Vikram Chandra

Biography

Vikram Chandra is an Indian writer and screenwriter known for his captivating storytelling and contributions to both literature and cinema. His works, marked by their intricate plots, psychological depth, and exploration of cultural complexities, have earned him a respected position in Indian literary circles. Chandra is particularly noted for his work on the novel Sacred Games, which was later adapted into a successful Netflix series, cementing his influence in the world of Indian entertainment.

Early Life

Vikram Chandra was born on July 17, 1961, in New Delhi, India. Growing up in an intellectual family, Chandra was exposed to literature and storytelling from a young age. His father, a civil servant, and his mother, a teacher, encouraged his interest in reading and writing. Chandra’s formative years were spent in various parts of India, as his family moved due to his father’s work.

Chandra attended St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai, where he completed his undergraduate studies. The vibrant academic environment and the diverse cultural influences of the city played a significant role in shaping his literary aspirations.

Education

Vikram Chandra pursued a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English literature from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai, which is one of the premier institutions for humanities education in India. He then went on to study at The University of Arizona, where he completed his Master’s degree in Creative Writing. His exposure to different literary traditions, combined with the American academic setting, helped refine his writing style and narrative sensibility.

Early Career

Before transitioning into writing full-time, Vikram Chandra held various jobs that were related to his literary interests. He worked as an editor and a freelance writer, contributing to various publications in India and abroad. Chandra's passion for writing began to take shape in his early years, and he spent a significant amount of time honing his craft and experimenting with different styles and genres.

His early writing was largely experimental, with short stories and essays focused on themes of identity, social issues, and the intricacies of Indian life. His works began attracting attention from literary critics, and his ability to blend traditional storytelling with contemporary issues became one of his trademarks.

Literary Career

Chandra’s first breakthrough came in 1996 with the publication of his debut novel "Red Earth and Pouring Rain." The novel was a highly ambitious work that blended historical fiction, mythology, and contemporary themes. Set in India during the colonial era, the novel weaves multiple narratives together, capturing the rich history of the subcontinent while exploring deeper themes of power, loss, and human connection.

Despite not achieving widespread commercial success, Red Earth and Pouring Rain was critically acclaimed for its innovative storytelling, and it marked Chandra as a promising new voice in Indian literature. The novel received praise for its complex structure and ambitious scope, as well as its exploration of the Indian cultural psyche.

Following this, Chandra’s next major work was “Sacred Games”, published in 2006. This novel became his defining work, receiving both commercial success and critical acclaim. Sacred Games is a dark, multi-layered narrative that intertwines the lives of a police officer, a gangster, and a spiritual guru, set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s seedy underworld. 

The novel explores themes of crime, corruption, power, and the moral complexities of its characters. The book was not just a literary success but also resonated with readers due to its gritty portrayal of India’s urban chaos.

The novel went on to become a bestseller and earned Chandra a place among the top contemporary Indian authors. It was lauded for its engaging storytelling, well-developed characters, and rich detail, painting a vivid picture of Mumbai’s criminal underworld and the interplay of fate, power, and survival.

Adaptation of Sacred Games

In 2018, Sacred Games was adapted into a highly successful Netflix series, making Vikram Chandra a household name among global audiences. The series, produced by Phantom Films and directed by Anurag Kashyap and Vasan Bala, featured prominent actors such as Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Saif Ali Khan, and Radhika Apte. 

The series stayed largely faithful to the essence of the book, though it included some changes to fit the format of a television series.

The Netflix adaptation garnered widespread acclaim for its performances, direction, and cinematography. 

It was praised for its portrayal of Mumbai’s underworld, the complexities of its characters, and its bold, unflinching examination of crime and power. Chandra himself was involved in the show as a consultant, ensuring that the adaptation retained the essence of his novel. Sacred Games became a landmark series in the Indian digital content space, significantly influencing the future of Indian web shows.