Kozhikode: M.T. Vasudevan Nair, an unparalleled literary genius who shaped the very fabric of Malayalam literature, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 91. The beloved writer, fondly known as MT, was undergoing treatment for age-related ailments at Baby Memorial Hospital in Kozhikode when he breathed his last.
Born on July 15, 1933, in Kudallur village, M.T. was the youngest of four sons born to T Narayanan Nair and Ammalu Amma. His childhood experiences, marked by poverty and hardship, deeply influenced his writing and formed the backdrop of many of his semi-autobiographical works. He began his education at Malamakavu Elementary School and continued at Kumaranellur High School, eventually earning his degree in Chemistry from Victoria College, Palakkad, in 1953. Shortly after graduation, he briefly worked as a teacher before joining Mathrubhumi as a sub-editor in 1957.
M.T. began his literary career as early as his school days, but it was at Victoria College where his first significant work, Raktam Puranda Mantharikal (Blood-stained Soil), was published. His debut novel, Pathiravum Pakalvelichavum (Midnight and Daylight), was serialized in Mathrubhumi Weekly, paving the way for his first published novel, Naalukettu (The Legacy), which won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1959.
Over the decades, M.T. authored timeless classics like Kaalam (Time), Vilapam (The Dirge), and Randamoozham (The Second Turn), his acclaimed retelling of the Mahabharata from Bhima's perspective. His writings often captured the essence of Malayali society, weaving together themes of identity, familial disintegration, and cultural dilemmas. The depth and sensitivity of his narratives were unmatched, earning him admiration not just locally but across the world.
While M.T. made incredible strides in literature, his contributions to cinema were equally significant. His screenwriting career began with Murappennu, and he went on to write and direct acclaimed films such as Nirmalyam (1973), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. Over five decades, he crafted experiences on screen, seamlessly blending literature with visual storytelling.
M.T.’s illustrious career was recognized with numerous awards, including the Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour, received in 1995, and the Padma Bhushan, awarded to him in 2005. His literary excellence earned him accolades like the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Ezhuthachan Award, and multiple honorary DLitt degrees from several universities.
Despite his many triumphs, M.T. remained grounded. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan eloquently expressed the sentiment of many when he remarked, “MT always upheld a truly secular mindset. Many of his characters embodied a spirit of humanity...” This statement reflects not only M.T.'s narrative style but also his broader influence on cultural consensus and societal values across Kerala.
His stories often depicted social outcasts, characters leading isolated lives, and their struggles to find meaning and connection amid societal neglect. M.T. once stated, “It’s about the common man!” when referring to his classic Randamoozham, illustrating his focus on ordinary individuals facing extraordinary challenges.
Among the many cinematic milestones, the film Nirmalyam made waves with its unorthodox storytelling, featuring scenes like the oracle spitting on the temple idol—an audacious act reflecting societal affronts of the era. Filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan noted the radical nature of such portrayals, wondering if they could be appreciated today.
M.T. Vasudevan Nair’s literary and cinematic legacies transcend the mere act of storytelling. He crafted narratives infused with emotional depth, unraveling the human condition with every word. Following his departure, the words of Kerala’s Chief Minister resonate loudly: “His loss is irreplaceable.” M.T.’s works continue to echo through time, ensuring his influence endures long after his passing, firmly etching his name among the greatest figures of Indian literature and cinema.
