STORY: 4.5/5
WRITING: 4.5/5
ILLUSTRATIONS: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
GENRE & THEME: Graphic Novel, Thriller, Noir, Folk Horror
“You walk through the spiralling path, attempting to outrun the feeling but it trails you like a wolf, its icy breath creeping down the nape of your neck, until you cross into a realm where your nightmare bleeds into reality.”
– Bijoy Raveendran, Technicolour Lovers
There are moments in every reader’s journey when a book sneaks up on you—one you pick up with nothing more than mild curiosity, unaware of the storm it’s about to unleash. And then, it hits you. Page after page, it unravels itself, revealing not just a story but a staggering masterpiece that leaves you stunned and breathless.
A true literary underdog that rises from the shadows and demands to be seen. I recently encountered such a book, and let me say this—if graphic novels or comics are your thing, then turning your back on Bijoy Raveendran’s Technicolour Lovers might just be the greatest mistake of your reading life.
What’s the story all about?
Set in the 1990s, the story transports us to Arakkan, a sleepy, forgotten village nestled along the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border—a village brimming with cinema-obsessed souls. But this isn’t just any village. This village soon becomes the epicentre of something deeply sinister—a chilling experiment that involves a virulent reel of celluloid. An independent film so cursed, so corrosive that it threatens to wipe out the entire population of 350, consuming every man, woman, and child in its wake. This is a film that doesn’t entertain—it annihilates.
In this first instalment of the series, aptly titled Reel 1: Aaranya Kaandam, we follow retired officer Chandra Bose as he ventures into this haunted land in search of his missing daughter. What begins as a desperate search quickly becomes a descent into madness, as he uncovers a long-standing feud between powerful landlords and the indigenous forest dwellers, the Kattars —an ancient tribe whose pagan ways and shamanic secrets are buried deep within the jungle.
Through Bose’s eyes, we meet the strange and shadowed people of the village, feel the oppressive darkness that hangs over them, relive the strange sickness that drives them to madness, and slowly piece together the twisted tale of the cursed film. This is a story that blurs every boundary—between good and evil, light and shadow, illusion and reality. It leaves the reader suspended in a world where nothing can be trusted, and everything is on the verge of unravelling.
A graphic novel with a flair
At just 78 pages, Technicolour Lovers is a tantalizing cocktail of occult intrigue, thrilling twists, and whispered folklore. The artwork? Absolutely spellbinding. With a strong nod to noir aesthetics, the illustrations lean heavily on stark black-and-white contrasts, amplifying the story’s dark and intense undertones.
Colour is used sparingly—strategically—reserved only for the most striking, jaw-dropping moments. The past unfolds in sepia-inspired sketches, while dreamlike sequences and eerie visions are cloaked in muted greys. This meticulous visual language creates an experience that is not only immersive but also speaks to the book’s artistic maturity and finesse.
My thoughts
To be completely honest, this book is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. It’s not just a story—it’s an experience. An immersive deep dive into a world steeped in folkloric horror and layered with the grit of a detective thriller. The atmosphere is thick with intrigue, wrapping itself around every page, every panel. Coupled with its original storyline and visually arresting artwork, the result is nothing short of extraordinary.
What also stood out to me was the thoughtful use of vernacular—the sprinkling of Malayalam words and phrases lends the narrative a raw, rustic authenticity that’s hard to replicate. For non-native readers, there’s a handy glossary at the very beginning, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation.
The ambiance and backdrop of the story evoke a powerful sense of atmosphere—think Kantara meets a gritty Malayalam thriller, only far darker and far more sinister. It’s cinematic, yes—but it’s also something deeper, something that lingers long after the final page.
The motif of the spiral plays a pivotal role in the novel’s overarching theme, and this is brilliantly reflected on the cover itself—hinting at the layers of depth, madness, and circular fate within. I was equally mesmerized by the cinema-inspired artwork—meticulously crafted, yet deliberately elusive, revealing just enough to stir the reader’s curiosity.
In every sense, Technicolour Lovers Reel 1 is a triumph. From its storytelling to its visuals, from the eerie folklore to the noir-drenched aesthetic, the book scores win after win.
I can honestly say I’ve never come across a graphic novel so artfully constructed—so completely immersive and masterful. This is a graphic novel that doesn’t just demand to be read—it demands to be felt. And if that’s not enough to convince you to pick it up, I don’t know what will.
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of Technicolour Lovers Reel 1 right away!
Buy Link – Technicolour Lovers Reel 1