Ghanchakkar is an interesting novel by Dr. Sanjeev Upreti. The novel is part political and part social satire. The story is presented by a series of psychological patterns appearing on a professor working in the government university professor. His psychology is affected by the political and systematic disorder in the society.

The beginning of the story deals with the description of the professor, his personal and professional life. Burdened by the hectic schedule of his work and the political disorder of the nation, he seeks solace in the quite riverbanks, temples, cremation sites, etc. He is intimidated by the word ‘Khoja’ which seems to appear on the roadside walls, milestones, trucks, etc. Also a columnist in a leading national daily, he visit several places and people who introduce him to the world of myths which leaves him more confused and he starts off a quest to find the ultimate truth. He meets a sage during an interview session whose random babbles about the secret energy source around the nation makes the protagonist more and more determined to find the truth. And as he gets deeper into his quest, his family and friends fear him losing his mind. Afraid that they would admit him to a mental hospital, he runs away from house secretly and wanders around the streets of Kathmandu, disguised as a saint. He spends his nights on the Bishumati riverbank and spends days searching for the truth. The more he searches more confused he becomes.

He starts imagining things which are way too unrealistic and which makes the reader think if he has lost his mind. This however, will be known by the end of the book. He meets several people during his quest who helps him to solve the mystery. He gradually loses his power to distinguish between reality and fiction. What follows is the series of metal fluctuation of his mind taking the reader deeper into confusion until you come to the end of the book.

The book set on the political disorder in the country after the Royal massacre and the effects of political and social systematic disorder to the human mind and psychology. As confusing as the book may be, it is a good read. The novel was also adapted into a drama of the same name ‘Ghanchakkar’ directed by Sunil Pokhrel and was performed in the theatre Arohan Gurukul. Dr. Sanjeev Upreti himself performed the role of the professor in the drama.