December 26th 2024.
The city of Kozhikode was filled with grief as the Malayalam film industry mourned the loss of legendary figure M T Vasudevan Nair. The news of his passing on December 25 had left everyone heartbroken, especially those who knew him for his immense contributions to literature and cinema. Known as MT, he was a celebrated screenwriter, director, and producer, and his demise left a void in the Indian film industry.
Renowned actors like Mammootty, Mohan Lal, and Manju Warrier came to pay their respects to MT at his residence, 'Sithara'. The public was also allowed to bid farewell to the great writer, and it was a somber atmosphere as everyone remembered the impact MT had on their lives. Mohan Lal, who had a special friendship with MT, spoke about the privilege of working with him and how he considered him a mentor. He shared that MT had even traveled to Mumbai to watch his Sanskrit plays and that he always made it a point to meet him whenever he visited Kozhikode. Mohan Lal's association with MT had given him some of the most memorable characters in his film career, and he will always be grateful for that.
Mammootty, who had worked on many projects with MT, took to Facebook to express his sorrow. He wrote a heartfelt post, stating that being in MT's heart was the greatest blessing of his career. He also mentioned how he had played many roles that carried MT's soul, and now with his passing, he feels like a whole era is fading away. He also shared a special memory of holding MT when he stumbled during a program in Ernakulam a few months ago, and it felt like holding his own father.
Kamal Haasan, the veteran actor and filmmaker, who had collaborated with MT on several films, mourned the loss of his dear friend and mentor. He shared that their friendship began fifty years ago when MT introduced him to the Malayalam screen world through the film 'Kanyakumari'. They had continued to work together on projects like 'Manorathangal', and Haasan expressed his heartfelt tribute to the great writer.
Director Hariharan, who had worked with MT on numerous critically acclaimed films, was seen breaking down while paying homage to him. The loss of such a literary giant was felt deeply by everyone in the film industry. MT's passing marked the end of an era, and his legacy will continue to live on through his timeless works.
Manju Warrier, who was known as MT's daughter in the film industry, shared her tribute to him. She thanked him for making Malayalam literature and cinema timeless and compared him to a father figure among modern Malayalam writers. She also recalled the only character she had portrayed, which was written by MT and how it was named 'Daya', which depicted tenderness.
Warrier also shared a cherished memory of MT gifting her an 'ezhuthola' during her visit to Thunchan Parambu, a memorial for the father of the Malayalam language. This gesture showed MT's love and support for the younger generation of writers and actors.
MT's legacy in cinema is unparalleled. He directed seven films and wrote scripts for around 54, many of which are considered classics. His works seamlessly blended profound narratives with compelling visual storytelling, earning him four National Film Awards for Best Screenplay, the most by any individual in Malayalam cinema. His directorial debut, Nirmalyam, won the National Award for Best Feature Film and touched the hearts of many with its poignant tale of a village oracle struggling with social change.
Apart from feature films, MT's repertoire extended to documentaries, songs, and even a TV series. He was a multi-talented individual who had a deep understanding of human emotions and societal issues. Through his screenplays, he reflected the cultural and social crises of Kerala, delving into themes of alienation, identity, and the disintegration of human relationships. His works like Kanyakumari, Varikkuzhi, Sadayam, and Perumthachan are a testament to his genius and will continue to inspire generations to come.
MT was not only an exceptional writer and filmmaker but also a respected member of the film committees. He had served as the chairman of the Indian Panorama jury at the 46th National Film Awards, and his contributions to the film industry were invaluable.
As the sun sets on Thursday, MT Vasudevan Nair's funeral will be held at 5 pm, bringing an end to a life that left an indelible mark on Indian literature and cinema. He will be dearly missed, but his legacy will continue to live on through his unforgettable works.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
