Actor Nagarjuna and Amala unveils Ajaya 2, Rise of Kali a book by Anand Neelakantan

Leadstart Publishing and Crossword Book Store, hosted the book launch on an evening of​ 11^th August 2015. The evening saw the presence of renowned and critically acclaimed actor Nagarjuna and his wife Amala who unveiled the book “Ajaya 2 Rise of Kali” by Anand Neelakantan.

Speaking on the occasion Nagarjuna said, I grew up listening to Mythological tales, enamored by the mythological roles played by NTR, ANR. Anand Neelakantan's first book presented the other side of Ramayana. Every issue has to be seen in two different ways. For me Ravana became a hero with the other perspective. Therefore a person is always good and bad at the same time, it is for us to explore the good side in him, he said. I wish someone makes the Asura books into movies, like Bahubali was picturised excellently by Rajamouli. I feel jealous of other actors for the opportunity they got in Bahubali and feel sad about not being part of it. I look forward to someone doing a film with Asura characters and giving me a role in it. He advised the youth to read books rather than frittering away time by playing mobile games, and wanted them to have this book on must read.

Amala said, Indian authors off late have been making a mark , while the youth is lacking interest in reading books. Indian cinema is also coming off age and can explore such stories.

Anand Neelakantan said, this is my lucky city, I love this city and Nagarjuna and Amala have been lucky couple for me, they launched my first book, which was a success. In this book I have presented the tale Duryodhana had to tell, a story from Kauravas sides. It's Mahabaratha from the other side. Through these books I want to bring back our age old culture and tradition of thinking from all angles. A Telugu version of this book will also be released, he said. My dream is of my books being made into films. If anybody can do it, it's the Telugu film industry which can make this possible and in that film I want Nagarjuna to play the roles of Ravana and Suyodhana, he added.

The event set the tone of a causal, and a very lively atmosphere. ​​ The National bestselling author of ASURA, Anand Neelakantan took the privilege to speak about his book, he said, “As great minds debate dharma and adharma, power hungry men prepare for an apocalyptic war. The women, highborn and humble, helplessly watch the unfolding disaster with deep foreboding. And greedy merchants and unscrupulous priests lie and wait like vultures. Both sides know that beyond the agony and carnage the winner will take all. But even as gods conspire and men’s destinies unfold, a far greater truth awaits. The dark age of kali is rising and every man and woman must choose between duty and conscience, honour and shame, life and death.”

Actor Nagarjuna said," I have always been enamored by the so called villains of the mythology, and lauded attempts by authors like Anand Neelakantan as a welcome move. I really appreciate Anand for the clarity in thoughts and for logical imagination and also congratulate him on his book release.

 Smt. Amala declared being impressed by the amazing writing prowess of the author Anand Neelakantan and how hooked she got with the narration of the book and how the well known events have been given a fresh twist just by changing the perspective.

Mr. Swarup Nanda, CEO, Leadstart Publishing ​ said "After tremendous response for Ajaya and Asuara we are honored to associate with Anand ones again for his 2^nd series Ajaya 2, Rise of Kali. He is a not only a balanced writer but also a very good story teller. The readers can relate with his passion for mythology. I wish him hearty congratulations and success in all his future endeavors. We sincerely thank Nagarjuna and Amala for being a part of the book launch”.

About The Book: The mahabharata endures as the great epic of india. While jaya is the story Of the pandavas, told from the perspective of the victors of kurukshetra, ajaya is the tale of the Kauravas, who were decimated to the last man. From the pen of the author who gave voice to Ravana in the national bestseller, asura, comes the riveting narrative which compels us to question The truth behind the mahabharata. As the Pandavas stake their claim to the Hastinapura throne, the Kaurava Crown Prince, Suyodhana, rises to challenge Krishna. As great minds debate dharma and adharma, power hungry men prepare for an apocalyptic war. The women, highborn and humble, helplessly watch the unfolding disaster with deep foreboding. And greedy merchants and unscrupulous priests lie in wait like vultures. Both sides know that beyond the agony and carnage the winner will take all. But even as gods conspire and men’s destinies unfold, a far greater truth awaits. The dark age of kali is rising and every man and woman must choose between duty And conscience, honour and shame, life and death