Overview
The press release dated October 21, 2026 announces the launch of Zidd!, a comedy‑drama novel by debut author Hetansh Desai. Desai, an entrepreneur based in Ahmedabad, is the founder of Mediaverse Group and its new fiction imprint Fantasticals, under which Zidd! is the first title.
Sales and Reception
Within less than two months of its release, Zidd! has sold more than 2,000 copies. Early readers described the book as a “big‑hearted, full‑on, laugh‑out‑loud comedy‑drama” and an “easy, breezy read,” with many completing it in a single sitting. The narrative, set in Gujarat over a decade, follows two middle‑class friends, Vihaan and Parth, who pursue a ₹10 crore dream, delivering twists, a fast pace, a gripping climax, and an emotional core about contemporary friendships and father‑son relationships.
Marketing and Promotion
Fantasticals produced a high‑budget book trailer featuring veteran Bollywood actor Tiku Talsania, a rarity in Indian publishing, presenting the promotion in a cinematic style rather than a conventional book announcement. Desai stated that the book was written for “everyone – the reader who reads a novel a week and the person who hasn’t picked up a book since school,” and noted the “overwhelming” response from readers.
Distribution and Launch Events
The novel will soon be available in more than 100 retail stores across India and is already listed on Amazon, Flipkart, and the imprint’s website (fantasticals.in) with author‑signed copies. Launch events have been successfully held in Mangaluru and Bengaluru, and over 15 similar events are planned in other cities.
Imprint Strategy
Fantasticals, headquartered in Ahmedabad, is dedicated to original Indian commercial fiction that combines humour, heart, and family‑friendly storytelling. The imprint plans a slate of future titles built on the same promise of clean, universal humour appealing to both teenagers and grandparents.
Disclaimer
The release is provided under an arrangement with PNN; PTI disclaims editorial responsibility.