ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mahesh Madhavan
Mahesh Madhavan is an Indian author, storyteller, screenwriter, and martial artist whose works explore the boundaries between psychological horror, the supernatural, science, and human emotions.
He is the author of the Malayalam paranormal psychological horror novel Kalapasam, which is currently being developed for a global audience through its official website and future international projects. He is also working on the English edition of the novel, titled The Scent of Doom, aiming to introduce the story to readers worldwide.
Beyond novels, Mahesh has written and directed several short films, reflecting his passion for visual storytelling and cinema. His cinematic style strongly influences his writing, making his stories immersive and highly visual. He has also contributed to music through his lyrics, including the songs:
ഞാൻ നനയാതെ പോയൊരു മഴ മാത്രമല്ല നീ
നീ എന്ന മഴയിൽ ഞാൻ നനഞ്ഞു
These songs showcase another dimension of his creative journey as a lyricist. Apart from literature and filmmaking, Mahesh Madhavan is a Shotokan Karate Black Belt (4th Dan), embodying discipline, perseverance, and creativity in every field he pursues.
His long-term vision is to establish Kalapasam and The Scent of Doom as internationally recognized literary and cinematic brands, inspiring readers and audiences across the world through compelling stories that blur the line between reality and the unknown.
ABOUT THE story
The Story Behind Kalapasam / The Scent of Doom
In this age of AI, even if someone uses our story, characters, or ideas somewhere, somehow, we will eventually find our way back to their source.
During 2017–18, I regularly wrote horror short stories for the friends I had made through the Facebook group “Prethaanubhavangal” (“Ghost Experiences”).
In May 2017, I wrote and published my own short story, “Haunted House No. 7,” for a story competition conducted in the “Prethaanubhavangal” group.
The story introduced a unique idea that I had personally recognized in my own life. The paranormal experiences and psychological conflict surrounding that idea were later developed further, eventually taking shape as the Malayalam psychological horror novel “Kalapasam.”
After Kalapasam was published, I removed the old “Haunted House No. 7” story from social media. However, the post containing the story, published on my own “Sahayathrikan” Facebook page on May 20, 2019, is still available.
Therefore, for those who have read Kalapasam, as well as those who read its English version, The Scent of Doom, a QR code provided on this website and on the final page of The Scent of Doom offers an opportunity to read “Haunted House No. 7,” the early form of one of the novel’s central ideas.
The journey from a short story written in 2017 to a novel — that is the story behind “Haunted House No. 7” and “Kalapasam / The Scent of Doom.”
Original Story:
Haunted House No. 7 — Based on a True Story
Written: May 2017
Published on “Sahayathrikan” Facebook Page: May 20, 2019
If you wish to fully experience Kalapasam / The Scent of Doom, it is recommended that you read the novel first. Only then should you enter the world of this short story.
This reference is included solely to establish the authenticity and continuity of the novel Kalapasam / The Scent of Doom.
Read the original story here:
