KOCHI: Whatever the critics might say, there’s no denying the colossal that Chetan Bhagat has become and the interest he evokes among readers, particularly the young who love his simple, accessible style of writing. Over the years, each one of his books has been much-awaited. In fact, Revolution 2020, that is all set for a grand Diwali launch, is been looked upon as nothing short of an event. The blogging world is abuzz with excitement, and book stores are getting enquiries by the dozen. Pre-bookings on the net have been terrific. It’s no different in Kochi, where DC Books tells us that each day has at least 5-6 youngsters walking in to ask about the book. “We tell them we will call them up when the book arrives. We are expecting to sell about 1000 copies in a couple of weeks itself,” says Manoj G, executive at DC Books near Saritha -Savitha. He adds that CB is one of the largest and fastest selling authors in the city. “I would say he is ‘the’ largest.”The book, by Chetan’s own admission is an extension of many of his social columns that have found favour, not just among youth but other age groups as well. ‘Revolution 2020’ is about corruption in the education system in the country in the backdrop of a love story. Anoop Vattoly (25), who works in an IT firm, is an avid fan of the author and finds his style ‘simple and beautiful. “He’s touched the hearts of the modern youth, which is why his books are so well-read. A good author is one who notices things and says it in a way that the ordinary person cannot. Chetan does that well. He notices a lot of things, and by that I mean physical aspects of our living,” he says. Mano John (23), was educated in an English medium school but like many is not comfortable speaking it. He feels Chetan’s language is simple to understand, and there is a genuineness in his stories that moves the reader. “I picked up one of his books accidentally at a railway station. I didn’t know who Chetan Bhagat was. But as I read it, I found myself quite engrossed in it. His books have readability and his heroes are one among us. They have no airs. I like that,” he says. Sooraj Janardanan (23), a business analyst working at Tecriti Pvt Ltd, says he’s eagerly awaiting the release of the author’s new book. He says he’s not typically a book buff, but makes an exception for Chetan’s novels. “Of course I’ve heard about Revolution 2020. All my friends are excited and eager to buy it. The thing with his books is that it connects with the youth segment, and I can see myself as part of his stories. And they are so fast-paced,” he says with obvious enthusiasm. 22-year-old Deepika K, a journalism student feels Chetan’s ability to nicely package his stories like a Bollywood film, plays a role in the success of his books. “His books are fun-filled, filmy, dramatic and have all the formula required for a Bollywood entertainer. He deals with the aspirations of the young generation who strive hard to attain their goals.” She believes his last book ‘2 States’ played a part in making him more popular all over. “ 2 States was about 2 cultures, South and North, which got the attention of people from all around. I feel he is more comfortable with topics that are autobiographical.”“When he takes larger-than-life themes, which are plot-driven, like ‘3 Mistakes Of My Life’ and ‘One Night @ The Call Centre’, it doesn’t work all that well,” she says.There are of course others who take only a cursory interest in him. Says 23-year-old Betty Joseph, a student. “ I don’t think all his novels are equally popular or good. ‘Five Point Someone’ sold a lot, so did ‘2 States’. The other two were just average I feel. I do read him but I have other favourite writers,” she says.
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