Condolences pour in for MT, Kerala's celebrated writer, script-writer, director

Political leaders, culture aficionados, artists, and the general public mourned the death of MT Vasudevan Nair, the literary genius who spent over seven decades enriching Kerala's cultural fabric.

MT as he is popularly known, was a widely acclaimed Malayalam writer, movie script writer and director, who passed away on Wednesday in a private hospital in Kozhikode after being admitted for heart failure. He was 91.

Thousands were seen pouring in at his residence in Nadakkavu, Kozhikode to pay their last respects queuing up ahead of the scheduled cremation at 5 pm on Thursday at the Mavoor Road crematorium.

Condolences were made by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who called MT’s death “an irreparable loss, both for Kerala in general and the Malayalam literary world in particular.” Reflecting on MT's exceptional accomplishments, Mr Vijayan stated that the writer's masterpieces, such as Randamoozham and Iruttinte Athmavu, elevated the Malayalam narrative to global prominence, Indian Express reported.

Madhyamam Chief Editor, O Abdulrahman, Editor VM Ibrahim, and MediaOne CEO Roshan Kakkat were among those who paid respects at MT's home.

Paying homage to MT, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, described him as “a genius who transformed literature and cinema into powerful mediums of cultural expression.” She added, “His narratives captured the depth of human emotions and the essence of Kerala’s heritage. A true custodian of our art and literature, his loss is deeply felt by the entire nation.”

Kamal Haasan, a veteran actor and filmmaker who worked with MT on films like Kanyakumari and Manoratha, expressed his grief over the death of a close friend and mentor.

“We have lost a great writer,” he said. “M.T. Vasudevan Nair, a great personality in the world of Malayalam literature, has left us. My friendship with him, as the creator of the film Kanyakumari, which introduced me to the Malayalam film world, is now fifty years old. That friendship continued until the recent release of Manoratha.

“A unique and charismatic mind that contributed to all forms of writing has passed away. This is a great loss. It will sadden readers and art lovers of South Indian literature. My heartfelt tribute to the great writer.”

The BJP Kerala unit paid homage, tweeting, “Tributes to the genius who conquered heights in all the fields he touched.” Their message, originally shared in Malayalam, praised MT as an “unparalleled personality” who enriched Malayalam literature and cinema over a remarkable career.

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal posted a picture of him with the literary giant, writing, "the literary and cinematic world dims today with the passing of MT Vasudevan Nair. A legend in Malayalam literature and cinema, MT’s works resonated deeply with the cultural fabric of Malayali life, weaving human emotions and societal dilemmas into unforgettable narratives," adding that his death felt "deeply personal to many of us who grew up with his words and vision." He ended his tribute with, "Rest in peace, MT. Your legacy will live on forever.”

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who had previously expressed prayers for MT's recovery, tweeted his support for the mourning family. “May they find strength to see our beloved ‘MT-chettan’ through this,” he wrote just days before the news of MT's death spread.

In honour of the literary icon, the Kerala government has proclaimed two days of state mourning. The Chief Minister's Office has announced that all cabinet meetings and government functions scheduled for December 26 have been postponed.

Actor Mohanlal paid a moving tribute to the renowned author and director MT Vasudevan Nair, stating that MT gave him some of the greatest characters he has ever worked on. After reaching MT's house at five in the morning to pay his last respects to the legendary figure, Mohanlal made these statements in an interview with the media.

Mohanlal paid a visit to MT's Kozhikode house, 'Sitara,' to express his sorrow. The actor was accompanied by director TK Rajeev Kumar and several associates.

"We have had a relationship for many years. MT is the person who gave me the best characters of my film career. I had the opportunity to act under his direction in Amrutham Gamaya. We shared a strong bond of affection. MT visited the sets of our last film, Olavum Theeravum, and we had many conversations. He had also come to Mumbai to watch my Sanskrit plays. I was fortunate to portray many remarkable characters penned by him," said Mohanlal.

In a moving Facebook message, actor Mammootty conveyed a profound sense of loss.

“I have portrayed many characters that carried his soul, though I can’t recall all of them now. A whole era is fading away, leaving my mind empty. When I held him after he stumbled during a programme in Ernakulam four-five months ago, I felt like I was holding my father.”

While paying tribute, director Hariharan, who worked with MT on several critically acclaimed films, broke down, The Week reported.

Actor Manju Warrier compared MT to a father figure among contemporary Malayalam writers in her homage. “The only character I portrayed, written by MT Sir was named 'Daya' (kindness), the epitome of tenderness. Thank you for making Malayalam literature and cinema timeless,” she wrote.

Madath Thekkepat Vasudevan Nair, also known as MT, left a remarkable legacy in writing and movies, with a career spanning seven decades. His significant works were inspired by the rural life along the banks of the Nila (Bharathapuzha) river, where he spent his childhood with an upper-caste Nair family.

Kerala as a whole laments the passing of one of its greatest cultural leaders as condolences flood in from all over the world.