Kantara Writer GL Sham Prasad Releases New Kannada Novel Kanka

Writer GL Sham Prasad, known for his work on Kantara: Chapter 1, has released his latest Kannada novel, Kanka, an expansive story set in the Western Ghats in 1891. Published by Pinaka Publications and priced at Rs 210, the book merges British-era Indian history, folklore, mythology, science fiction, and the supernatural.

The idea for the fictional world took root during Prasad's research for Kantara: Chapter 1, when he visited a Karnataka tiger reserve with Rishab Shetty as part of a wildlife conservation programme. Forest officers introduced them to an ancient tree estimated to be 700 to 800 years old. The experience inspired a fictional folk tale within the narrative involving the tree and a tribe that worships it.

Prasad said his fascination with the title began with Christopher Nolan's film Tenet, which led him to explore the Kannada palindrome Kanka. The title originally brought to mind an image of a bird flying over the mist-covered Western Ghats for a British-era narrative. The story underwent major changes after he returned from Kundapura upon concluding his work on Kantara.

The novel focuses on Devansh Byale, a freedom fighter sentenced to death who knows he has only 15 days left to live. Operating as a rebel against British rule, Byale spends much of his life inside the forests, is skilled in guerrilla warfare, and maintains close ties with surrounding tribal communities. Prasad noted that the character's certainty of his fate formed the core of his personality.

Developing the novel required research into history, science, mythology, and the geography of the Western Ghats. Prasad stated that he remained faithful to historical timelines and culture while allowing mythological elements to develop organically, applying techniques of blending folklore into narrative that he learned during the production of Kantara.

Returning to prose provided Prasad creative freedom away from the constraints of production budgets, actors, and locations associated with filmmaking. The book includes approximately 40 illustrations to assist readers in navigating its different timelines, Yugas, and Lokas. Prasad, who previously published the thriller Red Boot Rosy, stated that he hopes the novel encourages readers to engage with Indian history and mythology.