Akhil P. Dharmajan
Writer
Akhil P. Dharmajan is a contemporary Malayalam writer who has built a strong connection with young readers through his distinctive storytelling and unconventional approach to publishing and book launches. From self-publishing his early works to winning the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar, his journey reflects persistence, experimentation and a determination to find his own path in Malayalam literature.
Key Facts
Full Name: Akhil P. Dharmajan
Born: 1993
Birthplace: Pathirapalli, Alappuzha, Kerala
Profession: Writer, Screenwriter
Language: Malayalam
Notable Work: Ram C/O Anandhi
Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar: 2025
Early Life and Education
Akhil P. Dharmajan was born in 1993 in Pathirapalli, Alappuzha district, to K. V. Dharmajan and Maheshwari. He completed his schooling at institutions in Alappuzha, including S.D.V. School, V.V.S.D. LP and UP School, Mary Immaculate High School, Poonkavu, and Holy Family H.S.S., Kattoor.
He later pursued diplomas in mechanical engineering and filmmaking. However, writing became an important part of his life from a young age.
Akhil began writing novels when he was just 18. His early interest eventually developed into a serious literary pursuit.
Finding His Own Way
Akhil’s entry into publishing was far from conventional.
His first book, Ouija Board, attracted attention among Malayalam readers, particularly through social media. The experience of publishing the book also taught him the difficulties that emerging writers could face in the publishing industry.
After encountering problems with the publication of his first book, Akhil decided to take greater control over the process. He established a publishing venture called Katha and used it to publish his work.
His second book, Mercury Island, followed a similarly unconventional path. Its release was held at Pathiramanal island in Alappuzha, reflecting the writer’s willingness to turn book launches into memorable experiences rather than conventional promotional events.
Ram C/O Anandhi
The work that brought Akhil much wider recognition was Ram C/O Anandhi.
Published by DC Books, the novel is set primarily in Chennai and follows the lives, relationships, humour and emotional experiences of its central characters, Ram and Anandhi.
The novel connected strongly with younger Malayalam readers and became particularly popular through social media. Its accessible storytelling and contemporary setting helped it reach an audience beyond traditional literary circles.
The popularity of Ram C/O Anandhi also extended into academic spaces. Portions of the novel have been included in the revised BA Malayalam syllabus of the University of Calicut and Mahatma Gandhi University.
The novel has also been translated into English by Haritha C. K.
From Reader Popularity to Literary Recognition
The success of Ram C/O Anandhi represented an important turning point in Akhil’s career.
While the novel had already developed a strong readership, its recognition through the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar in 2025 added another significant dimension to his literary journey.
The award is presented to young Indian writers for outstanding literary work, and the recognition placed Akhil among the emerging voices receiving national attention.
For a writer who began by navigating the challenges of self-publishing, the honour marked a significant achievement.
Unconventional Book Launches
Akhil has also developed a reputation for choosing unusual settings for his book launches.
Ram C/O Anandhi was released at Chennai Railway Station during the Covid-19 period, while his fourth novel, Rathri 12 Nu Sesham, was released at midnight at a public crematorium in May 2025.
These unconventional launches have become part of his identity as a writer and reflect his willingness to approach literature and its presentation differently.
Beyond Literature
Akhil’s creative work is not limited to novels.
He was also involved as a co-screenwriter, along with Jude Anthany Joseph, for the Malayalam film 2018, directed by Jude Anthany Joseph. The film, based on the devastating Kerala floods of 2018, became one of the major successes of Malayalam cinema.
His involvement in screenwriting demonstrates his interest in storytelling across different formats, moving between literature and cinema.
A Writer Connecting With a New Generation
One of the most notable aspects of Akhil P. Dharmajan’s journey is his ability to connect with readers who may not always engage with conventional literary fiction.
His writing has found a particularly strong response among younger Malayalam readers, while the academic recognition of Ram C/O Anandhi has given his work a place within formal literary study as well.
His journey also represents a changing literary landscape, where social media, independent publishing and unconventional promotion can play an important role in bringing new writers to the attention of readers.
Awards and Honours
• Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar – 2025, for Ram C/O Anandhi
A Journey Still Unfolding
Akhil P. Dharmajan’s rise in Malayalam literature is a story of persistence and experimentation. He began writing at a young age, faced difficulties while publishing his early work, created his own publishing platform and eventually produced a novel that connected strongly with a new generation of readers.
From self-publishing Ouija Board to receiving the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar for Ram C/O Anandhi, his journey shows how a contemporary Malayalam writer can build a readership by finding a distinctive voice and refusing to follow a conventional path.
With his continued work in literature and cinema, Akhil represents a younger generation of Malayalam storytellers whose influence is still being written.
