Writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair passes away

MT Vasudevan Nair
| Photo Credit: Satheesh Vellinezhi

M.T. Vasudevan Nair, one of India’s greatest writers of all time, died here 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.

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.