Writer and filmmaker MT Vasudevan Nair with actor Mammootty (File) | Photo courtesy: K. Ragesh
Prominent personalities from the Malayalam film industry, including Mammootty, Mohan Lal and Manju Warrier, paid their last respects to the legendary MT Vasudevan Nair, who died in Kozhikode on the night of December 25, 2024.
Known for his immense contributions as a screenwriter, director and producer, Vasudevan Nair, popularly known as MT, was a towering figure in Indian literature and cinema.
Leading actor Mohanlal went to MT’s residence ‘Sithara’ in Kozhikode to pay his last respects, where the public was also allowed to bid farewell.
Reflecting on his prestigious association with the Jnanpith Award winner, Mohanlal said, “MT gave me some of the most memorable characters in my film career. He even went to Mumbai to watch my Sanskrit plays and whenever I went to Kozhikode he would meet him. It has been a unique privilege to act in roles written by MT.
Actor Mammootty shared a heartfelt Facebook post expressing his deep sense of loss. He wrote, “Getting a place in the heart of MT is the biggest blessing of my career.”
“I have played many characters that touch his soul, although I can’t remember all of them now. An entire era is ending, my mind has gone blank. When I caught him after he stumbled during an event in Ernakulam four-five months ago, I felt as if I was holding my father.
Veteran actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan, who worked in films like MT Kanyakumari And ManorathangalCondolences on the loss of a mentor and dear friend.
“I am friends with him as a producer of the film KanyakumariThe one that introduced me to the world of Malayalam screen, now fifty years old, continued till recently with ‘Manorathangal’, he posted on X. “My heartfelt tribute to a great writer.”
Director Hariharan, who collaborated with MT on several critically acclaimed films, cried while paying tribute.
In her tribute, actor Manju Warrier compared MT to a father figure to modern Malayalam writers.
“The only character I portrayed, written by MT Sir, was named ‘Daya’ (Mercy), which symbolized softness. Thank you for making Malayalam literature and cinema timeless,” he wrote.
Ms Warrier also recalled a treasured ‘Ezhuthola’ gifted by MT during her visit to Thunchan Parambu, the memorial to the father of Malayalam language.
MT’s legacy in cinema is unparalleled. He directed seven films and wrote the screenplays for about 54, many of which are considered classics. oru vadakkan heroic story, KadavuAnd Sadayam,
His works seamlessly blend intense narratives with compelling visual storytelling, earning him four National Film Awards for Best Screenplay, the most by anyone in Malayalam cinema.
He made his directorial debut in 1973 NirmalyamThe heart-touching story of a rural oracle battling social change, which won the National Award for Best Feature Film.
MT’s repertoire extends beyond feature films to include documentaries, songs and even a TV series.
published – December 26, 2024 11:41 am IST
