M.T. Vasudevan Nair

M.T. Vasudevan Nair (1933 – 2024)


M.
T. Vasudevan Nair, also known as Madathu Thekkepattu Vasudevan Nair, was one of the greatest luminaries of Malayalam literature and cinema. 

Renowned for his profound storytelling and exceptional insight into human emotions, MT passed away on December 25, 2024, following heart failure. 

He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala, at the time of his demise.

Popularly called MT, his passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind an enduring legacy in literature and cinema.

Renowned for his unparalleled storytelling and profound insight into human emotions, MT has left an indelible mark as a novelist, short story writer, screenwriter, and film director.


Early Life and Career


Born on July 15, 1933, in Kudallur, a quaint village in Palakkad district of Kerala, MT was the youngest of four children to T. Narayanan Nair and Ammalu Amma. 

His childhood on the banks of the Nila River inspired much of his work, as he often referred to the river as one of his greatest muses.

His works often reflect the simplicity and ethos of village life, interwoven with complex human relationships.

MT's professional journey began as a teacher and gramasevakan in a block development office in Kannur. In 1957, he joined Mathrubhumi Weekly as a sub-editor, marking the start of a prolific literary career. 



Literary Contributions


MT Vasudevan Nair redefined Malayalam literature with works that reflect the simplicity and complexity of Kerala's socio-cultural landscape.  

M.T.’s first break in literature came when "Valarthumrigangal," one of his short stories set against the backdrop of a circus written during college days, won the first prize in a competition conducted by the New York Herald Tribune, Mathrubhumi, and Hindustan Times. 

His first major novel, "Naalukettu," published in 1958, is considered as a classic of modern Malayalam literature. 

The novel explores the dissolution of the traditional joint family system through the eyes of a young boy struggling with identity and belonging.

It also earned him the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award at the age of 25. 

  • The river inspired much of M.T. Vasudevan Nair's writing – The Nila River / Bharathapuzha.
  • Epithet of M.T. Vasudevan Nair – Novelist of Nila (à´¨ിളയുà´Ÿെ à´•à´¥ാà´•ാരൻ).
    • M.T. on Nila – "More than the great oceans that bear unknown secrets in their wombs, I love my Nila."
  • The first story written by M.T. Vasudevan Nair – Vishuvaghosham (published in Chitrakeralam magazine, 1948).
  • Name the only drama written by MT – Gopuranadayil.
  • Notable travelogues is written by M T Vasudevan Nair – 
    • Manushyar Nizhalukal (1963)
    • Aalkkoottathil Thaniye (1972)
    • Vankadalile Thuzhavallakkar (1998)


Notable Works:


Novels

  • Naalukettu (1958)
  • Pathiravum Pakalvelichavum (1959)
  • Arabi Ponnu (1960)
  • Asuravithu (1962)
  • Manju (1964)
  • Kaalam (1969)
  • Vilapayathra (1978)
  • Randamoozham (1984)
  • Varanasi (2002)


Interesting Facts about  M.T.'s Novels


  • The debut novel of M.T. Vasudevan Nair  – Pathiravum Pakalvelichavum (Mathrubhumi Weekly, 1957)
  • The novel by M.T. Vasudevan Nair which is considered his first major work – Naalukettu.
  • The novel that earned M.T. his first Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award – Naalukettu.
  • The novel by M.T. Vasudevan Nair  which retells the Mahabharata from Bhima’s perspective – Randamoozham.
  • Name the novel written by M.T.  Vasudevan Nair which is set in the backdrops of Nainital – Manju (മഞ്à´ž്).
  • MT’s only novel with a female protagonist – Manju (Protagonist: Vimaladevi).
  • The novel  which was co-authored by M.T.  Vasudevan Nair and N.P. Mohammed – Arabi Ponnu.
  • Name the children's novels written by M.T.  – Manikyakallu. 
  • Under what pen name did M.T.  write "Manikyakallu?" Sarala.
  • The Last work of M.T. Vasudevan Nair – Varanasi.


Short story collections

  • Raktam Puranda Mantharikal (1952)
  • Olavum Theeravum (1957)
  • Iruttinte Athmavu (1957)
  • Kuttyedathi (1959)
  • Dar-S-Salam (1970)
  • Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam (1980)
  • Vanaprastham (1992)
  • Sherlek (1998)


Interesting Facts about  M.T.'s Short stories


  • M.T.’s first anthology of stories – Raktam Puranda Mantharikal.
  • The story by M.T. won first prize in the World Short Story Competition (1954) – Valarthumrgangal.
    •  jointly conducted by New York Herald Tribune, Hindustan Times, and Mathrubhumi
  • Name the movie which is based on MT’s book "Vanaprastham" –  Theerthadanam. 
    • Directed by G.R. Kannan.


Contributions to Cinema


In addition to his literary achievements, M.T. Vasudevan Nair was a trailblazer in Malayalam cinema. His screenplays are revered for their emotional depth, nuanced characterizations, and cultural authenticity. 

He directed seven films, including two documentaries, and authored 54 screenplays for them. 


Screenplays


  • The first screenplay written by M.T. Vasudevan Nair – Murappennu (1965).
    • Directed by A. Vincent.
  • M.T. Vasudevan Nair received his first Kerala State Film Award for the film – Olavum Theeravum. (Best screen play, 1970)
  • No. of times has M T Vasudevan Nair won the National Film Award for Best Screenplay – 4. 
    • Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989), Kadavu (1991), Sadayam (1992) & Parinayam (1994)
  • The screenplay written by M.T. which was based on the story of Kuriyedathu Thathri – Parinayam.
  • Name the film scripted by M.T. Vasudevan Nair, is based on a story from the book Ayyarathonnu Rathrigal – Daya.
    • Directed by Venu.
  • Who directed the script of M.T.'s "Edavashiyile Poochha Mindapoochha"? Hariharan.
  • Which director collaborated with M.T. the most for his scripts? Hariharan.
  • The only movie in which M.T. wrote the lyrics? Valarthumrgangal.


Directorials


  • No. of films directed by M.T. Vasudevan Nair – 7.
    1. Nirmalayam (1973), 
    2. Bandhanam (1978), 
    3. Varikuzhi (1982), 
    4. Manju (1983), 
    5. Kadavu (1991), 
    6. Thakazhi (1998) 
    7.  Oru Cheru Punchiri (2000).
  • The first film directed by M.T. Vasudevan Nair – Nirmalyam.
    • Nirmalayam is based on the novel – Pallivalum Kalchilambum.
    •  a poignant tale of a village oracle grappling with social change, 
  • The film which marked M.T.'s directorial debut and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 1973 – Nirmalyam.
  • The film directed by MT received the Kerala State Award for Best Film – Nirmalyam (1973).
  • Name the second film directed by M.T. – Bandhanam (1978).
  • The film directed by M.T. which got Best Film award in the category of Environmental Conservation – Oru Cheru Punchiri  (2001).
  • The film directed by M.T. based on the story of S.K. Pottekkatt – Kadavu.


Some of his notable works in cinema include:

  • Iruttinte Athmavu (The Soul of the Darkness)
    • Directed by P. Bhaskaran in 1965.
  • Neelathamara (1979)
  • Nakhakshathangal (1986)
    • Directed by Hariharan
  • Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989)
  • Perumthachan (1990) 
    • Directed by Ajayan; nominated for the Golden Leopard Award.
  • Sadayam (1992) 
  • Oppol 
    • Directed by KS Sethumadhavan, adapted from MT's short story of same name
  • Amrutham Gamaya,
  • Panchagni, 
  • Aksharangal,
  • Parinayam, 
  • Aalkoottathil Thaniye,
  • Thazhvaram,
  • Pazhassi Raja (2009)
    • Directed by Hariharan.



Awards and Recognitions

MT Vasudevan Nair’s unparalleled contributions to literature and cinema earned him numerous accolades, including:


Literature




Filmography

 

National Film Awards:


  • National Film Award for Best Film: Nirmalyam (1973).
    •  Best Actor Award: PJ Anthony.
  • National Film Award for Best Screenplay: 
    1. Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989): (Director: Hariharan)
    2. Kadavu (1991): (Director: M. T. Vasudevan Nair)
    3. Sadayam (1992): (Director: Sibi Malayil)
    4. Parinayam (1994): (Director: Hariharan)
  • National Film Award for Best Film in Environmental Conservation: Oru Cheru Punchiri  (2001)

Kerala State Film Awards:

M.T. Vasudevan Nair received four National Film Awards for Best Films and eleven State Film Awards for Best Screenplay.  He also received the State Film Award for Best Director three times.


  • Best Film:
    1. Nirmalyam (1973)
    2. Bandhanam (1978)
    3. Kadavu (1991)
  • Best Director: 
    1. Nirmalyam (1973)
    2.  Kadavu (1991)
    3.  Oru Cheru Punchiri (2001)
  • Best Story: 
    1. Oppol (1981)
    2. Aarudam (1983): (Director: I. V. Sasi)
    3. Anubhadhanam (1985)
    4. Sukrutham (1994)
  • Best Screenplay:
    1. Olavum Theeravum (1970)
    2. Nirmalyam (1973)
    3. Thrishna, Valarthumrigangal (1981)
    4. Panchagni, Nakhakshathangal (1986)
    5. Amrutham Gamaya (1987)
    6. Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989)
    7. Perumthachan (1990) 
    8. Kadavu (1991)
    9. Parinayam (1994)
    10. Daya (1998)
    11. Pazhassi Raja (2009)
  • J.C. Daniel Award For Lifetime Achievement (2013)


Legacy and Influence


MT Vasudevan Nair’s works transcend generations, offering timeless narratives that resonate with readers and audiences alike. 

His deep understanding of human emotions, combined with his ability to vividly depict Kerala’s socio-cultural landscape, has cemented his status as a cultural icon.

The demise of M.T. Vasudevan Nair is a profound loss to the world of literature and cinema. Yet, his vast body of work ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire and illuminate for generations to come. 

Through his timeless novels, evocative short stories, and cinematic brilliance, MT remains a beacon of creative excellence and cultural pride.


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