Kolhapur Ramamurthy’s Kapardi, published in October 2024, is an engaging suspense thriller that intertwines ancient Indian wisdom with pressing contemporary concerns about environmental conservation. Apparently set against the backdrop of COP-29, the novel offers a riveting narrative enriched with cultural depth, spiritual reflection, and action-packed twists. Adorned with quality and well-developed protagonists, countersigning antagonists, and engaging storyline, it is a commendable blend of thriller, historical fiction, and social commentary. Ramamurthy’s unique writing style makes this novel worth our time. You will read a comprehensive review of this contemporary novel in this article. By the end of it, if you find the work of fiction appealing to you, you can easily click on the link to Amazon and get yourself a copy. All the best!

Plot Overview

The story begins with the death of a Seer at the Vatapi Ganapati Ashram in Haridwar, setting the stage for the protagonist, Kapardi—a young, adventurous sociology lecturer with a secretive and noble mission. Alongside his close friend Nachiketh, Kapardi embarks on a journey that reveals hidden facets of Indian traditions, environmental conservation, and geopolitical intrigue. The murder of two geologists, the involvement of the ISI, and the protection of the Ancient Kedareshwara Temple propel the story into a complex web of suspense and action.

Shazia, a diligent CBI officer investigating the geologists’ deaths, enriches the plot. Her connection to the central mystery and Kapardi’s clandestine leadership of the Sharvagni movement add depth to the narrative. The novel crescendos with a thrilling confrontation at the Ancient Kedareshwara Temple, where the stakes transcend personal vendettas and aim to safeguard a legacy of cultural and environmental significance.

Key Themes

• Environmental Conservation: The novel aligns with global ecological concerns, symbolised by the Ancient Kedareshwara Temple, a cultural and environmental preservation beacon.
• Tradition vs. Modernity: The narrative navigates the delicate balance between ancient Indian rituals and contemporary challenges, showcasing the relevance of traditional wisdom in addressing modern crises.
• Spirituality and Sacrifice: The novel underscores the virtues of selflessness and resilience in facing adversity through characters like Kapardi and Shazia.

Characterisation

Ramamurthy crafts a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to the novel’s layered complexity:

• Kapardi, the protagonist, is multifaceted, combining intellectual depth with martial prowess as the leader of the Sharvagni movement.
• Shazia Al Tahira, a committed investigator, bridges the personal and professional realms with her connection to the Sharvagni legacy.
• Hamid Mir, the antagonist, is a compelling figure driven by vengeance, adding emotional depth to the conflict.

The relationships among these characters, particularly the camaraderie between Kapardi and Nachiketh and the ideological clash with Hamid, provide a dynamic interplay that propels the story forward. Creating such characters is an example of the novelist’s creative prowess. Ramamurthy makes the story even more engaging, compelling, and complete by creating characters who complement each other and fulfil the storyline’s journey to an intriguing culmination.

Literary Merit

Ramamurthy’s writing is marked by clarity and precision, complemented by an ability to weave suspense and philosophical introspection. The narrative maintains its grip on readers through:

• Intricate Plotting: The layered storyline, complete with cliffhangers and revelations, keeps readers invested.
• Symbolism: The Ancient Kedareshwara Temple is a powerful metaphor for preserving cultural and ecological heritage.
• Multiple Perspectives: The shifting viewpoints enhance the narrative depth, offering readers a panoramic view of the unfolding drama.

However, areas for improvement include more profound subsidiary character development and a consistent storyline pacing. The novel might appear a little clumsier to readers who are accustomed to reading minimal fiction with no or very little literary depth. While the philosophical discussions add richness, they occasionally slow the momentum, which might affect the thrill for some readers. To cut things short and end the debate about the novel’s literary merit, let me put it this way – Kapardi is a peculiar kind of work in contemporary fiction with qualities that certainly will appeal to serious readers.

What sets Kapardi apart?

Kolhapur Ramamurthy’s Kapardi offers a unique reading experience. It combines ancient Indian wisdom with a modern suspense thriller, setting it apart from contemporary novels. While many thrillers focus on high-tech espionage or global conspiracies, Kapardi grounds its narrative in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. It showcases rituals and hymns as solutions to modern challenges like environmental conservation.

The novel’s deep cultural and philosophical dimensions add to its uniqueness. Through characters like Nachiketh and Vidyaranya Saraswati, it delves into Indian philosophy, blending intellectual depth with a fast-paced plot. Kapardi’s dual role as a sociology lecturer and leader of the Sharvagni movement exemplifies the fusion of tradition and modernity. Additionally, the narrative addresses environmental advocacy through a cultural lens, with the Ancient Kedareshwara Temple serving as a symbol of ecological and heritage preservation.

The story also explores India’s socio-political complexities by incorporating geopolitical elements, such as the ISI’s involvement, creating a distinctively Indian context. Multilayered characters and legacy connections, like Shazia’s link to the Sharvagni movement, add depth and intrigue, making the plot richer than conventional thrillers.

Kapardi strikes a rare balance between entertainment and education, immersing readers in India’s rich traditions while tackling contemporary issues. Its ability to intertwine cultural heritage, environmental conservation, and thrilling suspense makes it a standout novel, offering a uniquely Indian perspective to the global literary stage.

Final Verdict – A Must-Read Work!

Kapardi is a thought-provoking thriller that skilfully bridges the gap between ancient traditions and modern dilemmas. Its compelling narrative, rooted in Indian philosophy and environmental advocacy, positions Kolhapur Ramamurthy as a promising voice in contemporary fiction. The novel is not just a tale of suspense but a tribute to the enduring relevance of cultural heritage in shaping a sustainable future.

Click here to get a copy of the novel – Amazon Link

Review by Alka for ReadByCritics