While traversing through the corridors of mythology, one gets
a feeling that this journey cannot be described as only about the ideal that millions
revere; rather it is a deliberate assortment of the crux of different cultures
and generations. The whole content is laced with contemporary socio-political issues.
The milieu is not different from that being witnessed in this era: social prejudices, falling status of women, misogyny,
nonchalant attitude of common folks, law and order situation, rape. It appears
as if by some machinations, the great lord has been made to time travel and given
the charge of initiating change in the 21st century.
In trying to sound not too preachy while staying relevant to
the aspirations of current generation, some clichés do come up in the writing
which could have been avoided. It’s not the best work of the writer, but this notion
may simply be because the protagonist is entrenched so deep into the common psyche
that any variation may attract considerable criticism. It’s really difficult to
dislodge the long held beliefs about who he was and what he did; but an
alternative view must always be considered and appreciated. Overall one can read
it if one wishes but it never falls into that ‘must-read’ category every
bibliophile so jealously ponders over for himself.
Post Script: The intimate moments are quite circumspect; one does
not get to read beyond the usual flirtations of playing with fingers or hair.
May be that’s how it was in those days or the writer simply did not want to
offend that prude living deep down in our hearts.
