird Schooling - which runs into trouble with the HRD Minister and his coaching centre cohorts.
While at that Vihang and his team seek to expose and fight a system that makes no sense - from jails to reservations, the environmentalists and their propaganda, Youth flock to his website and Vihang's ideas take off. There are romantic interests too - in the form of Reena, a sharp lobbyist, whom Vihang loves and who loves him in return and Vani, a top businessman's daughter, who loves him but he does not love her in return. Vihang spurns an offer to marry her and take over the multi crore empire of his father in law. In the end there is a conspiracy by the powers that be, to eliminate this constant thorn in their flesh. Will Vihang survive that? Will he rise like the Phoenix?
The characters are ramrod straight, the issues are those we all feel bad about, so its highly relatable. The ideas are original and the arguments make you think. But we all live in a world full of hypocrisy and lies, believing a narrative that's convenient, that we know is not the truth. Gangaraju rubs the readers' face in exactly those uncomfortable truths. But the protagonist protests in a manner that does not cause more damage and most often leaves the field with grace - he is a restrained, focused, patient and action-oriented guy whose 'actions' are productive and inspiring. It's a work of love, of something Gangaraju feels strongly about, and that comes across. And going by what he mentioned in the book, this is the first of many books he will be writing, and I am looking forward to reading them. While at that, I do feel this book has the potential to inspire and guide youngsters in the right manner and hope it is read widely. A movie certainly. Least of all a vihang.com website for readers to step forward and share their angst - one way to start a revolution that champions truth. I would not expect any less from Gangaraju, who I know will always do things differently, and who does not, like his characters shy away from putting his vision forward and acting on it despite what the rest of world may think. Definitely worth a read.
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