A book whose first edition was published in 1987, a book that had a large readership at the time but has not been annotated over the centuries, is now in its second edition thirty years later. Now it is back in the hands of readers and is widely read. Vijanavithi, a horror-psychological-crime novel unrecognizable as an old book, is gaining momentum among readers. It is the author’s pride when a book, which was previously a lost book, reaches the right readers. Vijanaveedhi by Aswathy Thirunal is a multi-genre reading.
Vijanaveethi leaves from Gauri, who is crossing the city of Kavadiyar by bus at twelve midnight. Gauri, a psychology student, is returning to college after going to the country. As she walks around town alone, she slowly begins to develop a sense of dread. But Gauri is a girl with extraordinary courage and strength. At that moment, she finds a boat seller on the street. She was relieved to see at least one person when she was alone, and that too a woman. But when she approaches, she realizes that their hands are covered in fur. Out of that fear, she runs to someone else, where she sees her body in the same terrible condition, and the story takes a different turn. From the moment the story unfolds, Gauri has walked the royal streets of history for hours. Gauri’s life changed after that experience.
There is a connection between history and reality in Vijanavithi. The line between them is very thin. But if there are no boundaries, the relationship between them is often confused. Even after the novel is finished, the question of what the relationship between Gauri and the historical heroine Subhadra is will haunt the reader. The same is said of the character in CV Raman’s novel “Marthandavarma” called Subhadra, the eight-house Pillas granddaughter. When the psychologist Krishnadas states that Subhadra is only a mythical character, the discussion about whether Subhadra’s existence is real is involved. But beyond CV Raman’s portrait of Subhadra in Marthandavarma, Gauri must tell the world true stories of history. For this it has to be Subhadra and Gauri in the middle.
Careful research and observation, even if it was written years ago, is the most positive aspect of Vijanaveethi. Also in the field of psychology, speaking of the treatment method of the time, shock treatment, the writer mentions its bogus laws and differences in foreign treatment. Ashwathi Thirunal took all issues raised in this way with such seriousness. For this, be it history or science or crime. The book is a fusion of multiple genres. Crime, Horror, Psychology, History, Thriller and Spirituality come together perfectly. But the writer notes that the lack of logic is evident and the reading is unwavering. The author managed to create a terrifying atmosphere by combining history and crime. Even when they try to connect Gauri’s mental disorder with something supernatural, readers are able to give accurate answers to everything.
Although in a small part, this book has given the head to the controversy. The association of this novel with Manichitrathazhu directed by Fazil cannot be forgotten. Although this issue has been discussed many times, the truth is that the filmmakers have not yet accepted this relationship. But the reader has the experience. The author mentions this clearly in the revised version of the book itself. The new edition was published by Vijanavithi Publishers with many studies. The writer says the script written for the film is the earliest form of Vijanavithi. Later, when the film was not made, he converted it himself into a new form. However, the novel has not lost the visual appeal of the script. You can read a book as well as watch a movie.
Vijanaveethi, which was published as Khandassa in Kumkumam Weekly many years ago, is now gaining appreciation from new age readers as well. Vijanaveedhi testifies that books written with careful observation can be read as if they were the most up to date over time. In Malayalam literature, Vijanavithi is one that should have a place alongside Yakshi and Kalika. Aswathi Thirunal introduces a great secret left by CV from his narrator through Vijanavithi. Therefore, readers will surely have realizations and shocks at the end of the reading.
Summary of contents: Book Vijanaveedhi of Aswathi Thirunal
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