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The Pig Flip
At a secret spot on an abandoned island in rural Kerala, the village men gather at midnight and gamble, playing spot flip – the king of all card games. There we meet Babycha, a gambling addict trying to wean himself off the game after he gets married. We see him building a life with his beloved Paulikutty in the idyll of God’s own country. Until, inevitably, he succumbs to the lure of spot flip yet again and loses everything. Soon, his family is forced to take drastic measures to rein him in…
Brilliantly narrated and illustrated by Joshy Benedict, The Pig Flip – translated from the Malayalam by K.K. Muralidharan – is a surreal and narcotic tale of addiction and comeuppance that will linger hauntingly in the mind long after you’ve read it.
‘A significant milestone in Indian graphic novels’
– Sarnath Banerjee
‘An arresting chronicle … enchanting and haunting’
– Paul Zacharia
Brilliantly narrated and illustrated by Joshy Benedict, The Pig Flip – translated from the Malayalam by K.K. Muralidharan – is a surreal and narcotic tale of addiction and comeuppance that will linger hauntingly in the mind long after you’ve read it.
‘A significant milestone in Indian graphic novels’
– Sarnath Banerjee
‘An arresting chronicle … enchanting and haunting’
– Paul Zacharia
120 pages, Paperback
Published February 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 29, 2025
Pig Flip is one of those rare Indian graphic novels that doesn’t get enough credit. Written and illustrated by Joshy Benedict in Malayalam and translated into the English by K.K. Muralidharan, this graphic novel is about addiction and the consequences it brings upon those who succumb to it. The very first thing that caught my eye was the stunning watercolour illustrations that did full justice in painting an accurate picture of rural Kerala. The second was the lead character named Babycha, who actually happens to be an antagonist. Lazy and loathsome, he treats money like water, letting it drain away as he clings to the illusion that gambling will restore it.
Addition is something that plagues many and this book captures the inner turmoils of both the gambler and that of his family’s quite well. Drawn from the well-known card game Spot Flip, the title mirrors Babycha’s obsession with victory, and as the narrative deepens, its significance becomes ever clearer. I enjoyed reading this graphic novel, a rare treat in Indian literature. The story coupled with the beautiful illustrations makes this an excellent read. Highly recommend it.
Addition is something that plagues many and this book captures the inner turmoils of both the gambler and that of his family’s quite well. Drawn from the well-known card game Spot Flip, the title mirrors Babycha’s obsession with victory, and as the narrative deepens, its significance becomes ever clearer. I enjoyed reading this graphic novel, a rare treat in Indian literature. The story coupled with the beautiful illustrations makes this an excellent read. Highly recommend it.
January 30, 2024
The Pig Flip is a satirical graphic novel in watercolor, written and illustrated by Joshy Benedict. The book, originally written in Malayalam, has been translated into English by KK Muralidharan. It talks about the plague called addiction, and the after effects of it.
In the rural Kerela, the village men gather and gamble on an abandoned island, playing a card game called Spot Flip. Our protagonist Babycha is one of the gambling addicts, who loses a lot in the game, and tries to wean himself off after getting married. But he's unable to stop sneaking out at night to the island and still continues to play Spot Flip, ending up losing money and his wife's jewellery. Soon his family has to step in and take drastic measures to teach him a lesson.
This is a great, entertaining graphic novel, with beautiful illustrations painted in watercolors. The story is equally engaging. The protagonist is an anti-hero, a despicable and worthless man. While his family is so supportive, realistic and caring. The title Pig Flip is so accurate, definitely related to the inside of the story. It's a unique story, however it's a story of several households. Addiction of anything is harmful. This book talks about gambling, a prevailing issue. I enjoyed reading this one, it's a short book of just 120 illustrated pages, with a meaningful story that will certainly leave the readers with a lot to think about. With peculiar names for the characters like Babycha, Friday and Money-Thommi, this one is a fun and gripping novel in cartoons.
In the rural Kerela, the village men gather and gamble on an abandoned island, playing a card game called Spot Flip. Our protagonist Babycha is one of the gambling addicts, who loses a lot in the game, and tries to wean himself off after getting married. But he's unable to stop sneaking out at night to the island and still continues to play Spot Flip, ending up losing money and his wife's jewellery. Soon his family has to step in and take drastic measures to teach him a lesson.
This is a great, entertaining graphic novel, with beautiful illustrations painted in watercolors. The story is equally engaging. The protagonist is an anti-hero, a despicable and worthless man. While his family is so supportive, realistic and caring. The title Pig Flip is so accurate, definitely related to the inside of the story. It's a unique story, however it's a story of several households. Addiction of anything is harmful. This book talks about gambling, a prevailing issue. I enjoyed reading this one, it's a short book of just 120 illustrated pages, with a meaningful story that will certainly leave the readers with a lot to think about. With peculiar names for the characters like Babycha, Friday and Money-Thommi, this one is a fun and gripping novel in cartoons.
June 2, 2026
The Pig Flip by Joshy Benedict is a graphic novel whose art is excellent. The bold linework, textured panels, and a strong color palette bring rural Kerala to life. Many pages are memorable for their composition and atmosphere alone.
Set in a Kerala village, the story follows Babycha, a gambling addict who plays a dangerous card game called spot flip. He tries to quit after marrying Paulikutty and building a life with her, but he keeps relapsing. He loses everything, and his family is forced to take drastic measures to rein him in. It is a surreal, haunting tale of addiction, comeuppance, and the struggle between loving someone and being enslaved by a habit.
The English translation sometimes gets lost. Some lines lose their sharpness and cultural texture feels muted. I wish I had read it in the original Malayalam, where the voice, humor, and rhythm likely land better. Despite this, the graphic novel is worth reading for its outstanding art and compelling story.
If you can find the Malayalam edition, go for it. Otherwise, the English version is still strong, especially for readers who appreciate graphic fiction.
Set in a Kerala village, the story follows Babycha, a gambling addict who plays a dangerous card game called spot flip. He tries to quit after marrying Paulikutty and building a life with her, but he keeps relapsing. He loses everything, and his family is forced to take drastic measures to rein him in. It is a surreal, haunting tale of addiction, comeuppance, and the struggle between loving someone and being enslaved by a habit.
The English translation sometimes gets lost. Some lines lose their sharpness and cultural texture feels muted. I wish I had read it in the original Malayalam, where the voice, humor, and rhythm likely land better. Despite this, the graphic novel is worth reading for its outstanding art and compelling story.
If you can find the Malayalam edition, go for it. Otherwise, the English version is still strong, especially for readers who appreciate graphic fiction.
May 12, 2024
Set in the foothills of the Western Ghats in Kerala, The Pig Flip is a close to reality story of addiction. The illustrator and author Joshy Benedict’s narrative and drawing whisks you away to a setting that’s both rich in flora and fauna and dark in depicting the chaos that addiction can spew. Worth the read.
November 13, 2024
A Malayalam graphic novel, translated into English, about gambling addiction. The illustrations bring the locations to life in vivid watercolours, from the little island to the pig farm. The protagonist Babycha is a man you root for, even when he is in the thrall of a card game that destroys lives. This is a stunning work of art and fiction.
April 4, 2024
Gorgeous drawings! The use of colours, the simple pencil lines that change expression and the shading for shadow, sunlight, emotions was just perfect!!
Though I doubt the protagonist gave up his addiction... If only it were this easy ...
Though I doubt the protagonist gave up his addiction... If only it were this easy ...
February 8, 2025
This one is really an intriguing graphic novel. It deals with the societal aspects of rural people, their life, struggles, psychology and ofcourse how gambling can literally flip their life. I really like the psychological aspects of this graphic novel. Give it a go if you like.
February 7, 2024
"From the void behind my quivering lips, the muttrrings slid out of my cold body and disappeared into nothingness."
✓𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝑰 𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝑻𝒐 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑰𝒕:
I decided to read this book because:
>I was trying to explore Graphic Novels.
✓𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕:
The story is based on an abandoned island corner near Kerala. Our main character, Babycha is seen visiting the island to spend time with the men who gather there to engage into a game of Spot Flip. Soon, Babycha finds himself completely absorbed into gambling addiction. Later, he marries Paulikutty whom he loves all from his heart. He tries to fight his gambling addiction by setting up a pig farm in order to give her and their upcoming child, a better life. However, things go in vain.
✓𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
>Intriguing cover.
>Relevant book title.
>Illustrations based on watercolour.
✓𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌:
>The story nicely portrays the web of addiction and how it not only disturbs the life of the addicted but also the close ones around them.
>Various human emotions have been portrayed nicely.
>The part where he Couldn't be there for Paulikutti when she fell seriously sick, broke my heart into million pieces.
>I loved Paulikutti's character. The devotion and faith she has shown for the love of her life, Babycha is incredible.
>The scene where Babycha is thrown into a pg ditch, felt so intense. That scene showed well how Babycha felt humility not only because of the filth around him but also because of his own actions.
✓𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔:
>Addiction
>Love & Family
>Self Realization
✓𝑶𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏:
Extra appreciation of the team to translate Stories from different languages. This story has been originally translated to English from Malayalam. I truly believe that stories and art should not have language boundaries.
✓𝙆𝙚𝙮:
Graphic novel showing a fight between addiction and love.
✓𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝑰 𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝑻𝒐 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑰𝒕:
I decided to read this book because:
>I was trying to explore Graphic Novels.
✓𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕:
The story is based on an abandoned island corner near Kerala. Our main character, Babycha is seen visiting the island to spend time with the men who gather there to engage into a game of Spot Flip. Soon, Babycha finds himself completely absorbed into gambling addiction. Later, he marries Paulikutty whom he loves all from his heart. He tries to fight his gambling addiction by setting up a pig farm in order to give her and their upcoming child, a better life. However, things go in vain.
✓𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
>Intriguing cover.
>Relevant book title.
>Illustrations based on watercolour.
✓𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌:
>The story nicely portrays the web of addiction and how it not only disturbs the life of the addicted but also the close ones around them.
>Various human emotions have been portrayed nicely.
>The part where he Couldn't be there for Paulikutti when she fell seriously sick, broke my heart into million pieces.
>I loved Paulikutti's character. The devotion and faith she has shown for the love of her life, Babycha is incredible.
>The scene where Babycha is thrown into a pg ditch, felt so intense. That scene showed well how Babycha felt humility not only because of the filth around him but also because of his own actions.
✓𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔:
>Addiction
>Love & Family
>Self Realization
✓𝑶𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏:
Extra appreciation of the team to translate Stories from different languages. This story has been originally translated to English from Malayalam. I truly believe that stories and art should not have language boundaries.
✓𝙆𝙚𝙮:
Graphic novel showing a fight between addiction and love.
May 19, 2024
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Step into the hidden world of “The Pig Flip,” where the allure of the king of all card games, spot flip, draws villagers to a secret spot on an abandoned island in rural Kerala. Meet Babycha, a man ensnared by the addictive thrill of gambling, striving to break free after marrying his beloved Paulikutty. As they build a life amidst the idyllic landscapes of God’s own country, Babycha’s resolve is tested when he succumbs once more to the seductive pull of spot flip, risking everything he holds dear.
Readers experience a journey of love, sacrifice, and temptation as Babycha’s family is compelled to use extreme methods to control him. Pig Flip is a fitting title that truly captures the essence of the narrative. The story and artwork by painter and author Joshy Benedict transport you to a place rich in flora and wildlife while also portraying the havoc that addiction can cause.
The original Malayalam version of this story has been translated into English. The eerily lovely pictures, however, are even more astounding as they truly bring this straightforward tale to life. In addition, the novel masterfully captures the psychological strains that the characters—especially babychan—face. With a thought-provoking tale that will undoubtedly give readers enough to ponder.
Step into the hidden world of “The Pig Flip,” where the allure of the king of all card games, spot flip, draws villagers to a secret spot on an abandoned island in rural Kerala. Meet Babycha, a man ensnared by the addictive thrill of gambling, striving to break free after marrying his beloved Paulikutty. As they build a life amidst the idyllic landscapes of God’s own country, Babycha’s resolve is tested when he succumbs once more to the seductive pull of spot flip, risking everything he holds dear.
Readers experience a journey of love, sacrifice, and temptation as Babycha’s family is compelled to use extreme methods to control him. Pig Flip is a fitting title that truly captures the essence of the narrative. The story and artwork by painter and author Joshy Benedict transport you to a place rich in flora and wildlife while also portraying the havoc that addiction can cause.
The original Malayalam version of this story has been translated into English. The eerily lovely pictures, however, are even more astounding as they truly bring this straightforward tale to life. In addition, the novel masterfully captures the psychological strains that the characters—especially babychan—face. With a thought-provoking tale that will undoubtedly give readers enough to ponder.
May 13, 2026
I discovered this little gem at the local library where I had about 30-40 minutes to spend and was looking for a light read.
Joshy Benedict's book may be short but the subject matter is anything but light. It tells the sordid tale of Babycha, a man so addicted to gambling that he sneaks out in the night to do it. Of course, things don't end well with him spiralling into debt.
The lovely watercolour illustrations tell us Babycha's story as he neglects his duties as a son, a husband, and a contributing member of society, to feed his addiction. He constantly plumbs new depths with his behaviour till a sudden realization that even the pigs that his brother-in-law is helping him rear are better than him.
Despite the short length of 120 pages, the book manages to show the despair of an addict and their family, and also what seems like a journey back (though I found that a wee bit improbable). Babycha is blessed to have so many folks trying to bail him out, especially his loving and trusting wife Paulikutti.
If you've known someone with an addiction, read this book - it may help you understand why an addict can't always help their behaviour and "Just stop" may not be actionable advice for them.
Joshy Benedict's book may be short but the subject matter is anything but light. It tells the sordid tale of Babycha, a man so addicted to gambling that he sneaks out in the night to do it. Of course, things don't end well with him spiralling into debt.
The lovely watercolour illustrations tell us Babycha's story as he neglects his duties as a son, a husband, and a contributing member of society, to feed his addiction. He constantly plumbs new depths with his behaviour till a sudden realization that even the pigs that his brother-in-law is helping him rear are better than him.
Despite the short length of 120 pages, the book manages to show the despair of an addict and their family, and also what seems like a journey back (though I found that a wee bit improbable). Babycha is blessed to have so many folks trying to bail him out, especially his loving and trusting wife Paulikutti.
If you've known someone with an addiction, read this book - it may help you understand why an addict can't always help their behaviour and "Just stop" may not be actionable advice for them.
January 13, 2024
What a wonderful way to begin 2024. The Pig Flip, written and illustrated by Joshy Benedict, in Malayalam, and translated into English by K.K. Muralidharan is a masterpiece of a graphic novel; I love the strides India is taking in this genre.
A lovely tale, set in Kerala, The Pig Flip chronicles the life of Babycha, a gambling addict, who loses everything while playing the dangerous game of Spot Flip. The love of a good woman (his wife, Paulikutty) and the support of his family help him recover and hopefully redeem.
This could very well be the story of any Indian man in a country where vices are tempting for the unemployed and good-for-nothings often outnumber the hard working. But more impressive are the hauntingly beautiful illustrations that really bring this simple story to life.
A lovely tale, set in Kerala, The Pig Flip chronicles the life of Babycha, a gambling addict, who loses everything while playing the dangerous game of Spot Flip. The love of a good woman (his wife, Paulikutty) and the support of his family help him recover and hopefully redeem.
This could very well be the story of any Indian man in a country where vices are tempting for the unemployed and good-for-nothings often outnumber the hard working. But more impressive are the hauntingly beautiful illustrations that really bring this simple story to life.
March 12, 2024
Graphic novels have always been an interesting subject to me. It was always confusing where to start as a beginner. I came across this one in the Sunday literary magazine of The Hindu. Quite naturally I was captivated primarily due to the setting being in Kerala. As I expected this was such fun. I could easily relate to the terrain. felt like a silent spectator in my own native. Along with it the story beautifully captivates the psychological pressures the characters go through especially babychan . I am so happy that I was able to read this.
May 31, 2026
The most intriguing part of this book is Joshy Benedict's art which is intricate, fresh, and very vibrant. Through this newer form of art that sometimes goes beyond the fixed panels, The Pig Flip presents the story of how gambling and addiction can affect a person. With the rich representation of nature in Kerala, The Pig Flip is filled with such symbolism that it will make you think even after you finish it.
March 2, 2026
The Pig Flip is the most brilliantly illustrated graphic novel from India, somehow Joshy Benedict has figured out a way to slow time through the frames, the sudden close ups startle you and the wides are full of details
Quite often I kept looking at the illustrations without the rush to read the voice-over or Dialogues.
Loved every aspect of this story, it provokes you but also makes you feel helpless about the characters.
A must read
Quite often I kept looking at the illustrations without the rush to read the voice-over or Dialogues.
Loved every aspect of this story, it provokes you but also makes you feel helpless about the characters.
A must read
February 12, 2026
Brilliant graphic novel with hard hitting one liners(signature Malayalam art) that alludes to the loss of freedom when one succumbs to a gambling addiction.
The art was very enjoyable, the lush Kerala vegetation captured well. I loved the shadow of the leaves as the men huddle to play cards.
The art was very enjoyable, the lush Kerala vegetation captured well. I loved the shadow of the leaves as the men huddle to play cards.
March 2, 2024
Wanted to read it in Malayalam, but had to settle for English since the original seems to be out of print
Engrossing and captures the mood of small-town Western Ghats really well.
Engrossing and captures the mood of small-town Western Ghats really well.
April 8, 2024
Astounding !!
June 12, 2025
A simple story of a guy, addicted to gamling while his dear ones try to free him from the wrongdoing.
November 17, 2025
My first graphic novel
December 27, 2025
Haunting
The story remains with you. The realisation of the main character is so vividly presented! Must read and at leisure.
The story remains with you. The realisation of the main character is so vividly presented! Must read and at leisure.
January 20, 2026
One of the best graphic novels I have read. The art is amazing! It was a breeze to read through the book.
March 23, 2026
Gorgeous Illustrations. Poetic. Book one must not miss reading.
July 8, 2026
The most gut-wrenching rendition of gambling addiction and its consequences on the gamblers and their families. The water colour art is haunting!
January 31, 2024
Reads like a vibrant fever dream
January 1, 2025
A graphic novel translated from an Indian language sounds one of a kind and interesting, right?
The Pig Flip written & illustrated by Joshy Benedict, translated from Malayalam by KK Muralidharan is a tale of one man’s addiction to gambling and his comeuppance. A small, abandoned island in rural Kerala around which a river splits and gurgles is a secret gambling den for men. And spot flip, the king of card games, makes or breaks their fortunes. Babycha, the protagonist, is heavily addicted to spot flip and loses much more money than he brings home. Though he promises to turn over a new leaf upon marrying his sweetheart Paulikutty, the lure of a pack of cards is too hard to resist and the clandestine nightly gambling excursions continue unabated. Led astray from a corrective course of action by a cunning loan shark Money Thommi, Babycha’s losses only accrue. That’s when his family members up the ante to rein him in.
Babycha’s emotional mayhem as he remains torn between his addiction and a will to change is portrayed really well in lovely illustrations in watercolor that support the spare text. The process of rehab/restoration is an extremely difficult journey that enfeebles not just the person in question but his loved ones too. In about 110 pages, though this is delivered in a poignant fashion, I felt it lacked a punch.
That said, the choice of the title is perfect. That Babycha’s mother doesn’t blame her daughter-in-law for her son’s vices and gets along well with her is pleasant to read. While the mundu clad men, some reed thin and some with toddy filled paunch, sporting either a thin, wiry moustache or a bushy one like a well-fed caterpillar, the cashew and coconut trees, the traditional houses with sloping, tiled roof paint an authentic picture of Kerala, firmly ground the story in its setting, the theme itself stands out for it is urgent, important and scalable.
A lovely addition to the world of Indian graphic novels!
The Pig Flip written & illustrated by Joshy Benedict, translated from Malayalam by KK Muralidharan is a tale of one man’s addiction to gambling and his comeuppance. A small, abandoned island in rural Kerala around which a river splits and gurgles is a secret gambling den for men. And spot flip, the king of card games, makes or breaks their fortunes. Babycha, the protagonist, is heavily addicted to spot flip and loses much more money than he brings home. Though he promises to turn over a new leaf upon marrying his sweetheart Paulikutty, the lure of a pack of cards is too hard to resist and the clandestine nightly gambling excursions continue unabated. Led astray from a corrective course of action by a cunning loan shark Money Thommi, Babycha’s losses only accrue. That’s when his family members up the ante to rein him in.
Babycha’s emotional mayhem as he remains torn between his addiction and a will to change is portrayed really well in lovely illustrations in watercolor that support the spare text. The process of rehab/restoration is an extremely difficult journey that enfeebles not just the person in question but his loved ones too. In about 110 pages, though this is delivered in a poignant fashion, I felt it lacked a punch.
That said, the choice of the title is perfect. That Babycha’s mother doesn’t blame her daughter-in-law for her son’s vices and gets along well with her is pleasant to read. While the mundu clad men, some reed thin and some with toddy filled paunch, sporting either a thin, wiry moustache or a bushy one like a well-fed caterpillar, the cashew and coconut trees, the traditional houses with sloping, tiled roof paint an authentic picture of Kerala, firmly ground the story in its setting, the theme itself stands out for it is urgent, important and scalable.
A lovely addition to the world of Indian graphic novels!
January 2, 2024
What a wonderful way to begin 2024. The Pig Flip, written and illustrated by Joshy Benedict, in Malayalam, and translated into English by K.K. Muralidharan is a masterpiece of a graphic novel; I love the strides India is taking in this genre.
A lovely tale, set in Kerala, The Pig Flip chronicles the life of Babycha, a gambling addict, who loses everything while playing the dangerous game of Spot Flip. The love of a good woman (his wife, Paulikutty) and the support of his family help him recover and hopefully redeem.
This could very well be the story of any Indian man in a country where vices are tempting for the unemployed and good-for-nothings often outnumber the hard working. But more impressive are the hauntingly beautiful illustrations that really bring this simple story to life.
A lovely tale, set in Kerala, The Pig Flip chronicles the life of Babycha, a gambling addict, who loses everything while playing the dangerous game of Spot Flip. The love of a good woman (his wife, Paulikutty) and the support of his family help him recover and hopefully redeem.
This could very well be the story of any Indian man in a country where vices are tempting for the unemployed and good-for-nothings often outnumber the hard working. But more impressive are the hauntingly beautiful illustrations that really bring this simple story to life.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews