MT Vasudevan Nair, the famous Indian screenwriter, director and novelist, died on December 25 in a hospital in Kozhikode after being admitted due to breathing difficulties. He was 91 years old.
His contributions to Malayalam language cinema and literature redefined storytelling in the southern Indian state of Kerala where he was born. Nair’s early exposure to traditional folk tales and the lush landscapes of his homeland would later shape his distinctive narrative style. His film career began in the early 1960s, and he quickly emerged as a master of the script, becoming synonymous with the emerging New Wave movement in Malayalam cinema.
Nair’s debut as a screenwriter was with ‘Murappennu’ (1965) directed by A. Vincent, whose career was defined by emotionally resonant, character-driven stories. Over the decades, he wrote scripts for more than 60 films, including such blockbusters as Nirmalayam (1973), which won the Indian National Film Award for Best Feature Film and marked his directorial debut. His adaptation of the epic tale in ‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha’ (1989) earned him the National Award for Best Screenplay, demonstrating his ability to reinterpret folklore with a modern sensibility.
His collaborations with directors like Hariharan, Padmarajan and Adoor Gopalakrishnan took Malayalam cinema to new heights. Films like ‘Panchagni’ (1986) and ‘Perumthachan’ (1990) are praised for their accurate depiction of human relations and the socio-political landscape of Kerala. Nair’s work often explores themes of moral conflict, existential dilemmas, and the complex dynamics of rural life, reflecting his deep understanding of his cultural environment.
While his contributions to cinema earned him six National Film Awards and several Kerala State Film Awards, Nair’s literary achievements were no less significant. His first major novel, Nalukettu (1958), was a pioneering exploration of family and generational conflict within the matriarchy of Nair society. The novel made him a leading voice in Malayalam literature and won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award.
Over the years, Nair has authored numerous novels, short stories and articles, many of which have been translated into various languages. Works like Kalam (1969), Manju (1964) and Randamoozham (1984) cemented his reputation as a literary craftsman. ‘Randamoozham’, a retelling of the Mahabharata from Bhima’s perspective, remains one of his most popular works.
Nair’s literary voice was characterized by clarity, economy of language and evocative descriptions of the human condition. He received the Jnanpith Award in 1995, India’s highest literary honour, in recognition of his contributions to literature.
In addition to his creative endeavours, Nair has been an influential figure in the cultural scene of Kerala. As an editor of leading literary magazines and a mentor to countless writers and filmmakers, he played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative traditions of his time.
Earlier this year, streaming platform ZEE5 Global launched “Manorathangal”, a nine-part Malayalam-language anthology series celebrating Nair’s legacy of bringing together the best talent in South India.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted: “Saddened by the passing of Mr. MT Vasudevan Nair Ji, one of the most revered figures in Malayalam cinema and literature. His works, with their profound exploration of human emotions, have shaped generations and will continue to inspire more. He also gave a voice to the silenced and marginalized.” “My thoughts are with his family and fans.”