The best part of Tarun Tejpal’s work is the contemporariness of the issues addressed. As a nation we have come a long way still there is much more to do for an equal society. This has come out wonderfully through the stories of the five individuals. The first season of Pataal Lok based on this novel has a few similarities, at the same time it differs too as the web show is from the perspective of Jaideep Ahwalat’s Hathiram
The two seasons of Paatal Lok are easily among the best web shows produced in Indian film industry. The different social themes through an investigative thriller/drama is thoroughly engaging to watch. For those not aware the first season of Paatal Lok was inspired from Tarun Tejpal’s The Story of My Assassins. The novel in brief is about the police stumbling upon five hitmen, they have been hired to assassinate a journalist. This lands as a bombshell forcing the protagonist to reexamine his life. From here the novel shuttles between India’s elite and the hinterland.
An aspect which particularly stands out is how Tarun Tejpal has explored different themes through the five hitmen. Each of them come with a history of generational trauma, persistent abuse and extreme destitution. The readers are forced to confront their own ideas of morality.
The contrast between the protected urban elite and how brutal circumstances creates perpetrators has come out excellently. The theme of institutional failure especially the role of media in today’s society has a lived-in feel. This is majorly thanks to Tarun Tejpal’s vast experience. The soul searching which the protagonist goes through gives the novel some of its best chapters.
The city of Delhi with all its shades has also been well documented. The readers feel that they are travelling with the happenings creating an immersive experience. The different idiosyncrasies has also come out well leading to moments of dry humor.
Among the five hitmen Hathoda Tyagi is definitely the most impactful much like the first season of Paatal lok. There is a quite restraint in the way the man operates. The piercing gaze does more than half of the work. Following is a brilliant paragraph describing Hathoda Tyagi’s character.
The astrologer, his grey hair thick over his ears but gone from the top of his head, said “Oh, don’t start getting worked up. it’s just that, because of his work and strength, he will have powerful foes. You do know mataji that only powerful men have powerful enemies! but it will not be easy to harm him. His stars are like Hiranyakashyap’s. He can only be harmed in a place that has both sunlight and shade; he can only be harmed when he is moving and not still; he can only be harmed when his belly is full; he can only be harmed when he is hidden from view; he can only be harmed by a slain enemy; and he can only be harmed when he is trapped between friends. For all those to come together is a near impossibility. So, you must not worry. Remember, to kill the evil Hiranyakashyap, Lord Vishnu had to appear himself and bend the elements. And as you know gods don’t descend into this country any more.’
Though gripping for a major part The Story of My Assassins has its issues as well. One of them is the women who are mostly presented as an object of violence. They are repeated chapters of them being assaulted. Also, the cop character Hathiram doesn’t have the same impact as the web series.
Keeping aside the deficiencies the novel is an important read especially for those into social thrillers.
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