R2020 - Just the Beginning (review of Chetan Bhagat's latest novel)

All those who think, the ending is bad or incomplete, am sure there is a part two in store for all CB fans. How a book, which titles "Revolution 2020” can leave us where revolution has barely began! With the unique style of telling the story from the view of the character that will be disliked in most part of the book, CB has hit right tone once again.

Setup in the backdrop of Varanasi, a divine place, the story revolves around three characters, Gopal, Aarti and Raghav. Once again, love story being the back bone of the book, it tries bringing in the idea of social revolution by making personal sacrifices first. The book shows up the ugly face of corruption and how it has become 'a rule' in India. The hurtful reality makes us ask some questions, how long it will take to start the revolution.

With his typical narration, witty lines, CB has made sure that the book is engaging throughout, but somehow the predictability did bring down the charm a little bit. Also there are some loose ends like when Gopal executes his final plan, he meets MLA Shukla and plans first and then comes to know about the Aarti’s surprise visit. Without Aarti’s surprise visit the plan could have been almost flop. Also there have been references to movies Chakde India and Main Hoon Na within a span of a year but they were released more than 2.5 years apart.

Having said that, the best thing about CB’s new effort is the graph of this book. The way story reaches its highs and lows is extremely commendable. He has also taken a risk of giving an end which might not be liked by many but it’s important. Along the line of all that good work, CB seems to be happy to stick with commercial value of book and treats love story more than revolution. The title reads ‘Revolution 2020’ but it just starts in this book, one step; that’s it. So in short, by treating love story more than revolution looks like a safe path.

Overall, thumbs up to this love story 2020, and again kudos to story telling; If Dushyasan is asked to describe Mahabharat, he would call his mama as Mahatma Shakuni, similarly, so when Gopal tells his story, he is the saint! J