MT Vasudevan Nair, widely regarded as the doyen of Malayalam literature and cinema, passed away at Baby Memorial Hospital, Kozhikode, at the age of 91 on Wednesday. Admitted in critical condition due to heart failure, MT’s demise marks the end of an era. Born on July 15, 1933 in Kudallur, a village in the present-day Palakkad district of Kerala, MT’s journey from a small village to becoming a cultural icon is a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication. A virtuoso whose contributions spanned literature, cinema, and journalism, his legacy continues to influence generations. A winner of the Jnanpith Award and four National Film Awards for screenwriting, MT’s accolades reflect his monumental contributions.
At the heart of his literary oeuvre lies the river Bharathapuzha, its banks a constant muse for his evocative storytelling. Through his novels Nalukettu, Asuravithuand wisdomMT painted a vivid portrait of life entwined with the soul of the land he loved. These novels, often seen as a thematic trilogy, weave the fabric of rural Kerala, a land whose cultural richness and natural beauty shaped MT’s creative vision. His novels like Manju and Randamoozhamthe latter being his magnum opus retelling the Mahabharata from Bhima’s perspective, reached readers far beyond Kerala. Reflecting on his influences, he once said, “I started writing as a hobby. American writer Pearl S Buck was my inspiration, and her books had a profound influence on me.” His works were often inspired by the beauty and spirit of his native village, shaping narratives that were both personal and universal.
MT’s screenplays gifted Malayalam cinema some of its most iconic characters and narratives. His first screenplay, Evideyo Oru Shathrudirected by T Hariharan, was an unfinished film starring Sukumaran and Venu Nagavalli. Although unreleased, the screenplay gained recognition when it was published in Chill out magazine and later as a book by Mathrubhumi Books. His first released film as a scriptwriter was Murappenno (1965), directed by A Vincent. Initially reluctant to join the world of cinema, it was producer Shobhana Parameswaran Nair who persuaded MT to work on Murappenno. What followed was a monumental career, with MT scripting over 50 films and directing six feature films and two documentaries.
MT’s directorial debut, Nirmalyam (1973), is considered a landmark in Indian cinema. A raw and poignant exploration of human struggles, it won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. Actor Kamal Haasan has often raved about Nirmalyamcalling it a monumental work that profoundly shaped his understanding of storytelling. MT’s subsequent directorial ventures include Bandhanam (1978), They are growing (1982), Manju (1983), and Kadavu (1991). His last directorial work, Oru Cheru Punchiri (2000), a tender portrayal of elderly companionship, remains a testament to his mastery of subtle storytelling. MT’s collaboration with director Hariharan also produced enduring classics like Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989), Panchagni (1986), Amrutham Gamaya (1987), Nakhakshathangal (1986), and Parinayam (1994). His last feature screenplay, Ezhamathe Varavu (2013), was also directed by Hariharan.
MT also shared a prolific partnership with Malayalam cinema’s iconic stalwarts, Mammootty and Mohanlal. His association with Mammootty began with Vilkkanundu Swapnangal (1980), which featured the actor’s first credited role. The duo collaborated on films like Trishna (1981), Adiyozhukkukal (1984), Aalkkoottathil Thaniye (1984), Anubandham (1985), Idanilangal (1985), Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989), Uttaram (1989), middle (1990), Sukrutham (1994), and Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (2009). Their last project together was Kadugannawa Oru Yathra Kurippua segment from the anthology series Manorathangalin which Mammootty portrayed a semi-autobiographical version of MT. With Mohanlal, MT wrote memorable films like Adiyozhukkukal (1984), Aalkkoottathil Thaniye (1984), Anubandham (1985), Idanilangal (1985), Rangam (1985), Panchagni (1986), Abhayam Thedi (1986), Amrutham Gamaya (1987), Thazhvaram (1990) and Sadayam (1992). Their final collaboration was Olavum Theeravumanother segment from Manorathangal.
MT’s impact extended beyond literature and cinema. As the editor of Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly for several years, he played a pivotal role in promoting modernism in Malayalam literature, mentoring a generation of writers and fostering a vibrant literary culture.
As a writer, filmmaker, editor, and cultural visionary, MT Vasudevan Nair transcended boundaries, crafting narratives that captured the soul of Kerala. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void, but his works remain, like eternal rivers flowing through time, nourishing our understanding of life, love, and the human spirit.
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