[1] The story follows Ayyan Mani, a middle-aged Dalit working as an assistant to a Brahmin astronomer at the Institute of Theory and Research in Mumbai.

[2] Furious at his situation in life, Ayyan develops an outrageous story that his 10-year-old son is a mathematical genius – a lie which later gets out of control.

[9] Peter Carty of The Independent felt that the novel "elegantly describes collisions with an unyielding status quo, ably counterpointing the frustrations of the powerless with the unfulfilling realities of power.

"[10] Bhavana Sharma of The Hindu wrote: "Manu Joseph's novel hammers in the hopelessness, boredom and desperate ambitions of suburban Dalit community in Bombay, and he weaves an interesting and funny satire on the academia of science, love and revenge.

[15] The eponymous film directed by Mishra and starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, playing the role of Ayyan Mani opposite actress Indira Tiwari was produced by Bombay Fables and Cineraas Entertainment.