M.T. Vasudevan Nair
Remembering the legacy of Sobhana Parameswaran Nair.
Had it not been for his encouragement, M.T. Vasudevan Nair might never have transitioned from writing short stories to screenwriting, potentially depriving Indian cinema of one of its most remarkable talents and Malayalam cinema of numerous classics.
The 1965 film Murappennu, directed by A. Vincent, was the fruit of Parameswaran Nair’s persuasion. Initially reluctant, M.T. was primarily focused on his literary work. However, he ultimately agreed to craft the screenplay, marking his entry into filmmaking.
Murappennu redefined screenwriting in Malayalam cinema with its authentic realism, illustrating characters who spoke as everyday people rather than theatrical personas. This film marked a pivotal turn in Malayalam storytelling, creating a clear division in cinematic narratives—before Murappennu and after.
Over the subsequent fifty years, M.T. consistently delivered masterpieces, collaborating with influential directors such as Hariharan, I.V. Sasi, and Bharathan. The characters he created became integral to the fabric of Malayali identity. The transformation of Chanthu from the ballad’s villain to the heroic figure in Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha exemplifies the depth of his storytelling. Iconic female characters like Unnimaya from Parinayam and Indira from Panchagni showcased immense strength and resilience, challenging societal norms.
M.T. provided compelling motivations for complex characters, such as Perumthachan’s tragic choice in Perumthachan, resonating with audiences through the poignant narratives of the ‘Velichappadu’ in Nirmalyam and Dr. Haridas in Amrutham Gamaya. His work in Thazhvaram illustrated the potential of Malayalam cinema to embrace varied genres, likening it to Western thrillers.
In addition to his writing prowess, M.T. directed six feature films, starting with Nirmalyam, which won the National Award for Best Film in 1974, along with notable works like Bandhanam and Manju. Although he received offers for more directorial projects, he chose to focus on writing—producing around sixty screenplays.
One of his recent scripts, adapted from his acclaimed novel Randamoozham (The Second Turn), remains unfilmed, poised to become an anticipated two-part movie.
Published – December 26, 2024 09:14 pm IST
