Writer Maythil Radhakrishnan wins Ezhuthachan Award
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Thiruvananthapuram: Writer Maythil Radhakrishnan has been selected for the Ezhuthachan Award, Kerala's highest literary honour. Cultural Minister P.C. Vishnunath announced the award. The jury, chaired by writer Zacharia, selected the recipient. Writers Gracy and K.G. Sankara Pillai were the other members of the jury. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a sculpture and a citation.
Born on July 24, 1944, at Puthiyankam in Palakkad district, Maythil Radhakrishnan is regarded as a distinctive voice in Malayalam literature. After graduating in economics, he pursued research in insect ethology. He later worked for a shipping company in Kuwait before taking up assignments as a freelance journalist, quiz master and web developer. He writes a column titled 'Moonnuvara' in Madhyamam Weekly.
Maythil is known for constantly exploring the possibilities of language and bringing new dimensions to Malayalam literature. His writing stands apart for its distinctive style, marked by short sentences and precise observations. Drawing on his knowledge of science and computers, he incorporates these elements into his fiction. His works also depart from conventional storytelling, experimenting with innovative narrative techniques.
He came to prominence in 1970 with his debut novel, 'Sooryavamsham'. His subsequent novels include 'Bra' (1974), 'Chuvanna Vidushakarude Anjampathi' (1974), 'Hitchcockinte Idapedal' (1994) and 'Laingikathaye Kurichu Oru Upanyasam' (1995). His poetry collections include 'Penguin' (1973) and 'Bhoomiyeyum Maranattheyum Kurichu' (1991). Among his notable short story collections are 'Nayakanmar Shavapettikalil', 'Dylan Thomasinte Panthu' and 'Maythil Kathakal' (2013). His English-language work, 'The Love Song of Alfred Hitchcock', was published in 2004.
In 2016, Maythil declined the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Overall Contributions, citing his lack of faith in literary academies. He received the Mathrubhumi Literary Award in 2025. The Ezhuthachan Award recognises his contributions to modern Malayalam literature and more than five decades of experimentation in the field.