Banaras Talkies by Satya Vyas : Laughing Away BHU BLUES

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Dr. Preeti Chauhan

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Recently I was invited to a book launch event in my city and it was so refreshing to get back to Hindi literature at the fair.As a child, I had started reading Hindi literature by reading the classics but I soon lost interest when I tried reading contemporary Hindi literature.It dealt with serious issues that depressed my young self. Coming back to the book fair,I picked Satya Vyas’s book ” Banaras Talkies “ after listening to him talk at the book launch event. His clear headedness and simple demeanour impressed me enough to entice me into buying this book.So here I am sharing my experience after reading this book. I read Banaras Talkies in Hindi but it is available in English and some other Indian languages too.

About the Author Satya Vyas

Satya Vyas is a young and  prominent contemporary Hindi writer known for his engaging storytelling and relatable characters.Born on January 1, 1980, in Bokaro, Jharkhand, he later pursued law at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). This experience heavily influenced his writing, particularly his first novel, “Banaras Talkies.”

Writing Style: Vyas is considered a pioneer of “Nai Wali Hindi” (New Hindi), a style that uses simpler, more colloquial language, making his work accessible to a wider audience, especially the youth. He blends humor, romance, and social commentary in his narratives.

Notable Works

Banaras Talkies (2015): A coming-of-age story set in BHU, capturing the essence of student life and the city of Varanasi.Buy it HERE

Dilli Darbar: A tale of friendship and life in Delhi.

Chaurasi/84: A more serious work based on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, showcasing Vyas’s range as a writer.

Baghi Ballia: Explores student politics.

Uff Kolkata: A story set in Kolkata.

Impact: Vyas has garnered a large following, particularly among young readers, and is credited with revitalizing interest in Hindi literature. His books have been translated into several languages, including English.A kindle version is also available for this bestseller.

Satya Vyas’s work is characterized by its authentic portrayal of contemporary Indian life, making him a significant voice in modern Hindi literature.

Banaras Talkies by Satya Vyas
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Source – Amazon.in

Book Blurb -Banaras Talkies

A perfect college. Three imperfect students.
A caring hostel.
Three careless mates.
The decisive years.
Three ignorant souls.
A bomb blast and A close shave.
Welcome to life through the gate of BHU.

Banaras Talkies – The Book Review

“Banaras Talkies” by Satya Vyas is a delightful journey into the heart of Banaras and the vibrant world of college life. Vyas masterfully weaves a coming of age tale that captures the essence of this ancient city and the vibrance of youth with humor and nostalgia.

Coming of age and the flavour of Benaras

The characters in “Banaras Talkies” are the life of the story. They are relatable, flawed, and utterly endearing. The protagonist, Suraj, is a young student navigating the ups and downs of college life, love, and friendship. His friends, with their unique quirks and personalities, add depth and humor to the narrative. The supporting cast, including professors, hostel mates, and local Banarasis, further enriches the story with their distinct flavors.

Vyas paints a vivid picture of Banaras, bringing this iconic city to life with his words. The reader can almost smell the incense and taste the street food as they take a stroll along the ghats of this ancient city or converge at the student’s favourite meeting place they call“Lanka”. The local dialect and cultural nuances add authenticity to the story, immersing the reader in the scent of Banaras.

Essence of College Life

The novel also beautifully captures the essence of college life. The camaraderie, the rivalries, the crushes, and the anxieties of youth are all portrayed with a touch of humor and nostalgia. It transports the reader back to their own college days, reliving the joys and sorrows of that transformative period.

The only negative for me was the plethora of expletives but I guess this is how young college going  men of all generations talk so at least the expletives add that touch of genuineness to his narration.

To conclude I’d say, “Banaras Talkies” is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a lighthearted and engaging story with well-developed characters and a strong sense of roots or earthiness. It is a celebration of friendship, youth, and the magic of Banaras.

My Rating – 5/5

“This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile“

“This post is a part of ‘Embrace the Native Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed under #EveryConversationMatters”

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Dr. Preeti Chauhan

33 responses

  1. Tulik Avatar
    Tulik

    This seems like something I might like to read. I have been wanting to read books in Hindi but like you, I want to read contemporary writers. This seems like a good place to start. Varanasi holds a special place in my heart, since my two-day trip, a year ago. Also, I agree on the overuse of expletives. It’s a bit off-putting.

    Reply
  2. Suchita Agarwal Avatar
    Suchita Agarwal

    Wow that was a very intriguing blurb. Since we visited Benaras for a Blogchatter retreat, I can so relate to the review. My uncle studied in BHU so I have hear so many stories of it!

    Reply
  3. ambica gulati Avatar
    ambica gulati

    I’ve been to Kashi twice, but somehow the crowds don’t gel with me. And to be honest, I haven’t read any book in Hindi since school days. He does sound like a good writer, capturing the essence of the city and the environment well.

    Reply
  4. Tomichan Matheikal Avatar
    Tomichan Matheikal

    This does sound quite inviting. Students and a college plus the hostel – sure to be fun and gun. Let me add it to my list for the year.

    Reply
  5. Harshita Nanda Avatar
    Harshita Nanda

    From your review, the story does sound quite appealing. I have also been thinking of picking up some contemporary writers in Hindi. ( I have only read Geetanjali, Krishna Sobti and Amrita Pritam). Maybe it is time to widen what I read.

    Reply
    1. Dr. Preeti Chauhan Avatar
      Dr. Preeti Chauhan

      Our Hindi literature is so rich!Growing up I read Ramdhari Singh Dinkar , Mahashweta Devi, Munshi Premchand etc but then I could not relate to the next generation. I am enjoying reconnecting with Hindi literature now.

      Reply
  6. Cindy D'Silva Avatar
    Cindy D’Silva

    Hey I have read the English version and it was a fun read. It was before I visited Varanasi. I’m sure the original Hindi version would be better. Maybe I should read it again.

    Reply
    1. Dr. Preeti Chauhan Avatar
      Dr. Preeti Chauhan

      That is so cool! Your reading repertoire is amazing Cindy.Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
  7. Manali Desai Avatar
    Manali Desai

    I’ve heard only good things about Vyas’s writing and was just pursuing the English translation of Banaras Talkies. I even thought to myself why not read the original? You’ve motivated me to indeed read the book in Hindi rather than go for its translations. Thanks for that! and also for making me aware about the author’s other titles

    Reply
    1. Dr. Preeti Chauhan Avatar
      Dr. Preeti Chauhan

      Manali, I feel the spice and the soul is always in the original if you are lucky enough to know the language

      Reply
  8. Modern Gypsy Avatar
    Modern Gypsy

    This sounds like an interesting read! I’m not comfortable reading in Hindi, though, and I wonder how well the English translation reads.

    Reply
  9. Sukaina Avatar
    Sukaina

    oh yes. Banaras Talkies is one of his most popular works. My friends told me to read the novel in hindi too.

    Reply
    1. Dr. Preeti Chauhan Avatar
      Dr. Preeti Chauhan

      So glad to hear my thoughts mirrore.

      Reply
  10. Romila Avatar
    Romila

    This review makes Banaras Talkies sound like an absolute pick up. I read hindi a lot so I am adding it to my TBR—nothing beats college nostalgia with a desi twist!

    Reply
  11. Pinki Bakshi Avatar
    Pinki Bakshi

    This looks like a light and fun read with some intense moments. Would love to read it.

    Reply
  12. Neeta Kadam Avatar
    Neeta Kadam

    Honestly speaking I didn’t read any Hindi Novel. Whatever I read is study as Hindi Subject. Banaras Talkies sound intresting – Banaras, college boy, real life ….all seems to relatable and I think I would like to read.

    Reply
  13. Kaveri Chhetri Avatar
    Kaveri Chhetri

    To be honest, I’m hearing about Satya Vyas for the first time Preeti but your review on his book has piqued my curiosity. I like simple
    reads and this one looks like that. Although I too get really really turned off by the excessive use profanity, but like you said, that’s how the generation is and it is
    realistic in that sense. Sometimes I give up on OTT series only cuz of the language😬.

    Reply
  14. Nilshree Avatar
    Nilshree

    I have not explored Hindi literature at all, but your review is compelling and persuades me to add it to my TBR.

    Reply
  15. Deepti Menon Avatar
    Deepti Menon

    Banaras Talkies sounds interesting. Nowadays, coming of age novels are all the rage. Vyas sounds like a writer who needs to be read.

    Reply
  16. Zenobia Merchant Avatar
    Zenobia Merchant

    The book reminded me of the movie 3 Idiots and it’s college and hostel life. The book is based in Benaras and that is the most intriguing hook for me. I’ve never been to that part of the country and would love to read about the people and life there. Adding it to my TBR.

    Reply
    1. Dr. Preeti Chauhan Avatar
      Dr. Preeti Chauhan

      Zenobia,the story is based inside a hostel but you can feel the flavour of Benaras trickle in.

      Reply
  17. Sakshi Varma Avatar
    Sakshi Varma

    Thanks for introducing me to a new Hindi writer. Would love to pick up a couple of his books and read them. His books sound contemporary and engaging.

    Reply
  18. Tanvi Agarwal Avatar
    Tanvi Agarwal

    That’s a good recommendation. I recently bought one of his books from fair. Now I am more excited to get my hands on his writing

    Reply
  19. Janaki Avatar
    Janaki

    I’m also trying to get my hand on Hindi books. I tried one a couple of years back, but having lost touch with reading Hindi, I found it a little difficult. Your review is very interesting. Will look out for this book. Thanks.

    Reply
  20. Ritu Bindra Avatar
    Ritu Bindra

    I am always on the lookout for Hindi book recommendations and am surely adding this to my TBR. Now I need to pick between the regular and audio version. I also found the other titles you listed on Storytel that I will be checking out. Thanks for introducing me to the author.

    Reply
  21. Rehena sulthana Avatar
    Rehena sulthana

    This book has been on myTBR. Thanks for the heads up. Lovely review.

    Reply
  22. The Book Critiques Avatar
    The Book Critiques

    This was such a wonderful review! Banaras Talkies truly captures the nostalgia and charm of college life, and your description of the book’s essence makes me want to revisit it. Satya Vyas has an incredible way of blending humor and realism, making his stories so relatable. I absolutely loved Dilli Darbar too—his storytelling style is just brilliant!

    Reply
    1. Dr. Preeti Chauhan Avatar
      Dr. Preeti Chauhan

      Dilli Darbar is on my TBR list now Nidhi.

      Reply
  23. Chinmayee Gayatree Sahu Avatar
    Chinmayee Gayatree Sahu

    This seems like a very interesting book ! I haven’t read a Hindi book in years. May be this will help me to connect with Hindi books again. Thanks for this post.

    Reply
    1. Dr. Preeti Chauhan Avatar
      Dr. Preeti Chauhan

      Hindi writing was always rich and I am so glad to rediscover the joys of reading them.Maybe I stopped reading them because they were too realistic and relatable and I wanted an escape from reality.

      Reply
  24. Aditya Sathe Avatar
    Aditya Sathe

    I read this book back in 2023 I guess. I had liked it yet, I felt it was good one time read.

    Reply
    1. Dr. Preeti Chauhan Avatar
      Dr. Preeti Chauhan

      Yes it’s a short and fun read Aditya.

      Reply
  25. AURORA BLUEMOON Avatar
    AURORA BLUEMOON

    This is so fascinating and all these amazing ones have been in my unfortunate list. Definetly finding all possible ways to read it. Good writeup!

    Reply

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