Over the past seven decades, M.T., as he is affectionately known, has left an indelible mark on Malayalam literature and cinema, earning accolades such as the Padma Bhushan, the Jnanpith Award, the Sahitya Akademi Award, and multiple National Film Awards.
Published Dec 25, 2024 | 10:37 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 25, 2024 | 11:07 PM
MT Vasudevan Nair (15 July 1933 - 25 December 2024)
MT Vasudevan Nair, the most celebrated figure in modern Malayalam literature, passed away on Wednesday, 25 December, leaving behind an indelible legacy of literary brilliance.
He was undergoing treatment for age-related health issues at a private hospital in Kozhikode.
Born on 15 July 1933 at Kudallur, Pattambi in Palakkad, MT, as he was fondly known, was a multifaceted talent. He left an indelible mark as a novelist, screenplay writer, and filmmaker.
A pioneer of post-Independence Malayalam literature, MT’s stories captured the intricacies of human relationships, cultural shifts, and the emotional struggles of ordinary lives.
His landmark novel Randamoozham reimagined the Mahabharata from Bhima’s perspective and cemented his place as a literary genius.
MT was also a master of the silver screen, penning iconic scripts such as Nirmalyam, Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Perumthachan, Parinayam and Sukrutham, and directing films that earned critical acclaim like Nirmalyam and Oru Cheru Punchiri.
His work won numerous accolades, including the Jnanpith Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, and multiple National Film Awards.
MT was just 25 when he made his literary debut with Nalukettu (The House with a Courtyard and Four Pillars, 1958), a novel.
It won him the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1959. The novel established him as a major voice in Malayalam literature.
Over the years, he penned several masterpieces, including Asuravithu (The Demon Seed, 1962), Manju (Mist, 1964), Kaalam (Time, 1969), Randamoozham (The Second Turn, 1984), and Varanasi (2002).
Literary critics point out that through his works, MT chronicled the intricate and layered history of Kerala society, exploring its cultural, social, and emotional dimensions with unparalleled depth.
MT’s last rites will be held at 5 pm on Thursday, 26 December, at the Mavoor Road crematorium, Kozhikode.
His foray into Malayalam cinema came in the mid-1960s, a period of transition when the industry was seeking its own narrative voice and visual language.
His debut in the Malayalam film industry was as a screenwriter with Murappennu (1965), directed by A Vincent.
MT soon became an established and most sought-after screenwriter in the industry through his unique narrative style and compelling dialogues quickly established him as one of the most sought-after screenwriters in the industry.
Film critics say that with a repertoire of films MT redefined storytelling in Malayalam cinema.
His legacy will remain as a cornerstone of Kerala’s literary and cinematic heritage, and will continue to inspire generations with his timeless narratives and unparalleled creativity.
He is also credited with introducing Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez. As the editor of Mathrubhumi weekly, MT encouraged several youngsters, who later became well-known names in Malayalam literary world.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan mourned the demise of MT, calling it an irreparable loss to Malayalam literature and culture.
“MT was a genius who elevated Malayalam literature to global prominence. Rooted in the culture of Valluvanadan rural life, he masterfully conveyed Kerala’s beauty and complexities,” the Chief Minister said in his condolence message.
MT, a multifaceted personality as a short story writer, novelist, screenwriter, and filmmaker, is best known for classics like Nalukettu and Randamoozham. His screenplays and adaptations garnered national and international acclaim, solidifying his legacy as a literary and cultural icon.
His leadership roles, including as editor of Mathrubhumi, president of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi, and a trustee of the Thunchan Smaraka Trust, were equally notable.
“MT’s secular outlook and humanistic characters set a cultural benchmark,” Vijayan noted.
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan hailed MT as a luminary whose pen shaped the cultural identity of Kerala and the way Malayalis perceive their mother tongue.
In a condolence note, he described the celebrated writer and filmmaker as a “legend of Malayalam” whose life itself was a testament to the cultural history of the state.
MT’s works, marked by their simplicity and intensity, taught Malayalis to respect their surroundings, nature, and humanity, Satheesan observed.
“He fulfilled his responsibility as a writer with humility and brilliance, leaving behind a timeless legacy,” the note read.
Quoting MT’s words, “I was nothing else from the beginning but a writer,” the leader praised his dedication to literature and storytelling.
Recalling the depth of MT’s characters, Satheesan noted how Vadakkan Veeragatha made him rethink societal labels, Nirmalyam instilled fear, and Sadayam left him unsettled.
He commended MT for portraying human emotions, inner struggles, and the silent intensity of life with unmatched elegance.
“Death, as MT once wrote, is as significant a ceremony as birth. Yet, this loss leaves us orphaned, with grief as deep as an ocean,” he concluded.
Culture Minister Saji Cheriyan expressed profound grief over the demise of literary icon MT Vasudevan Nair, describing it as an irreplaceable loss to Malayalam literature and culture.
“A lamp that illuminated the Malayalam literary and cultural field for over six decades has gone out. The two letters, MT, symbolize the soul of Malayalam,” the minister stated.
He praised MT’s unparalleled contributions as a writer, cultural ambassador, and staunch defender of Kerala’s cultural ethos against fascist influences.
MT Vasudevan Nair leaves behind a legacy that reshaped the beauty and emotional depth of Malayali life experiences, Cheriyan added.
KPCC President K Sudhakaran, MP, expressed deep sorrow over the demise of legendary Malayalam writer MT Vasudevan Nair, calling it a monumental loss to the literary world.
Describing MT as the heart and soul of Malayalam literature, Sudhakaran lauded his poetic and emotional storytelling that resonated across generations.
He highlighted MT’s profound depiction of life in Valluvanadan villages and his ability to create lifelike characters that touched readers deeply.
“MT’s commitment to literary excellence and his unparalleled contributions to modern Malayalam literature made him a beacon of our cultural heritage,” Sudhakaran said.
He added that the loss of a writer who carried the essence of Malayalam to the global stage is irreplaceable.
The Kerala government will observe two days of official mourning on 26 and 27 December to honor the legendary Malayalam writer M. T. Vasudevan Nair, whose passing marks the end of an era in literature.
As a mark of respect, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the postponement of all government programmes, including the Cabinet meeting slated for Thursday, 26 December.
CPI(M) State Secretary MV Govindan has expressed heartfelt condolences on the demise of MT, hailing him as a master storyteller who elevated Malayalam literature to global acclaim.
In his condolence message, Govindan said MT’s writings, which resonated with the essence and vitality of Malayali life, would endure as long as the language and literature thrive.
He described MT’s works as a “magic pen” that captured the emotions of joy, sorrow, love, and longing, making them unforgettable treasures of Malayalam literature.
Highlighting MT’s contributions as a journalist, novelist, screenwriter, and filmmaker, Govindan noted that the writer’s creations brought Valluvanadan culture, language, and life vividly into the literary world.
He also emphasised MT’s association with Kerala’s progressive politics and development activities, calling his legacy a guiding light for future generations.
“I bow my head before the memories of my beloved MT and join the grief of his family and all Malayalis who mourn his loss,” Govindan said.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar. Edited by Majnu Babu).
