Welcome to a brand-new interview of the latest author to join the Readomania tribe! Please put your reading gear together and sit comfortably while we take you through a tete-a-tete with Tejaswi Priyadarshi, writer of Berserk, a psychological horror thriller that is bound to knock you off your feet from the word go.
But before we begin, let’s go through some interesting insights about the author that we collated for you to know him a little better, shall we?
Tejaswi is brief and to the point with his answers, you will see that as we ‘unravel’ the thought behind his ideas and writing for Berserk
Tejaswi likes to use the word ‘unravel’ a lot!
Tejaswi is your guy next door but can spin yarns of mysteries, horrors, and thrillers to send chills down your spine on that night when its raining and there is a really long power cut
Click here to know more about Tejaswi
Meanwhile, ready to get into the mind of your next favourite Readomania author? Dive in!
What inspired you to write Berserk, and how did the idea first come to you?
T: I’ve always been drawn to splatter horror, but I enjoy pushing boundaries by blending it with other subgenres.
What exact genre do we put this book into?
T: Berserk is a murder mystery cum psychological thriller with a healthy dose of splatter horror
Splatterpunk, Tejaswi’s subgenre
Psychological horror, with its depth and lasting impact, had always intrigued me. When the idea for Berserk struck, it felt like the perfect opportunity to merge the visceral brutality of splatter horror with the unsettling psychological unraveling of the mind. I knew I had to dive in immediately—it was a story that demanded to be written.
A clip from the movie High Tension (2003), one of Tejaswi’s influences for writing:
Psychological horror often plays with the mind—how does Berserk explore fear on a deeper, more psychological level?
T: For me, writing psychological horror isn’t just about creating fear—it’s about making it personal. My process involves fully immersing myself in the character’s mind, understanding their fears, and experiencing their unraveling as if it were my own. By empathizing with them, I ensure their emotions, struggles, and horrors feel real. This way, readers don’t just witness the terror; they live it through the characters, making the fear far more intimate and unsettling.
What kind of research did you do to create the unsettling atmosphere and psychological depth in the novel?
T: To ensure authenticity, I delved deep into research on psychological disorders—though I can’t reveal the specific books that I read without giving away spoilers, haha! I also spoke with around ten doctors and therapists to gain expert insights into the intricacies of the human mind. Beyond that, I visited hospitals and closely observed people, studying their behaviors, expressions, and unspoken struggles. All of this helped me craft a world in Berserk that feels disturbingly real.
Did you base any characters or events on real experiences or people you know?
T: No, not for this book, but I have done a lot of this in my previous books. That reminds me that with Berserk, I have taken a step towards building a world of my books, and if you have read my previous books, you'll find very interesting developments towards the end of Berserk.
How does Berserk differ from traditional horror stories, and what unique elements does it bring to the genre, especially in the Indian landscape?
T: “Traditional horror” is a broad term, but if we’re referring to supernatural and paranormal horror—the dominant genres in Indian horror literature—then Berserk stands apart by taking an entirely different route. While I have nothing against traditional horror, my passion lies in exploring splatterpunk and merging it with other subgenres, creating something fresh and boundary-pushing. That is what I have done in the past with The Psychopath, The Cannibal, The Lover (slasher horror) and Bhang Milkha Bhang (neo noir horror).
What makes Berserk unique is its raw, unfiltered brutality paired with deep psychological horror, all while staying rooted in multiple Indian geographies. Horror in India has largely revolved around spirits and folklore, but I wanted to craft something that hasn’t been explored much—a story that is violent, deeply unsettling, and disturbingly real. Berserk does exactly that, continuing my commitment to writing horror that is not just terrifying but also truly unique.
Go check out what Tejaswi says on Instagram about this
Which scene in the book was the most challenging for you to write, and why?
T: It was all the scenes with Nazm, because I had to be in the exact frame of mind of an 18-year-old and deal with situations that were extremely mature in nature. My beta reader friends, especially Roshni, helped me a lot there.
How do you want readers to feel after finishing the book?
T: I want readers to sit in silence after the final page, grappling with a mix of emotions—disturbed, traumatised, and maybe even questioning their own perceptions of morality and sanity. Berserk isn’t just about fear; it’s about confronting the darkest aspects of human nature.
If Berserk were adapted into a film or series, what would the style be like?
T: Think Manoj Night Shyamalan making Oldboy with Kay Kay Menon.
A clip from Tejaswi’s movie influence, Inside (2007):
What’s next for you after Berserk—are there more horror stories in your future?
T: So many more! I am currently sitting on 2 finished manuscripts while one is WIP.
Berserk is a psychological horror—how do you balance suspense, tension, and realism to make the horror feel authentic?
T: Balancing suspense, tension, and realism is all about control—knowing when to hold back and when to unleash chaos. In Berserk, I focus on gradual psychological deterioration, allowing fear to creep in subtly before it explodes into something visceral. The realism comes from research, authentic character motivations, and ensuring that every act of violence has emotional weight.
What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from Berserk?
T: Facing oneself is the toughest face-off that you may ever face
The title Berserk suggests chaos or loss of control—how does that play into the story?
T: The title Berserk perfectly encapsulates the protagonist’s descent into chaos. In his relentless pursuit of his wife’s killer, he loses control—not just of his actions, but of his very sense of self. His transformation is raw and brutal, stripping away layers of humanity until he becomes something almost primal, an animal driven purely by vengeance and instinct. The story isn’t just about external violence; it’s about the internal unraveling that comes with obsession, grief, and the point of no return.
Which authors or films influenced your approach to horror?
T: When I was growing up, books were all I had. The background is too long for this answer, but I consumed books to no end, and some of my favourites are - State of Fear by Michael Crichton, Rising Sun by Michael Crichton, Intensity by Dean Koontz, Anything by Surendra Mohan Pathak. My writing, however, has been inspired by movies. Horror is a genre that I have consumed through films and series to an extent where I can claim to have watched more than 2000 horror movies till date. But the movies that made me pick up the pen are High Tension (2003), Inside (2007), Final Destination (2000), Battle Royale (2000), Hostel (2005), 30 Days of Night (2007), I Saw the Devil (2010).
We hope you enjoyed the no-nonsense answers by Tejaswi and will pick up Berserk as soon as you can get your hands on the book!
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