Venmurasu
2014-2020 Tamil novel based on the Mahabharata From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Venmurasu (Tamil: வெண்முரசு Veṇmuracu; transl. "Sacred Proclamation") is a Tamil-language novel by Bahuleyan Jeyamohan. It is a modern retelling of the Indian classical epic, the Mahābhārata.
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Consisting of 26 volumes spanning 22,400 pages, Venmurasu is recognized as one of the longest novels ever published.[2] Jeyamohan began writing the work in January 2014 and completed it in 2020.[3][4]
The novel follows a linear narrative style similar to the Mahābhārata and has been published in both hardcover and paperback editions.
Background
Jeyamohan was influenced by Kathakali renditions of the Mahābhārata, with portrayals of characters such as Duryodhana and Karna shaping his childhood.[5][6] His worldview was also influenced by the Bhagavad Gita.[7]
He began writing Venmurasu in January 2014 after a conversation with his daughter.[8] He published a new chapter online daily throughout the writing process.
Style
Summarize
Perspective
Jeyamohan has described Venmurasu as a modern novel based on the Mahābhārata. While the storyline is guided by the epic’s framework, it incorporates modern literary techniques such as nested narratives, intertextuality, and fantasy elements.[9] Jeyamohan refers to this stylistic approach as Puranic Realism.[1]
Drawing from various sources, including the Srimad Bhagavata, the Devi Bhagavata, and folk traditions, Venmurasu interweaves myths and legends from diverse Indian traditions.[10] [11] The novel has been compared to classical works like The Odyssey, The Iliad, and Kamba Ramayana.[12]
Beyond its narrative, Venmurasu delves into the philosophical dimensions of Indian thought. Jeyamohan has described it as "a classical work that possesses density and depth while leaving enough space for discerning readers to fill with their imagination.".[13]
Although Venmurasu roughly follows the linear structure of the Mahābhārata, its individual episodes are often non-linear. The novel frequently employs Sūtas, traditional traveling bards, to recount stories.[14] The work is structured as a series of interconnected books, each with its own storyline, including: Mudharkanal, Mazhaippadal, Vannakkadal, Neelam, Prayagai, Venmugil Nagaram, Indraneelam, Kaandepam, Veiyon, Panniru Padaikkalam, Solvalarkaadu, Kiratham, Maalamalar, Neerkkolam, EzhuThazhal, Kuruthicharal, Imaikkanam, Senna Vengai, Thisaither Vellam, Kaarkadal, Irutkani, Theein Edai, Neerchudar, Kalittriyaanai Nirai,[15] Kalporusirunurai,[16] and Muthalaavin.[17]
Reception
Venmurasu has received significant responses from both readers and critics. Writers such as Indira Parthasarathy[18] and A Muttulingam[19] have praised the work. In 2021, an album titled A Musical Tribute to Venmurasu was released, featuring performances by Kamal Haasan and others under the direction of Mani Ratnam.[20][21]
See also
References
External links
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