The Hindu Group’s coffee-table book on legendary illustrator Maniam released

A coffee-table book, The Complete Artist, showcasing the works of legendary illustrator Maniam, who brought to life iconic historical characters in Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan and Sivagamiyin Sabatham and Rajaji’s Chakravarthi Thirumagan and Vyasar Virunthu, was released by The Hindu Group in Chennai on Thursday (October 9, 2025). The book release marks the illustrator’s birth centenary.

Veteran actor Sivakumar, an artist himself, released the first copy of the book, produced in association with Maniam Selven, the son of the late illustrator. The first few copies of the book were received by Seetha Ravi and Lakshmi Natarajan, granddaughters of legendary writer Kalki Krishnamurthy; Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson of The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited; and Thota Tharani, art director at an event held at The Hindu’s headquarters in Chennai.

Mr. Sivakumar described Maniam as a towering artist who, despite having lived for only 44 years, achieved the stature of a historical figure. “Kalki [Krishnamurthy] lived only 55 years and Maniam lived only 44 years, but both remain timeless legends,” he said, recalling the illustrator’s 28-year-long career that began when he was just 17.

He said that Maniam’s illustrations for Ponniyin Selvan transformed the way readers imagined the epic’s characters. “Through his art, we saw Vandiyathevan, Aditya Karikalan, Arulmozhi Varman, Poonguzhali, Nandhini and Kundavai come alive before our eyes,” he said.

Ms. Ravi said she had the opportunity to see Maniam’s original illustrations and hailed their artistic value and the immense effort behind them. Capturing and presenting their essence in this coffee-table book was truly remarkable, she said.

Mr. Selven recalled his first visit to the Kalki magazine office when he was five years old, along with his father. “Although he achieved much in his career, he could not complete his formal education as he began illustrating while still a student at the School of Arts. Sometimes, he would call me to assist him. He lived for only a year after I joined the College of Fine Arts. But he advised me to finish my studies even if I started my career as an illustrator early,” Mr. Selven said.

“When a copy of this book was given to me for proofreading, I read it at the very table where my father once created his illustrations. I felt he continued to guide me as a silent teacher,” Mr. Selven said.

Geetha Venkataramanan, curator of the book, said, “Working on this book was a surreal experience for me. I feel as though the wheel has come full circle. I began reading Kalki and other magazines at the age of ten at the Kasturi Srinivasan Library. It felt like returning to my childhood.”

Suresh Nambath, Editor, The Hindu; L.V. Navaneeth, Chief Executive Officer, The Hindu, family members of Maniam, R. Srinivasan, Head – Magazines and Special Publications, The Hindu, were among those present.

The coffee-table book, divided into four chapters, is a visual treat with over 400 works of Maniam hand-picked by Mr. Selven. The book is priced at ₹3,999 and is now available at ₹2,999 for a limited period of time as a launch offer. The book can be purchased at The Hindu’s online bookstore at publications.thehindugroup.com/bookstore/