What do you think?
Rate this book
Unreal Elections
At the risk of offending you a little, India s funniest bloggers would like to hold forth on:
Why Narendra Modi s favourite movie is The Lion King
What happens to Arnab Goswami s milkman when he tries to cheat him
How Sonia G reshuffles her Cabinet with a little help from Britney Spears
Why Kejriwal can t get rid of his shawl in the Delhi summer
What fills Manmohan Singh with rage
Why Ravi Shastri must moderate the prime ministerial debate And what all of this has to do with the most Unreal Elections of the Summer of 2014 ...
Why Narendra Modi s favourite movie is The Lion King
What happens to Arnab Goswami s milkman when he tries to cheat him
How Sonia G reshuffles her Cabinet with a little help from Britney Spears
Why Kejriwal can t get rid of his shawl in the Delhi summer
What fills Manmohan Singh with rage
Why Ravi Shastri must moderate the prime ministerial debate And what all of this has to do with the most Unreal Elections of the Summer of 2014 ...
298 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2014
25 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 2, 2017
when i started reading this book, i didnt quite take it seriously. i thought of it more like a funny pass time book , but my snobbishness got a badgering as i leafed through the pages. this is a well written satire with layered nuances, which can be understood only those who keenly follows Indian politics. the analogies made me glee all through the book. there is a lot to read between the lines. Sudden springing of Hindi verses leaves the non native speakers befuddling. overall i really enjoyed the flow and language , even the thriller story line with plot twists.
May 4, 2014
In an extremely charged political season, "Unreal Elections" by C.S. Krishna and Karthik Laxman offers a very candid view of party influences on the head of a government or of coal allocations. At 296 pages, I found the book a little stretched at times but still an engaging read. It largely works as a no-holds barred fictional yet satirical account of how Indian politicians and the polity works especially backroom politics with powerful stuff that leads readers to ponder over. There is no doubt that "Unreal Elections" emerges as an unnatural contender for the most incisive commentary on the 2014 General Elections albeit in a satirical manner. However, towards the end, when the initial laughter declines, it leads a reader to think about how close to reality is the depiction of what's written in its pages.
July 17, 2014
A funny read taking potshots at all major political parties of India, especially the Congress. The writers give their own hilarious version of the inside working of the political parties. Some parts of the book, like the cabinet shuffle and the omission of Manmohan Singh, were simply awesome. Even the inner party fighting of the BJP and the confusion among the leaders of the Third Front is shown in a funny way. The working of the media and their inclinations towards certain political parties is also highlighted.
The best parts of the book are the middle overs and the post match presentation. The post match presentation, where all the secrets are revealed is the most interesting part of the book. The authors get preachy in the last chapter, but the reader hopes that the real situation becomes what is described in it.
Great job authors !!
The best parts of the book are the middle overs and the post match presentation. The post match presentation, where all the secrets are revealed is the most interesting part of the book. The authors get preachy in the last chapter, but the reader hopes that the real situation becomes what is described in it.
Great job authors !!
April 29, 2014
As soon as I saw a book being published by the Unrealtimes, I knew I can't give it a miss. Wanted to enjoy every page of it and savour the moment while reading it. I did enjoy it. However, being a regular reader of the unrealtimes, I found this book more of a compilation of old and new, similar jokes. It feels like all those jokes have been taken and finely woven into a story. That's not to say that there were no more original additions. In fact, some of the chapters were truly hilarious and totally new (chapter 13 being my favourite || all are new but feels similar to old jokes). But then, such instances were far and few, at least for me. Maybe since these guys (authors) are so talented and witty, expectations were high. I don't know, maybe caricatures would have been really good addition. Somewhere, I felt that the X-factor was missing...or something was amiss. I won't say, I was disappointed by the book. I liked it, enjoyed it but not the way I expected it. I would recommend it.
Overall, here is my take on the book:
Story: 3/5
Presentation: 3/5
Humor: 4/5
Would recommend it to others: yes
Overall, here is my take on the book:
Story: 3/5
Presentation: 3/5
Humor: 4/5
Would recommend it to others: yes
September 22, 2014
Joking is our national pastime and there is no limit to it. This book made me recollect all the jokes that my friends and I have shared about everyone around us. Funny, dumb and sometimes very profound. The person at the receiving end may be deaf to comments, otherwise he will end up having sleepless nights filled with self-doubt. More than about Indian elections, or the candidates participating in that, this book is about health and living. It makes you joyous, happy and makes you laugh out loud so that you wont ever need a laughing therapy.
April 17, 2014
Excellent.... these guys have penned a most masterly satire that lays bare Indian politics at its most ridiculous, along with potshots at the mass media, cricket and showbiz. Every discerning Indian needs to read this
April 27, 2014
One of the funniest books I have read in recent times.
October 14, 2017
Unreal Elections is a satire on Indian politics set before the run up to 2014 general elections. Being a regular reader of Unreal Times, I kind of knew what to expect from this book. It was a funny read taking potshots at major political parties. Some parts of the book were hilarious especially cabinet shuffling, confusion in BJP, third front meeting made me laugh out loud. Ending was amazing. I liked how the authors used Ravi Shastri's commentary, Karan Johar's Koffee with Karan in political scenario. The contest between Modi and Rahul was creative and fun at the same time.
It is an excellent read. Once of the funniest I have read in recent times.
It is an excellent read. Once of the funniest I have read in recent times.
February 10, 2021
One of its kind. A book which has to be read again and again to understand the layers hidden in this outstanding satirical book on INDIAN POLITICS. At times it is slow , but the V MAN part was really amazing and not easily guessable. The take on Modi, shah, nepotism, kejriwal, vadra, DLF, sonia and dynasty politics ,Along with the third front tussle was outstanding.
May 28, 2014
I must admit that i had never heard on UNREAL TIMES before the book.
I picked up this book because i was following the elections on TV, paper (everywhere) and this book promised to provide comic angle to the elections.
The book is good in pieces, some places you really feel like laughing and at others you feel WHY...
The personalities given to the politician and pretty imaginative.
The Facebook chats in between did not entice me much.
although the book is a very fast read and provides a very good picture of the state of current Indian government.
At some place you really feel like India needs a revolution and things like Vote-bank politics,Dynasty rule, regional parties , corruption need to be eradicated.
The thought that we have moved from British Rule to an equally bad state now is disturbing.
Though the thoughts were good , the book was an easy read with past pace. i will give it 3/5 as there were places when i was not impressed and interested,
Overall
3/5
I picked up this book because i was following the elections on TV, paper (everywhere) and this book promised to provide comic angle to the elections.
The book is good in pieces, some places you really feel like laughing and at others you feel WHY...
The personalities given to the politician and pretty imaginative.
The Facebook chats in between did not entice me much.
although the book is a very fast read and provides a very good picture of the state of current Indian government.
At some place you really feel like India needs a revolution and things like Vote-bank politics,Dynasty rule, regional parties , corruption need to be eradicated.
The thought that we have moved from British Rule to an equally bad state now is disturbing.
Though the thoughts were good , the book was an easy read with past pace. i will give it 3/5 as there were places when i was not impressed and interested,
Overall
3/5
July 23, 2015
Political satire at it's best.. It's like the funnniest version possible of 'Politics for Dummies'. It sparks an immediate interest in the inherently boring subject (to a few people like me). A brilliantly portrayed epic saga of Indian politics especially pertaining to the 2014 Lok sabha elections of the largest democracy in the world. Sir, novices like me are thankful for creating a curiosity bordering on interest for Indian politics, with all its twisting and twirling political attributes and unfathomable policies!
July 16, 2014
I began reading this book as just another “Namo vs Raga” match. But it is much more than that - no one has been spared. Ravi Shastri’s commentary, the subtle discourse between Jija and Sala, the 56-inch chest of Modi, Karan Johar, Amitabh Bachchan... everyone makes an appearance. The authors leave no opportunity to read full review
May 6, 2014
ROFL - witty, satire, take potshots at everyone while keeping the script close to actual happening. AAP gets away lightly. More of the 56 chest Would have been good. Something for Raga admirers also. end is profound-ish - may be thats the best way to look at this elections. Can't keep it down - Imagine Ravi Shastri truisms covering Political jousts. Great job.
May 11, 2014
amazing read !!!!!! the ending is unexpected and love it.!! started and finished it at one go. the author presumably justify the comic they start, with a delightfull ending. they must be really appreciated for churning out an ending that is marvellous. Expecting more from the authors, very soon. Sadly they might run out of topics to comment on, after this elections.
August 23, 2014
From Ravi Shastri's patented lines to Karan Johar's Koffee; from Jupiter's escape velocity to 'Mayo'-ist... from 2x-4=4000 to binocular-totting Shahs... they've not spared anyone. A must read for satirists. :D
July 29, 2014
Excellent, hilarious and a great book to read. Once you are through the first 50 pages, you will find it difficult to put down.
August 3, 2014
A total laugh riot :-) Glad that I picked this book.
April 29, 2020
Political Satire always threads the line between crass jokes in the realm of the absurd and political zeitgeist disguised as jokes. The authors of this book have in that sense hit a DLF maximum.
The book takes on the incredibly complex indian elections of 2014 with its myriad characters and plot twists and have produced a masterpiece that entertains and educated in equal amounts. In the current climate of polarization the authors seek to have mocked both sides in equal amount for their perceived hypocrisies and faux pases.
This book is only for those interested and previously plugged into the political characters in India. I would have given it 6 stars if it didn’t have so many Hindi phrases which might be lost in translation. Must read for all Indian politics junkies, if only to bring some measure of laughter into their lives.
The book takes on the incredibly complex indian elections of 2014 with its myriad characters and plot twists and have produced a masterpiece that entertains and educated in equal amounts. In the current climate of polarization the authors seek to have mocked both sides in equal amount for their perceived hypocrisies and faux pases.
This book is only for those interested and previously plugged into the political characters in India. I would have given it 6 stars if it didn’t have so many Hindi phrases which might be lost in translation. Must read for all Indian politics junkies, if only to bring some measure of laughter into their lives.
March 24, 2023
Well written political satire sparing none. .. enjoyed
Sounded to be losing me at the beginning but started enjoying the digs and Digs :)
Don't we all wish to have the (US) Presidential election like 1:1 debate of PM candidates but this perfectly captures as how it would be done in our version.
V-Man was a bit (painful) stretch of imagination but that ended well with the revelation of a tragedy called Pranab Da!
The ending and closure was unexpected and highly philosophical that will make one hang RG's framed pic in their pooja room... had it not been a fiction.
NOTE: Requires some basic historical knowledge of Indian political arena to enjoy this hidden gem
Sounded to be losing me at the beginning but started enjoying the digs and Digs :)
Don't we all wish to have the (US) Presidential election like 1:1 debate of PM candidates but this perfectly captures as how it would be done in our version.
V-Man was a bit (painful) stretch of imagination but that ended well with the revelation of a tragedy called Pranab Da!
The ending and closure was unexpected and highly philosophical that will make one hang RG's framed pic in their pooja room... had it not been a fiction.
NOTE: Requires some basic historical knowledge of Indian political arena to enjoy this hidden gem
September 15, 2017
I am giving this book three stars, because the authors did not know when to stop!
The early part of the book was good, and interesting. I thought that it was an innovative look at politics and elections in India. I did like the FB chats as well. They were good.
Somehow, in the second half of the book, they decided to make the 'competition' bizarre. Introducing a cyborg Manmohan was not needed. I don't know how this fit into the book, nor the last chapter on Rahul the genius, or Modi's fascination for Jinnah.
About 75 pages less, and this would have been a very good book.
The early part of the book was good, and interesting. I thought that it was an innovative look at politics and elections in India. I did like the FB chats as well. They were good.
Somehow, in the second half of the book, they decided to make the 'competition' bizarre. Introducing a cyborg Manmohan was not needed. I don't know how this fit into the book, nor the last chapter on Rahul the genius, or Modi's fascination for Jinnah.
About 75 pages less, and this would have been a very good book.
June 3, 2017
This is probably a 100 pages too much. Started off very well. It was funny indeed. Enjoyed it quite a bit but it dragged on too much but overall a great work by authors. I used to like the Unreal Times in social media quite a bit in those bizzare days leading up to 2014 elections.
February 9, 2017
the book starts off well.....very good in bits and pieces.....but drags in the later half.....but one has to accept they have an amazing sense of humor....good one time read!
June 26, 2017
Has its moments, but momentum sometimes falters. Overall a good attempt.
August 20, 2017
Hilarious is what I will say. The authors used real characters and unreal plots. Quiet a page turner, guaranteed laugh riot.
January 16, 2019
Hilarious..!
February 24, 2020
Amazingly funny and unreal.
August 13, 2021
Lacks substance, but full of humour if that is what one is looking for.
July 15, 2016
If you thought you have had enough of the never-ending general elections coverage, think again. ‘Unreal Elections’ will change the way you look at any Indian election coverage forever. A zany, quirky read, the book is the perfect parody and is filled with the usual dollops of humour, satire, suspense and thrill which will leave you gasping for more.
The action begins as political parties throughout the country ready themselves for the General Elections. How the ‘big two’ of Indian politics try to outdo each other (with hilarious outcomes) forms the crux of the story. The book has its fair share of suspense and riveting action as well. For those who like action flicks, there is a masked vigilante gliding through the streets at night and there is also a dose of the ‘Terminator’ so wittily incorporated into the content that it blew my mind away.
Additionally, you get a unique yet hysterical glimpse at the way the BJP and Congress offices function. You see Amit Shah in Kofeee with Karan and also briefly get to see Mamata Banerjee and her hatred for ‘Maoists’. But most important of all, you finally understand why Manmohan Singh has been ‘silent’ over these many years. Although the ending was a bit of a dampener, I loved the book overall.
I finished the book in three days flat and found it hard to put it down through most of the pages. Like the URT website, the content of the book seems so real that at times you would forget that what you are reading is ‘unreal’. For anyone remotely interested in Indian politics, Unreal Elections is a must buy. Wish they would come up with something new soon.
The action begins as political parties throughout the country ready themselves for the General Elections. How the ‘big two’ of Indian politics try to outdo each other (with hilarious outcomes) forms the crux of the story. The book has its fair share of suspense and riveting action as well. For those who like action flicks, there is a masked vigilante gliding through the streets at night and there is also a dose of the ‘Terminator’ so wittily incorporated into the content that it blew my mind away.
Additionally, you get a unique yet hysterical glimpse at the way the BJP and Congress offices function. You see Amit Shah in Kofeee with Karan and also briefly get to see Mamata Banerjee and her hatred for ‘Maoists’. But most important of all, you finally understand why Manmohan Singh has been ‘silent’ over these many years. Although the ending was a bit of a dampener, I loved the book overall.
I finished the book in three days flat and found it hard to put it down through most of the pages. Like the URT website, the content of the book seems so real that at times you would forget that what you are reading is ‘unreal’. For anyone remotely interested in Indian politics, Unreal Elections is a must buy. Wish they would come up with something new soon.
June 15, 2014
Unreal elections is a satire focusing on political events leading up to the 2014 Indian general elections. The book is a mix of real events, dramatization of real events and authors' imagination trying to decipher it all.
The book swings between being brilliant and good. The satire on the real events is spot on - not loud, very witty and full of nuances. The writing style around the real events and their dramatization is very tight as well. Even if you follow The Unreal Times handle on Twitter, the book does not sound repetitive, which tends to be a big problem with the books written by Twitter celebrities.
The portrayal of imaginary events and characters, while quite well integrated with the storyline, is probably not as tight as the real ones. Describing these parts, the book tends to veer off track here and there, producing neither laughs nor guffaws. This part however is quite limited - about 15-20% of the narrative.
Overall, this is a must read for the bold attempt in this genre. One would think that such a book will tend to cause legal issues for the authors given the nature of the satire - that authors have braved that possibility to be true to their craftsmanship and to their readers itself is a good reason to buy this book.
Finally, if you enjoyed the yesteryear Hindi political satire - think Raag Darbari and Shrilal Shukla's other works - good chance you will like this too.
The book swings between being brilliant and good. The satire on the real events is spot on - not loud, very witty and full of nuances. The writing style around the real events and their dramatization is very tight as well. Even if you follow The Unreal Times handle on Twitter, the book does not sound repetitive, which tends to be a big problem with the books written by Twitter celebrities.
The portrayal of imaginary events and characters, while quite well integrated with the storyline, is probably not as tight as the real ones. Describing these parts, the book tends to veer off track here and there, producing neither laughs nor guffaws. This part however is quite limited - about 15-20% of the narrative.
Overall, this is a must read for the bold attempt in this genre. One would think that such a book will tend to cause legal issues for the authors given the nature of the satire - that authors have braved that possibility to be true to their craftsmanship and to their readers itself is a good reason to buy this book.
Finally, if you enjoyed the yesteryear Hindi political satire - think Raag Darbari and Shrilal Shukla's other works - good chance you will like this too.
June 25, 2014
One who is following 2014 Indian general elections, this book is for them. This is funny, released at perfect time and by the way you should understand the sarcasm ;) ;)
The best thing i liked in this book is the way Sonia does cabinet reshuffling, Amit shah's interview to Karan, if you think its to Karan Thapar sorry its to Karan Johar, and the last ten pages are over the top Rahul Baba's realization in Himalayas and the events which unfold after are hilarious, i am on floor literally reading those 10 pages.
I didn't really like the ending pages where the Manmohan is replaced with a robot, would have been a better climax. I don't know how this could have been ended better but felt could have ended better :)
The best thing i liked in this book is the way Sonia does cabinet reshuffling, Amit shah's interview to Karan, if you think its to Karan Thapar sorry its to Karan Johar, and the last ten pages are over the top Rahul Baba's realization in Himalayas and the events which unfold after are hilarious, i am on floor literally reading those 10 pages.
I didn't really like the ending pages where the Manmohan is replaced with a robot, would have been a better climax. I don't know how this could have been ended better but felt could have ended better :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews