Book Review: Revolution 2020 by Chetan Bhagat

Revolution 2020 by Chetan Bhagat – Love, Ambition & a Pinch of Corruption

Let’s be honest—when you pick up a Chetan Bhagat novel, you’re not expecting Shakespeare. You’re expecting drama, romance, a bit of masala, and a whole lot of relatability. And Revolution 2020 delivers just that.

Set in Varanasi, the book follows the lives of three childhood friends—Gopal, Raghav, and Aarti. Gopal is the underdog, desperate to make it big and escape poverty. Raghav is the idealist, who wants to change the world through journalism. And Aarti? Well, she’s the girl both boys are in love with. Classic love triangle. But Bhagat adds a twist: the backdrop is a corrupt education system that crushes dreams just as easily as it sells them.

What makes the book click is its pace and simplicity. Bhagat’s writing is casual, almost like your friend ranting to you over WhatsApp. And while some might find that “too basic,” it’s exactly what makes the story so accessible.

Is the plot predictable? A bit. Are the characters slightly filmy? Definitely. But somewhere between Gopal’s compromises, Raghav’s rebellion, and Aarti’s confusion, the book throws shade at the Indian system—how money talks louder than merit, and how sometimes, doing the “right” thing doesn’t get you the girl or the glory.

Final Verdict:

If you’re looking for a light read that mirrors the messy love stories and moral dilemmas of real life (with a dramatic twist), Revolution 2020 is worth a weekend binge. It’s not revolutionary literature—but it definitely sparks a few thoughts about love, power, and the price of ambition.