Legendary Malayalam writer MT Vasudevan Nair passes away at 91

Dubai: MT Vasudevan Nair, the iconic Malayalam writer and filmmaker, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 91 in Kozhikode. He had been undergoing treatment for 11 days following a cardiac arrest earlier this month.

Affectionately known as MT, Vasudevan Nair made an unparalleled contribution to Malayalam literature and cinema. His works encompassed novels, short stories, screenplays, children’s literature, travel writing, and essays. As a filmmaker, he directed six films, including the classic Nirmalyam, a landmark in Malayalam cinema, and two documentaries.

MT’s literary brilliance was recognised with several prestigious awards. In 1995, he was awarded the prestigious Jnanpith Award for his overall contribution to Malayalam literature. He received the Padma Bhushan in 2005, India’s third-highest civilian honour. Other notable honours include the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, Vayalar Award, Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Vallathol Puraskaram, and JC Daniel Puraskaram. In 2022, MT was honoured with the maiden Kerala Jyothi Award, the highest civilian award given by the Kerala Government.

In the realm of cinema, his screenwriting earned him four National Film Awards and 11 Kerala State Film Awards. He was also celebrated as the best film director in Kerala on three occasions.

International recognition at 20

Born in 1933 in Kudallur, a quaint village in Anakkara panchayat of Pattambi Taluk, Palakkad district, MT Vasudevan Nair’s journey into the world of storytelling began early. At just 20 years old, while pursuing a degree in chemistry, he gained international recognition by winning the prize for the best Malayalam short story at the World Short Story Competition organized by The New York Herald Tribune.

Literary breakthrough with Naalukettu

Three years later, his literary career soared with the release of Naalukettu (Ancestral Home), written at the age of 23. This groundbreaking novel earned him the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958 and cemented his place in Malayalam literature. His other notable novels include Manju (Mist), Kaalam (Time), Asuravithu (The Prodigal Son), and Randamoozham (The Second Turn), the latter being hailed as his magnum opus. A retelling of the Mahabharata from Bhima’s perspective, Randamoozham redefined the epic narrative.

Deeply influenced by his early emotional experiences, MT’s works often explored the traditional family structures and cultural fabric of Kerala. His seminal novels Naalukettu, Asuravithu, and Kaalam remain landmarks in Malayalam literature.

Cinema journey

MT’s creative genius extended to cinema, where he directed seven films and wrote screenplays for 54 others. His remarkable storytelling earned him four National Film Awards for Best Screenplay—Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989), Kadavu (1991), Sadayam (1992), and Parinayam (1994)—a record in the category.

Beyond his literary and cinematic achievements, MT also served as the editor of Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly for several years, further enriching Kerala’s cultural landscape.

The prolific writer leaves behind a legacy of literary and cinematic excellence, cherished by generations. His timeless contributions to literature and cinema continue to inspire and shape Malayalam culture, solidifying his place as one of the greatest literary and artistic icons of India.