Book Review: RIP by Mukul Deva

By Nelton @neltondsouza

India at the present moment is like a child gone wrong. Scams, rape and social evils have become the order of the day. Frustrated with the system and irritated with this news the blood every India boils with anger. But somehow the anger is forced to be swallowed down as beyond a certain point he feels helpless. I’m sure if he was given a gun and saat khoon maaf, he would have shot atleast a couple of our corrupt politicians.
RIP by Mukul Deva, if not in reality, then in fiction at least gives us Indians a feel of eliminating corruption from the bud. The K-Team better known as the R.I.P –the Resurgent Indian Patriots, a group of highly skilled commandos, all with their names beginning with K, is out on a mission to eliminate corruption in India. Using all they have learnt and acquired through military school they go about their business with acute precision leaving no trace behind. What’s more they also leave clues to their next target to instill fear in their targets heart and kick start any sort of penance. To please all sections of society, the K-Team has equal representation of all communities without any reservations being laid out. Even better is each one is given important responsibilities so there’s no complain of discrimination. Thankfully atleast here the nation is given more importance than community.
In this whole entire race they come across sworn enemies as good and trained as them and as passionate as them. This adds to the climax and story and makes for a very interesting read. Since the characters in this book are so relatable (you got to read the book to know) you enjoy it even more. I guess that is where Mukul stands out – he makes the book relatable. Characters like Hazarika and his hunger strike, a politician from Bihar called Yadav and his brother, etc.  remind people they have seen umpteen number of times on TV. In short, this book smartly uses reality to its advantage.  
This book has its plots and sub plots with women too being a part of them. But luckily they do not come in between the story and dilute the feel. But yes, they provide for good time pass and are tolerable. 
After turning pages and going along with your mind asking only one question – now what next you reach the climax. All I can say is somehow the climax manages not disappointing. Though Mukul Deva suddenly assumes the role of Yash Chopra and goes over the top without a leaving a stone unturned he luckily still sticks his guns to the basic and takes the book across the finish.
In my opinion this book gets a 4/5. Read it for its fast paced, quick fire and action packed story. This book would make you feel the same way after watching Bollywood movies like Hindustani or Nayak. The feel of a corruption free India is satisfying and heartwarming. I’m sure once the book is done you’ll run to pick Mukul’s previous books which like me you probably may haven’t heard of till now, but will definitely read now.
About the Author An alumnus of La Martiniere College, Lucknow, the National Defence Academy, Pune and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Mukul Deva was commissioned in December 1981 into the Sikh Light Infantry of the Indian Army. He took early retirement from the army after fifteen years of service, including a decade of combat operations in India and overseas. Now settled in Singapore, he is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker and an executive, business and creativity coach. He is also a Mentor on the United Nations Institute of Training and Research Afghanistan Fellowship. He is India’s leading writer of military thrillers, including the bestselling Lashkar series.