M.T. Vasudevan Nair, Kerala’s literary genius and celebrated filmmaker, has passed away at the age of 91 in Kozhikode. His demise marks the end of an era for Malayalam literature and cinema, where his influence has left a pervasive impact. MT, as he was affectionately known, was not just a writer but a cultural institution whose works reshaped the profile of Kerala’s literary and cinematic environs.
Born in 1933 in Palakkad, MT’s passion for literature blossomed early, even though reading was not encouraged at home. However, this solitary pursuit in early age laid the foundation for a remarkable literary career that would span decades.
MT’s debut novel, Naalukettu (1959), emerged as a landmark in Malayalam literature. It explored the decline of the matrilineal joint family system through the eyes of a young boy, Appunni. The novel not only won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award but also announced the arrival of a new literary voice capable of capturing the complexities of a rapidly changing society.
Naalukettu’s success was followed by a series of novels and short stories that have gone deeply into the psychological and emotional undercurrents of life in Kerala. His masterpiece, Randamoozham (The Second Turn), reimagined the Mahabharata from Bhima’s perspective, offering readers a narrative rich in introspection and moral ambiguity. It is now considered one of the finest retellings of the Indian epic, setting a new benchmark for literary reinterpretation.
MT’s literary output transformed the Malayalam novel and short story, introducing a sensibility that was both modern and rooted in the cultural fabric of Kerala. His works reflected an extraordinary blend of creativity and labour, as he brought to life the unspoken fears, desires and inner conflicts of his characters. The beauty and rhythm of his language became a hallmark of his storytelling, making his prose instantly recognisable and profoundly moving.
Beyond fiction, MT’s forays into non-fiction were equally impactful. His commentaries on contemporary issues and history bore his distinct stamp, characterised by sharp insight and an ability to distil the essence of a situation or personality. His essays and memoirs provided reflections not just on his personal journey but also on the collective experiences of a society in flux.
MT’s brilliance was not confined to literature. His impact on Malayalam cinema is equally significant. As a screenwriter and director, MT brought a new dimension to the visual medium, blending literary depth with cinematic storytelling.
His screenplay for Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (A Northern Ballad of Valour) reimagined a popular folktale, subverting traditional notions of heroism and villainy. The film, a critical and commercial success, earned him the National Film Award for Best Screenplay and remains a classic in Malayalam cinema.
MT’s ability to create profuse, morally complex characters set his films apart and made his place as a pioneer of the Malayalam New Wave.
Throughout his career, MT received numerous accolades, including the Jnanpith Award – India’s highest literary honour. His contributions to cinema were recognised with multiple Kerala State and National Film Awards. But MT’s legacy is not solely defined by the awards he earned; it lies in the lasting influence of his works and the writers and filmmakers he mentored.
As the editor of Mathrubhumi weekly, MT played a significant role in shaping Malayalam literature by discovering and nurturing new talent. His editorial leadership propelled Malayalam literature into modernity, fostering a new generation of writers who drew inspiration from his example. His keen editorial eye and commitment to literary excellence spurred the literary scene, ensuring that the torch of innovation and creativity was passed on.
Many writers who emerged during his tenure credit MT for their entry into the literary spotlight.
MT also contributed significantly to institution-building, serving as the chairperson of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi and the Kerala Film Development Corporation. In these roles, he worked to strengthen the cultural infrastructure of the state, reinforcing Kerala’s reputation as a hub of literary and artistic excellence. His efforts were instrumental in reviving the essence of the Kerala Renaissance, a period marked by progressive social and cultural reform.
Even in his later years, MT remained deeply absorbed in literature. His literary output imparted a new sensibility to the Malayalam novel and the short story. This sensibility was evident in both form and content as well as the inexplicable beauty and rhythm of the language as reflected in literature.
As Venkitesh Ramakrishnan wrote, “His characters, their struggles, and his sparse yet evocative prose left an indelible mark on Malayalam literature. MT’s works reflect the silent turmoil and psychological depth of Kerala’s changing society, making him one of the most influential literary figures of our time.”
MT’s legacy continues not just in his novels and films but in the many writers, filmmakers and cultural enthusiasts who found inspiration in his life and work. Malayalam literature and cinema have lost a master storyteller, but MT’s stories will continue to shape the narrative of modern Kerala for years to come.
K.M. Seethi is director, Inter University Centre for Social Science Research and Extension (IUCSSRE), Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kerala, India. He is also the editor of Journal of State and Society. Seethi also served as senior professor of international relations and dean of social sciences at MGU.
