Sharada Kolluru’s latest thriller, “3x3x3,” is a riveting exploration of the intricate connections between seemingly disparate lives in the vibrant city of Hyderabad. Like the Rubik’s Cube that serves as the novel’s central motif, the narrative twists and turns with precision, bringing together the stories of a retiring drug lord, a determined police officer, and a young speedcuber seeking justice for his brother’s death.
The title itself—a reference to the standard dimensions of a Rubik’s Cube—brilliantly captures the multi-dimensional challenges that each character faces. Just as solving a cube requires strategy, patience, and foresight, so too do the protagonists navigate their complex moral dilemmas and personal quests.
A Symphony of Characters
Kolluru demonstrates exceptional skill in character development, creating individuals who are as complex as they are compelling:
- Peddanna, the aging drug lord of the Teland cartel, brings unexpected depth to what could have been a one-dimensional villain. His diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease catalyzes his decision to exit the narcotics trade, but not before executing one final, massive delivery. What makes him fascinating is his contradictory nature—a man capable of ruthless violence who also maintains a goshala (cow shelter) and upholds a strong sense of patriotism.
- DCP Vasudev Manikonda embodies the quintessential committed police officer, yet Kolluru skillfully avoids clichés by exploring his personal insecurities and quest for validation. His journey from seeking power for its own sake to finding meaning in justice adds substantial weight to the narrative.
- Suryakanth Nadella, a talented speedcuber, provides the emotional anchor of the story. His determination to prove his brother wasn’t a drug addict drives much of the plot’s momentum, and his relationship with Peddanna adds layers of complexity to both characters.
What separates “3x3x3” by Sharada Kolluru from standard crime thrillers is how these characters orbit each other, creating moments of tension and unexpected connection. Their intertwined fates unfold with the methodical precision of algorithms used to solve a Rubik’s Cube.
Hyderabad: A Character Unto Itself
Kolluru’s portrayal of Hyderabad deserves special mention. The city emerges not merely as a backdrop but as a living, breathing entity with its own personality. From the bustling streets of Kachiguda to the serene farmhouses of Shamirpet, from the perfume markets of Charminar to the corporate offices of Jubilee Hills, the author paints a vivid picture of a city straddling tradition and modernity.
The cultural elements woven throughout—the Bonalu festival, the distinctive Telugu expressions, the mouth-watering descriptions of local cuisine like gongura mamsam and filter kaapi—create an immersive experience that transports readers directly to the heart of Telangana.
A Multi-Layered Narrative Structure
True to its title, the novel’s structure reflects the complexity of a 3x3x3 Rubik’s Cube:
- The Crime Layer: The intricate world of drug trafficking, with its hierarchies, rivalries, and international connections
- The Investigation Layer: The methodical pursuit of justice through both official and unofficial channels
- The Personal Layer: The emotional journeys of the characters as they confront their past choices and future possibilities
These layers shift and align throughout the narrative, creating moments of brilliant synchronicity where seemingly unrelated events suddenly click into place. This structural elegance elevates “3x3x3” beyond a typical crime thriller into a meditation on cause and effect, choice and consequence.
Themes That Resonate
Beyond its gripping plot, “3x3x3” by Sharada Kolluru explores several thought-provoking themes:
- The nature of power and its limitations: Through Vasudev’s journey and his encounter with the retired judge, Kolluru examines how power without purpose ultimately proves hollow.
- Redemption and second chances: Can a lifetime of wrongdoing be balanced by acts of good? Peddanna’s complex moral code and eventual choices probe this question.
- Family bonds beyond blood: The relationships between Peddanna and Surya, Damodar and Surya, and even Vasudev and Akshita explore how meaningful connections transcend conventional definitions of family.
- Justice versus revenge: The parallel quests for retribution raise questions about where justice ends and vengeance begins.
The exploration of these themes gives the novel a philosophical depth that lingers long after the final page.
Prose That Captivates
Kolluru’s writing style is distinctive in its blend of lyrical description and taut action. Consider this passage describing Peddanna’s garden:
“At the rolling vegetable garden, a mixture of aromas permeates the air—coriander, mint, tulsi, and more. Bathed in the warm glow of the sun, the estate seems to shimmer in golden light.”
This poetic sensibility contrasts effectively with the sharp, staccato prose of the action sequences, creating a rhythm that pulls readers through the story. The author also skillfully incorporates Telugu phrases and cultural references that add authenticity without alienating readers unfamiliar with the language.
Masterful Pacing and Tension
The novel’s pacing deserves particular praise. Kolluru expertly balances reflective character moments with heart-pounding action sequences. The final confrontation in Goa exemplifies this skill, building tension layer by layer until it reaches an explosive climax.
What sets “3x3x3” apart from many contemporary thrillers is its patience. Like a speed-cuber who knows when to slow down to set up a complex algorithm, Kolluru isn’t afraid to decelerate the narrative to develop characters or establish atmosphere, knowing these investments will pay dividends when the action accelerates.
Visual Storytelling at Its Finest
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its cinematic quality. Scenes unfold with vivid clarity, from the colorful chaos of the Bonalu festival to the sterile tension of police interrogation rooms. Kolluru’s background in visual storytelling (evident in her previous works as well) shines through, creating set pieces that would translate seamlessly to screen.
The visualization of speedcubing competitions particularly stands out, capturing both the technical precision and emotional intensity of these events in a way that makes readers feel the click of the cube and the pressure of the timer.
Standing Among Peers
“3x3x3″ represents a significant evolution in Sharada Kolluru’s writing. While her previous novels—”Half Single Half Married” and “Blue Eagle-Cabernet Sauvignon 1988“—showcased her storytelling abilities, this latest work demonstrates a new level of narrative complexity and thematic depth.
The novel invites comparison to works by authors like Vikram Chandra (“Sacred Games”) and Vikas Swarup (“Q&A,” adapted as “Slumdog Millionaire”) in its portrayal of Indian criminal underworlds and complex moral landscapes. Yet Kolluru’s voice remains distinctly her own, particularly in her nuanced exploration of Hyderabad’s unique cultural milieu.
A Few Lingering Thoughts
The novel’s incorporation of the Rubik’s Cube as both plot device and metaphor is inspired. Just as the cube presents 43 quintillion possible configurations but only one solved state, so too do the characters navigate countless choices toward their own versions of resolution.
The relationships between characters are particularly well-rendered. The father-son dynamic between Peddanna and Surya evolves with emotional authenticity, while the romantic relationship between Vasudev and Akshita avoids typical crime-fiction clichés in favor of something more nuanced and mature.
Final Verdict
“3x3x3” by Sharada Kolluru is a triumphant achievement in crime fiction that transcends the genre’s conventions. Sharada Kolluru has crafted a thriller that satisfies on multiple levels: as a pulse-quickening crime narrative, as a character-driven drama, and as a thoughtful exploration of morality in a complex world.
Like the most challenging Rubik’s Cube algorithms, this novel demands attention and rewards patience. It’s a book that respects its readers’ intelligence while delivering the visceral thrills expected of top-tier crime fiction.
For fans of character-driven crime thrillers with cultural depth and moral complexity, “3x3x3” is not merely recommended—it’s essential reading. Kolluru has set a new standard for herself and for Indian crime fiction as a whole.
