MT. Two letters that have merged so much with the Malayalam language… the writer who took Malayalam as his own. What could be the reason why Malayali take up MT so much? His stories were the stories of everyone who read them. Or the stories of those in the immediate vicinity of the reader. MT’s ability to tell stories like this was not limited to the pages of the book. Those characters were brought to life, they started moving… and so MT’s signature films were born.
Born as the son of T. Narayanan Nair and Ammaluvamma in 1933, Vasudevan Nair was born on 15th July in MT. He spent his youth in Poonnayoorkulam in Thrissur district and Koodallur in Palakkad district.
He started writing literature during his schooling. During college, stories were printed in magazines. His first collection of stories titled ‘Raktam Puranda Mantharilam’ was released while he was studying for his degree at Victoria College. The first novel published in book form was ‘Nalukett’ (1958). The first novel itself also won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award. Later works like ‘Swargam Upaunna Saam’ and ‘Gopuranadail’ also received Kerala Sahitya Akademi awards.
MT wrote the screenplay of ‘Murawen’. Entered the film industry. With that, the two letters MT entered the minds of the Malayalees. The film ‘Nirmalyam’, which was first directed and produced in 1973, won the President’s Gold Medal. He has written more than fifty screenplays and received the National Award four times in this field.
Through a few characters who have breathed life on the MT screen…
∙ Nirmaliyam
Nirmalyam is a visual representation of MT’s short story Palliwalum Kalchilampum. The plot revolves around the life of Kheleppad, who lived in extreme poverty and held on to his religious beliefs. His reluctance to accept the changing society and excessive worship drove him to starvation day by day. PJ Antony came alive in the film as a light-hearted person who had to reject his idol who was unable to save himself due to the collapse of his family.
Before finally falling dead in front of the goddess, Keralakara trembled at the sight of the light spitting at the idol. MT showed these scenes to a very orthodox society of long ago. It was recorded as a revolution in the field of art.
Written and directed by MT in 1973, this film won the National and State Awards for Best Film. PJ Antony won the first Bharat Award in Malayalam for his role as Khelyappad.
∙ A northern epic
MT’s penned classic is an all-time favorite northern heroic story of the Malayalees. The film made the audience see Chantu, the old cheater, through a second lens.
The sharp words from MT’s pen were enough for the people to believe the movie more than history. The audience was ready to accept and trust Chanthu who had to face only failures in life.
Hariharan’s direction along with strong screenplay and Mammootty’s acting took the movie to another level. If people are still talking about the movie that was released in 1989, it is because the dialogues in the movie are still in the memory of the viewer because it is a great work of art.
∙ Peruntachan
The story of Perundhachan, the legendary character Malayali grew up listening to, was directed by Ajayan and seen by the film world through MT’s writing. The story is based on the conflict between Perunthachan and his son, a member of Paraipeta Panthirukulam. Through this writing, it was possible to bring all the emotions of the human mind in front of the audience.
Undoubtedly one of MT’s best writings. Peruntachan, the last word in Thachushastra, is overwhelmed by the growth of his son beyond his abilities. The audience watched with bated breath as he finally made a chisel on his son’s neck with his flawless hands.
At the end of this 1990 film, we can see Peruntachan joining Agni. Thilakan won the Kerala State Award for Best Actor for his performance as Perunthachan.
∙ Pazhassiraja
2009 Keralavarma Pazhassiraja is a milestone in Malayalam cinema. The screenplay of Pazhassiraja, which was released under the excellent direction of Hariharan, was also written by MT.
MT’s inky words flowed like a whip in Mammootty’s majestic voice. Behind presenting history as history and making a place in the history of Malayalam cinema, there was a strong screenplay by MT along with the director. MT’s screenplay was able to overcome the limitations and give life to the historical man. The life of Pazassi, who was not defeated by anyone, successfully entered Malayalam cinema.
∙ Blue lotus
Neelthamara is directed by Laljos and scripted by MT. In 2009, Neelthamara, a beautiful old film, was released. The movie showed the Malayalee audience a kitchen maid called Kunjimalu who loves Haridas.
MT reveals the visual expression of Kunhimalu’s desires and tears, unable to identify whether Haridas is a hero or a villain in his life. Starring Archana Kavi, Kailash and Samvrutha, this movie gave the audience a nostalgic experience.
A small smile
Oru Cherupunchiri is a 2000 film written and directed by MT. The script of the film is based on Telugu writer Sriramana’s novel Mithunam.
MT won the State Film Award for Best Director in 2000 for this film. The old couple’s old age in the countryside, harmony, conflict and deep bond will leave the audience emotional. Even after the departure of the partner, the decision to stay in the land where he lived is something we have heard and forgotten.
Finally, the film starring Unnikrishnan, Nirmala Srinivasan and others in the lead roles will undoubtedly bring a hint of pain in the heart and a small smile on the lips.
Content Summary: MT – the filmmaker and screenwriter