‘An irreparable loss for Kerala, Malayalam literature’: Condolences pour in for MT Vasudevan Nair

‘A genius who transformed literature and cinema’: Priyanka Gandhi

Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi also paid homage to MT, describing him as “a genius who transformed literature and cinema into powerful mediums of cultural expression.” She added, “His narratives captured the depth of human emotions and the essence of Kerala’s heritage. A true custodian of our art and literature, his loss is deeply felt by the entire nation.”

With the passing of Shri M.T. Vasudevan Nair, we bid adieu to a genius who transformed literature and cinema into powerful mediums of cultural expression. His narratives captured the depth of human emotions and the essence of Kerala’s heritage.

A true custodian of our art and… pic.twitter.com/JdyOMLANMh

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) December 25, 2024

Kamal Haasan Reflects on Friendship
Veteran actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan, who collaborated with MT on films such as Kanyakumari and Manoratha, mourned the loss of a dear friend and mentor. “We have lost a great writer,” he said. “M.T. Vasudevan Nair, a great personality in the world of Malayalam literature, has left us. My friendship with him, as the creator of the film Kanyakumari, which introduced me to the Malayalam film world, is now fifty years old. That friendship continued until the recent release of Manoratha.

ஒரு மாபெரும் எழுத்துக்கலைஞனை இழந்திருக்கிறோம்.

மலையாள இலக்கிய உலகின் மிகப்பெரும் ஆளுமை எம்.டி.வாசுதேவன் நாயர் நம்மைவிட்டுப் பிரிந்திருக்கிறார்.

மலையாளத் திரை உலகுக்கு நான் அறிமுகமான ‘கன்யாகுமரி’ படத்தின் படைப்பாளராக அவருடன் நான் கொண்ட சிநேகத்துக்கு இப்போது ஐம்பது வயது.…

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) December 25, 2024

“A unique and charismatic mind that contributed to all forms of writing has passed away. This is a great loss. It will sadden readers and art lovers of South Indian literature. My heartfelt tribute to the great writer.”

Tributes From Across the Spectrum

The BJP Kerala unit paid homage, tweeting, “Tributes to the genius who conquered heights in all the fields he touched.” Their message, originally shared in Malayalam, praised MT as an “unparalleled personality” who enriched Malayalam literature and cinema over a remarkable career.

മലയാളത്തിന്റെ ഇതിഹാസ സാഹിത്യകാരനും ചലച്ചിത്ര സംവിധായകനുമായ എം ടി വാസുദേവൻ നായർ വിടവാങ്ങി. ഏഴുപതിറ്റാണ്ട് എഴുത്തിൻ്റെ ലോകത്ത് നിറഞ്ഞ അതുല്യ വ്യക്തിത്വമാണ് മലയാളത്തോട് വിടപറയുന്നത്. കൈവെച്ച മേഖലകളിൽ എല്ലാം ഉയരങ്ങൾ കീഴടക്കിയ പ്രതിഭാശാലിക്ക് പ്രണാമം. pic.twitter.com/KJ6jOr1P75

— BJP KERALAM (@BJP4Keralam) December 25, 2024

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who had earlier sent prayers for MT’s recovery, tweeted his support for the grieving family. “May they find strength to see our beloved ‘MT-chettan’ through this,” he had written just days before the news of MT’s passing broke.

In honor of the literary icon, the Kerala government has declared two days of state mourning. All cabinet meetings and government functions scheduled for December 26 have been postponed, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office. Madath Thekkepat Vasudevan Nair, fondly known as MT, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in literature and film, with a career spanning over seven decades. His profound works drew inspiration from the agrarian life along the banks of the Nila (Bharathapuzha) river, where he spent his childhood in an upper-caste Nair family.

As tributes pour in from across the globe, Kerala collectively mourns the loss of one of its greatest cultural figures.