An in-depth conversation with the lawyer-turned-author whose debut novel blends suspense with social conscience.
In a world where crime thrillers often entertain but rarely enlighten, Dr. Ddharaniikota Ssuyodhan brings a refreshing divergence. His debut novel, Disha: The Ultimate Direction, doesn’t just deliver suspense — it asks hard questions about justice, gender violence, and institutional accountability.
We sat down with Dr. Ssuyodhan for an honest, heartfelt conversation about the story behind the novel, the responsibility of writers, and the courage needed to confront uncomfortable truths.
Question 1: Dr. Ssuyodhan, what was the emotional moment that pushed you to begin writing Disha?
Q1. Dr. Ssuyodhan, what was the emotional moment that pushed you to begin writing Disha?
Answer by Dr. Ddharaniikota Ssuyodhan:
The 2019 “Disha incident” in Hyderabad deeply disturbed me. I lived very close to where it happened, and for days, the grief and helplessness in the community were palpable. As a lawyer, I understood the legal framework — but emotionally, I felt the weight of a system that often moves too slowly. Writing Disha began as a personal attempt to process that pain. Eventually, it evolved into a story meant to provoke awareness.
Q2. Your protagonist — a woman police officer — feels incredibly real. Was she inspired by someone specific?
Answer by Dr. Ddharaniikota Ssuyodhan:
She is not based on one person, but on many women I’ve observed — in law enforcement, in courts, and in everyday life. They carry courage differently. Their fight is often quiet, persistent, and deeply human. I wanted to honour that by creating a lead who is not superhuman, but resilient in a very truthful way.
Q3. The book deals with institutional gaps. What made you decide to address the system so directly?
Answer by Dr. Ddharaniikota Ssuyodhan:
Because the system affects every stage of a survivor’s journey — from the first report to final justice. As someone who has been inside legal processes, I feel writers have a responsibility to show how institutions impact real lives. Disha isn’t an attack; it’s a reflection. Sometimes mirrors are uncomfortable, but necessary.
Q4. How did your legal background shape the storytelling?
Answer by Dr. Ddharaniikota Ssuyodhan:
It helped me maintain authenticity. Crime thrillers often simplify procedures for drama. I wanted to capture the emotional and procedural tensions without compromising reality. My legal training allowed me to balance accuracy with narrative pace.
Q5. The novel has moments of intense vulnerability. Was writing those scenes difficult?
Answer by Dr. Ddharaniikota Ssuyodhan:
Very difficult. Writing about trauma — especially trauma that echoes real events — requires sensitivity. I wrote several scenes multiple times to ensure they were respectful and grounded. The goal was never sensationalism. It was humanity.
Q6. Many readers say Disha changed the way they think about gender violence. How do you feel about that?
Answer by Dr. Ddharaniikota Ssuyodhan:
If the book helps even one reader pause, reflect, or speak up — that is the greatest reward. Change doesn’t always come from big movements. Sometimes it comes from conversations inside homes, workplaces, or classrooms. I’m grateful the book has sparked those discussions.
Q7. Do you think literature can contribute to reform?
Answer by Dr. Ddharaniikota Ssuyodhan:
Absolutely. Laws may guide behaviour, but stories shape conscience. Literature gives faces and feelings to issues that might otherwise stay abstract. Reform begins with awareness, and awareness begins with engagement. A book can be the spark.
Q8. What kind of research went into building the emotional world of the characters?
Answer by Dr. Ddharaniikota Ssuyodhan:
I spent time reading survivor testimonies, speaking to professionals who work with trauma victims, and revisiting legal case studies. Understanding emotional reality was just as important as understanding legal processes. Characters become believable only when their emotional truths are respected.
Q9. What do you hope young readers take away from Disha?
Answer by Dr. Ddharaniikota Ssuyodhan:
I hope they recognise that justice isn’t only the responsibility of courts or police. It’s a shared social responsibility. Awareness, empathy, and courage — these are forces young people can cultivate. Silence protects perpetrators; conversation protects society.
Q10. What can readers expect from you next?
Answer by Dr. Ddharaniikota Ssuyodhan:
I’m working on a new project that explores moral accountability in a completely different setting. It will still combine realism with suspense, but the themes will go beyond gender violence. I hope to continue writing stories that challenge readers to think, feel, and question.