First let me tell you why I bought this book. I went to Oberoi mall in Mumbai last Saturday and came to know Chetan Bhagat would be there to launch his new book. I didn’t even know the name of the book. I was not keen to buy it after reading disappointing "Three mistakes of my life". Five point someone was cult, One night. was good but three mistakes of my life became too filmy in the end. Chetan’s graph was consistent, unfortunately southwards.
I observed that books/portions which reflects CB’s life always interesting. This book has a catchy title, "2 States, the story of my marriage". I thought let me give it a try.
*PLOT
*Krish(read Chetan) is a north Indian boy(Punjabi, to be precise) and Ananya(read Anusha) is a south Indian girl(Tamilian). Ananya is the most good looking girl of her batch at IIMA, Krish is typical IIT+IIM combo except he is cute. Then story tells us how their love blossoms during "Ahmedabad" act.
After done their MBA, Ananya got a job with HLL in Chennai, Krish was in dilemma to choose between Chennai and Delhi. Since they wanted to marry DDLJ style and not the Jab We Met style, they have to convince their respective parents, relatives etc. Krish asked for Chennai, become the only North Indian in his Citibank branch, became a tutor to Ananya’s younger brother, prepared PPT for future father-in-law and literally launched her Mother-in-law’s singing career. He tried his best to win their hearts. I was wondering he could have beaten Bill Gates if he had focused that much energy in wealth creation.
After six months at Chennai, he went back to Delhi to be with his mother. His parents had serious rivalry. As he said in the book, theirs is an "officially-fcuked-up" family. His father didn’t get along with his mother or him. His mother is a typical Punjabi mom for whom most important things in life are food and choosing a wealthy punjabi Bahu. Ananya spent a week in Delhi to win her Mother-in-law’s heart.
Later both parties spent some time at neutral venue, some misunderstanding happened, Krish had to shuttle between Delhi-Chennai. And as you have already predicted, things end well and they married happily.
*PLUSES
*Chetan Bhagat must be credited to make an entire generation reading Indian fiction. After his success there are plenty of Indian writers churning out books on theme of college campus/sex/dumbass boss/stubborn future in-laws etc.His books have dark element with witty one-liners. Every page has at least ten sarcastic comments. His language is simple and catchy. Plots are mostly convincing(climax of 3 mistakes of my life is an exception).Here, all the characters are well defined. They are very belivable. Actually, this book is part fact, part fiction. He stated that this book is inspired by his family and his own experiences, however should be considered as a fiction. While reading, you will not feel that he is going overboard. Story is progressing smoothly. Humor is always present.
There is a chapter on spirituality as well, which is well-placed. Book caters what it promises.
Btw book is priced just INR 95. Kudos to Rupa & Co.
*MINUSES
*I said all characters are well defined but one, Krish’s father. I don’t want to reveal much here, you would understand if you read the book.
In the very beginning Chetan had put disclaimer for south Indians saying he doesn’t want to make fun of them. Whatever written in the book is just to generate fun like he has written for Punjabi. However, I feel Punjabis would be offended more instead of South Indians. I hope there will not be any political controversy(remember, Shashi Thuroor’s tweeter controversy) because of this book.
My Verdict:
Go for it. Chetan is back. Even if the book becomes predictable, it’s a fun ride. Book has an important message too. We are Indians first, tamil/punjabi/gujarati later. Because of Chetan Bhagat’s name, very reasonable price, contempary theme; this book is going to top best-sellers list.
Just want to share, I spotted Chetan Bhagat near Crosswords at the Oberoi Mall. To get his autograph on the book, I rushed to stor, bought a book in hurry, went straight to him. Bhagat is a common surname in Gujaratis as well and because of his IIMA background, I thought he is Gujarati. I started talking to him in Gujarati and he gave me a puzzled look. I thought he is arrogant or something, but later I realized I goofed up. He is actually Punjabi.
GOD bless all, nayan
Piracy is killing this book. Its pirated copy is already available for 40-50 buck.