M.T. Vasudevan Nair, who was born at a village called Kudallur, near Ponnani, made a mark as a writer of remarkable skills from an early age. He was just 29 when he wrote Asuravithu, which has been hailed by some, including critic M. Leelavathi, as the best novel in Malayalam. Illustration: Satheesh Vellinezhi
M.T. Vasudevan Nair, one of India’s greatest writers of all time, died in Kozhikode at a private hospital on Wednesday (December 25, 2024). He was 91.
He was also an exceptional scriptwriter who revolutionised the art of screenplay writing in Malayalam cinema and authored several landmark films. Some of those films were directed by M.T. himself. His debut film as a director, Nirmalyam, in fact, won the National Award for the best film in 1974. He wasn’t too keen on directing films, and was happier writing fiction.
When it comes to fiction, it is difficult to imagine a writer who was loved more by the Malayali reader. His novels like Randamoozham, Asuravithu, Manju, Kaalam and Nalukettu, continue to be printed, decades after they were first published. He also wrote several unforgettable short stories. The plots of those novels and short stories and the characters in them have become part of the Malayali’s cultural life.
M.T., who was born at a village called Kudallur, near Ponnani, made a mark as a writer of remarkable skills from an early age. He was just 29 when he wrote Asuravithu, which has been hailed by some, including critic M. Leelavathi, as the best novel in Malayalam.
Many of his works were translated into English. He was, in fact, one of India’s most translated regional-language writers. He was awarded Jnanpith in 1995.
M.T. was truly multifaceted. He was also a journalist who went on to become the editor of Mathrubhumi Magazine. As an editor, he mentored several young writers.
M.T. was a prolific screenwriter, though a reluctant one, to begin with. He began his career in films with the script of Murappennu. The 1965 film was directed by A. Vincent.
He became a much-in-demand scriptwriter and penned classics such as Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Amrutham Gamaya, Panchagni, Parinayam, Aksharangal, Aalkoottathil Thaniye and Thazhvaram. His last major theatrical release was Pazhassi Raja, in 2013.
M.T. Vasudevan Nair (1933-2024): A life in pictures
Writer M.T.Vasudevan Nair looking on photograph exhibited as part of a Photo exhibition about him” M.T- Chitram, Charithram” at Lalithakala Academy art gallery in Kozhikode in 2015.`
MT Vasudevan Nair with his daughter Aswathi at the shore of river Chaliyar , Kadavu resort. Photo: Special Arrangement
Filmmaker Sudheer Ambalappad with M.T. Vasudevan Nair. Ambalappad was a producer of Malayalam anthology Manorathangal, which has nine episodes based on M.T.’s stories.
Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presenting Padma Bhushan award to M.T. Vasudevan Nair at the investiture ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on March 28, 2005.
Kendra Sahitya Academy Chairman Gopichand Narang, Abdul Samad Samadani, and M.T.Vasudevan Nair sharing a lighter moment during Thuchan Festival at Tirur in Malappuram. File.
Actor Mammootty with M.T.Vasudevan Nair at the Mullasserry Raju award function.
The Jnanpith Award winner, Mr. M. T. Vasudevan Nair, with the winners of The Hindu-Young World on-the-spot painting competitions after the awards ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram. File.
M.T.Vasudevan Nair inaugurating a National Painters camp at Kozhikode. File.
M.T. Vasudevan Nair initiating a young child to the world of letters on Vidyarambhom day at Thunchanparambu in Tirur in Malappuram District. File.
Noted Malayalam writer M T Vasudevan Nair having a look at the recent drawings of Illustrator Namboodiri at the Orthic Creative Centre in 2008. Also seen is C N Karunakaran, chairman of Kerala Lalit Kala Akademy.
Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano with writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair when he visited writer’s house in Kozhikode. File.
M.T Vasudevan Nair in Kochi on September 3, 2004.
Singer Sreevalsan J. Menon along with M.T. Vasudevan Nair and Artist Namboodiri during the shooting of his music video album at Ramamangalam near Kochi. File.
Photo:
Writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair casting his vote using the home voting option in Kozhikode Lok Sabha constituency. File.
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A few months ago, an anthology of films called Manorathangal, adapted from his short stories, was released on OTT. That work was the last he did for screen.
M.T. championed modernism: Governor
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan condoled the death of M.T., remembering him as a multifaceted genius who influenced Malayalam and Indian literature, film, theatre, and journalism. Mr. Khan said M.T. championed modernism in his works.
Published – December 25, 2024 10:28 pm IST