Mobile Thatha – The Adventures of a Techno Explorer by Kamala Mahadevan is a humorous and heartwarming collection of interconnected short stories set in the fictional Indian village of Thenkudi. The central figure is Madhu Thatha, a 75-year-old retired government officer whose life takes a delightful turn after he receives a smartphone from his grandchildren during a Diwali visit.
From selfies and social media to voice assistants and all things labelled “smart,” Thatha dives headfirst into the digital world – often with hilarious consequences. By his side is Ambujam Paati, his no-nonsense wife and a retired school principal who remains thoroughly unimpressed by her husband’s screen obsession. Together, they bring to life stories of village misadventures, tech blunders, and quiet moments of affection and reflection.
“The book unfolds through standalone yet interconnected stories – beginning with comic tech mishaps, moving into moments where Thatha’s digital indulgence unexpectedly saves the day, and gradually building toward a touching conclusion. Each chapter balances light-hearted humour with emotional depth, especially in the loving, often bickering dynamic between the old couple," smiles Kamala Mahadevan.
Recurring characters include childhood friend Dev, precocious neighbour Kabir, their mischievous pet goat Bunty, and plenty others from the lively community of Thenkudi who are always there for each other. The book reflects themes of aging, companionship, generational gaps, and the evolving role of technology in everyday rural life.
This book combines the nostalgic charm of Malgudi Days with the situational humor and character-driven energy of Butterfingers, but, written for intergenerational readers. Like Amar’s hilarious school escapades, Thatha’s quirkiness deliver laugh-out-loud moments grounded in the warmth of Indian life.
Mobile Thatha offers the readers witty and warm stories of modern small-town life in an Indian village from the perspective of a cute couple in their 70s. The stories navigate through themes of community, friendships, family and technology across generations and cultures.
Though humorous in tone, Mobile Thatha is ultimately about connection – how love, curiosity, and adaptability persist across age and time. With a nostalgic heart and a modern twist, the stories celebrate not only the quirks of digital life but also the enduring beauty of analogue bonds.
Published by APK Publishers, the 140 pages book is available on https://amzn.in/d/0j2BXMt6
