MT a legendary Malayalam writer who created timeless classics

Kozhikode (Kerala), Dec 26 (PTI) Legendary writer M T Vasudevan Nair, who passed away at a private hospital here on Wednesday evening, took Malayalam storytelling to remarkable heights, weaving narratives that beautifully captured the complex emotions of human life and the essence of Kerala's rural landscape.

A renowned writer, screenwriter, and filmmaker, MT, as he was affectionately called by his many admirers, significantly influenced the cultural imagination of Kerala and left a lasting impact that extended far beyond, becoming one of India's most beloved literary figures.

Born in 1933 in Kudallur, a small village in the Palakkad district of what was then the Malabar region under British rule, MT was immersed in the serene beauty and rich traditions of Kerala's rural life during his formative years.

He spent his early childhood between Kudallur and his paternal home in Punnayurkulam, located in present-day Thrissur district, experiences that profoundly shaped his later literary works.

As the youngest of four siblings, MT's father, T Narayanan Nair, worked in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), allowing the young boy to soak in the rhythms of village life alongside his mother, Ammalu Amma.

This setting--a rich tapestry of ancestral homes, folklore, and evolving social norms—would lay the foundation for his literary sensibilities.

Over a career that spanned more than seven decades, MT crafted a literary world that resonated with both everyday readers and intellectuals alike.

His first novel, Naalukettu (The Ancestral House), transformed Malayalam literature, offering a striking depiction of the decline of matrilineal joint-family systems.

In works like Randamoozham (The Second Turn), a retelling of the Mahabharata from Bhima's viewpoint, MT showcased his remarkable talent for humanising mythological characters and reinterpreting epic tales.

As a filmmaker and screenwriter, MT applied the same meticulousness and depth to Malayalam cinema, creating iconic films that blended literary excellence with visual storytelling.

His directorial debut, Nirmalyam, remains a classic, having won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.

The tribute paid by prominent figures from the film industry including Kamal Hasan, Mammootty, Mohanlal and Manju Warrier reflected on their cherished association with the Jnanpith awardee.

In an emotional Facebook post, Mammootty, who played the lead role in movies like "Oru Vadkkan Veergadha" scripted by MT, said, "Gaining a place in his heart is the greatest blessing my career in cinema has given me."

"Some say that it was M T who discovered Mammootty. But it was I who longed for him, prayed for him, and eventually found him. From the day we met, that bond grew--like a friend, like a brother, it deepened," he wrote.

"A few months ago, during a programme in Ernakulam, when he stumbled and leaned against my chest for support, I felt as though I was his son," Mammootty added.

After paying tribute to the writer at his residence, Mohanlal said, "MT gave me some of the most memorable characters in my film career. ..Acting in roles penned by MT has been an unparalleled privilege."

MT's legacy in cinema is unparalleled. He directed six films and penned scripts for around 54, many of which are regarded as classics, including 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha', 'Kadavu', and 'Sadayam'.

His works seamlessly blended profound narratives with compelling visual storytelling, earning him four National Film Awards for Best Screenplay, the most by any individual in Malayalam cinema.

Throughout his career, MT’s screenplays reflected the cultural and social crises of Kerala, delving into themes of alienation, identity, and the disintegration of human relationships. Works like 'Kanyakumari', 'Varikkuzhi', 'Sadayam', and 'Perumthachan' stand as testaments to his genius.

M T completed his schooling at Malamakkavu Elementary School and Kumaranelloor High School and graduated with a degree in chemistry from Victoria College, Palakkad, in 1953.

His professional journey began as a teacher and gramasevakan at a block development office in Taliparamba, Kannur, before he joined Mathrubhumi Weekly as a sub-editor in 1957.

His novel Naalukettu (The Ancestral House) established him as a literary icon and is considered a classic in Malayalam literature.

Over the years, he authored several acclaimed works, including Asuravithu, Manju, and Kaalam, which earned him the Jnanpith Award in 1995, India's highest literary honour.

At the age of 25, he won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award for his second novel, Naalukettu (1959), and a decade later, Kaalam, his fifth novel, earned him the Kendra Sahitya Akademi award.

MT holds the distinction of winning the National Film Award for Best Screenplay a record four times, for 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha' (1989), 'Kadavu' (1991), 'Sadayam' (1992), and 'Parinayam' (1994), the most by any individual in Malayalam in this category.

In 1965, he married writer and translator Prameela, but the couple separated after 11 years of marriage.

They have a daughter, Sithara, who works in the United States.

In 1977, he married Kalamandalam Saraswathy, a noted dance artist. They have a daughter, Aswathy Nair, who is a professional dancer.

His residence on Kottaram Road in Kozhikode is named after his elder daughter, Sithara.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)