Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Gizmo: A Super-Hero Loading

Imagine if the villain from your favourite video game suddenly materialized in real life, and it was up to a young boy to create a superhero to save the day. Sounds thrilling, right? If you remember the movie Ra.One — where a video game villain comes alive — Gizmo feels almost like a spiritual sequel, but with a much richer emotional core and a proudly Indian soul. Written by Sahkrishna and part of the ambitious Sahnatan Universe, this story blends Indian cultural pride with cutting-edge sci-fi adventure. Sahkrishna crafts a narrative that feels both fresh and exhilarating while honouring deep philosophical roots—a rare feat in today’s superhero landscape.

Gizmo kicks off with a bang—literally. When a villain named Raven escapes from a game into the real world, chaos ensues at GamezCorp. Caught in the middle is young Pratham, whose father dies trying to stop the menace. Traumatized yet determined, Pratham uses secret 3D-printing technology to create a guardian: Gizmo. But superheroes invite super problems, and soon, Pratham’s creation faces new challenges—like the arrival of Manav, a government-engineered superhuman with complex motivations. What sets Gizmo apart is how it mixes fast-paced action with deep emotional stakes rooted in love, loss, and legacy.

Sahkrishna’s writing feels like a fast-paced graphic novel unfolding in your mind. His prose is vivid, cinematic, and action-packed, yet he doesn't shy away from softer, introspective moments. Dialogue crackles with humour, sarcasm, and heart—especially between Pratham and his loyal friend Zee. Sahkrishna's tone shifts smoothly between adrenaline-pumping fights and heartfelt reflections, making the story accessible yet emotionally resonant for teens and adults alike.

Pratham is not just a brainy kid with tech skills—he’s a grieving son trying to keep his father’s spirit alive. Gizmo, inspired by his father’s memory, is as much a symbol of hope as he is a weapon against chaos. Then there’s Manav, who starts as a heroic figure but gradually slips into darkness, offering a poignant study of how betrayal, loneliness, and manipulation can corrode even the purest intentions. The clash between Gizmo and Manav isn't just physical—it’s ideological, making their battles layered and meaningful.

The book unfolds like a TV mini-series, with each chapter feeling like an “episode.” The pacing is brisk—sometimes even breathless—but it works because the stakes keep escalating organically. Sahkrishna’s decision to weave in flashbacks and mid-action memories gives emotional depth to the relentless pace. You’re never just reading a fight; you’re feeling the weight of everything behind each punch and ray blast.

At its core, Gizmo asks a haunting question: What defines a hero—power or purpose? It also explores grief, resilience, and the price of ambition. There are echoes of real-world issues too, from how society quickly forgets its heroes to how technology can be both a blessing and a curse. The Sanatan roots of the universe add a subtle but profound layer about dharma (duty) and karma (action).

Not gonna lie—some scenes hit hard. Watching Pratham channel his grief into building Gizmo genuinely tugged at my heartstrings. The slow unraveling of Manav’s psyche was heartbreaking too; his descent into villainy feels all too human and relatable. And when Gizmo finally... well, let’s just say I had to pause and take a deep breath.

The emotional complexity beneath the sci-fi spectacle is the book’s biggest strength. Sahkrishna nails the emotional beats without sacrificing the thrill. Also, the Indian cultural grounding adds authenticity and freshness that’s often missing in Western-dominated superhero narratives.

At times, the action could feel overwhelming—like watching three superhero movies back-to-back without a break. Some secondary characters, like Amy and Zee, could have used more development. But honestly, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise riveting story.

I adored the emotional honesty of Gizmo. As someone who’s grown up loving superheroes but yearning for more cultural representation, this book felt like a warm hug—and a kickass action movie rolled into one. I especially loved how Pratham’s emotional journey was never sidelined in favor of spectacle.

Gizmo is a thrilling, heartfelt, and refreshingly Indian take on the superhero genre. If you’re tired of cookie-cutter heroes and want a story that blends heart, heritage, and high-octane adventure, you’ll want to dive into this one. Sahkrishna is definitely a voice to watch.

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