NO TERROR

This is giving rise to a growing genre of stories. It is not to suggest all is/ will be ‘ dark’ in nature. Some of the references you have made are shows created for the Western world, and have travelled. India has always been captive to ‘ tantric, folklore, spirits, alternative nature’ and the like. On TV today, we have Naagin — which is one of the most viewed shows. It captures folklore, with myth but presented in all its glory. Our sensibilities are evolving and we are more aware of the range and possibilities of entertainment. It is not a phase but an evolution. We are not abandoning the sweet syrupy romance nor are we surrendering the classic thriller. Fantasy is taking different forms and those viewing are aware of the fictional nature of it. It is as such a niche domain, but without ‘ dark’, we may not appreciate ‘ light’. Hence, there is space for all,” he adds...

As the world shrinks in size, authors too are boldly exploring touchy topics like rape, child abuse, addiction, schizophrenia, where current day protagonists are now shown as more real with flaws that are no longer judged by the reader. For instance, Anita Nair’s latest book, Eating Wasps unabashedly explores the dark side in the lives of 10 women. The book is at once gripping and yet deeply perturbing. On being asked why she chooses a dark subject, the author responded by saying, “There is no conflict in happy stories and besides which one of us can claim that we lead a life free of challenge or conflict? With Eating Wasps, I had to look within and gaze at my own darkness to understand what my characters were going through and then use it in my writing. In that sense, it is perhaps my most courageous book. The unflinching gaze took a huge toll and this book exacted a

heavy price.”