Akhil P Dharmarajan
Akhil P. Dharmajan is an automobile mechanic-turned-author who found his voice — and a devoted readership — by rising from obscurity and writing stories that resonate deeply. Hailing from a humble family in the backwaters of Alappuzha, Kerala, where floods are a part of life, Akhil grew up witnessing how nature shapes people’s lives and emotions — a theme that runs through much of his work.
Akhil is the author of Malayalam bestsellers like Ram c/o Anandi, Ouija Board, and Mercury Island. His breakthrough novel, Ram c/o Anandi, inspired by his own struggles as a migrant worker in Chennai, sold over 300,000 copies in 2024 and became one of the most sought-after books at the Sharjah International Book Fair. Akhil first began sharing his stories online, chapter by chapter, through a Facebook page he started in 2011 called Katha (Story), which later grew into his own publishing house.
A gifted storyteller beyond the page, Akhil also wrote the screenplay for 2018, the acclaimed film set against the devastating Kerala floods. Released in 2023, the film became India’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.
At BBLF 2025, Akhil brings with him not just his inspiring journey — from mechanic to celebrated writer and screenwriter — but also his unique insights on how stories can emerge from the everyday lives of ordinary people and touch hearts everywhere.
