MT Vasudevan Nair passes away: Iconic Malayalam films that pay homage to his legacy

MT Vasudevan Nair, the doyen of Malayalam literature, is no more. When the news flashes across the screen, it takes a moment for the MT fan in you to process as various iconic scenes from his literature and movies play out in your head. It is the mark of the auteur he is that MT, known for seminal works in Malayalam literature, could also seamlessly slip into Mollywood and penned his way to glory with some of the best films that have resolutely stood the test of time. From the Mammootty-starrer Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha to Hariharan's Parinayam, these movies notched up National Awards and still continue to stir up conversations and debates in Kerala.

As we pay homage to one of the biggest names in the fields of arts in Malayalam, OTTplay looks at a bunch of films from MT’s vast repertoire that shone with his brilliance. If you are new to the world of MT, this list of 10 will introduce you to the great writer and director, and if you have been an ardent fan like most Malayalis, you can revisit those times of glory. (The list is in no particular order)

MT Vasudevan Nair’s films on OTT

Aalkkoottathil Thaniye - YouTube

The IV Sasi film, written by MT Vasudevan Nair, revolves around a family whose members return to their ancestral home after being informed that their father is on his deathbed. Mammootty plays the lead role in the film which also features Mohanlal, Seema, and Balan K Nair. The film is based on MT's short story Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam. Incidentally, the short story was again adapted for the screen by Jayaraj for the anthology series Manorathangal, which can be streamed on ZEE5 and OTTplay Premium.

Sadayam Sun NXT

Sadayam, directed by Sibi Malayil with a script by MT, featured Mohanlal in the lead role. The hard-hitting film revolves around Sathyanathan who is convicted of killing four people, including two girls. The gut-wrenching film, which attained a cult following over the year, also secured the National Award for Best Screenplay for MT.

Thazhavaram - Disney+ Hotstar

MT, known for penning some of the most rooted stories, teamed up with Bharathan for this western thriller film in Malayalam. The film follows Balan as he sets out to track down the man who murdered his wife and fled with the money. This distinctive film also features Salim Ghouse, Sumalatha, and Sankaradi.

Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha - YouTube

Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha is an iconic film not just for MT’s script, but also for the lead actor Mammootty who won the National Award for Best Actor for his terrific performance as ‘Chathiyan’ Chandu. Based on Vadakkanpattu folklore, the film delves into the story of warriors that is abound with jealousy, betrayals, and more.

Ennu Swantham Janakikutty - YouTube

MT Vasudevan Nair wrote the script, while Hariharan directed Ennu Swantham Janakikutty which fetched a National Film Special Jury Award for its lead actress Jomol. Based on MT's story Cheriya Cheriya Bhookambangal, the film tells the events as seen through the eyes of the protagonist Janakikutty.

Parinayam - SUN Nxt

Yet another movie powered by the director-writer duo of Hariharan and MT Vasudevan Nair. The film features an ensemble cast of Mohini, Manoj K. Jayan, Vineeth, Thilakan, Nedumudi Venu, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, and Jagathy Sreekumar. Through the story of Unnimaya, who is facing trial for adultery, the film takes a deep look at societal taboos imposed on women, patriarchy, and more.

Perumthachan - Disney+ Hotstar

Written by MT, Perumthachan is based on the folklore. Thilakan delivers a powerful performance as the renowned Perumthachan. When his son, who is also equally talented, refuses to abide by the traditional practices, Perumthachan resorts to the extreme step. Another National Award-winning film that also marked the Malayalam debut of Tamil actor Prashanth.

Aranyakam - YouTube

Another MT and Hariharan movie that follows the travails of a teenage girl, who refuses to toe the line of expectations set by her family and freely roams around. It is remarkable that MT, who wrote the seminal Randamoozham, can also so beautifully portray the quirks and whims of an adolescent girl.

Nakhakshathangal - YouTube

The film narrates the tale of the young Ramu, who meets  Gouri at Guruvayoor temple and falls for her. Though they go their separate ways, their paths cross again.  Directed by Hariharan, the film had a script penned by MT. Monisha and Vineeth played the lead roles in the film. The film's songs also garnered popularity with KS Chithra winning the National Award for the song 'Manjal Prasadavum'.

Panchagni - Disney+ Hotstar

Another Hariharan and MT film, that revolves around Naxalite Indira, who comes home after getting parole from prison. Geetha stars in the lead role in this film which also features Mohanlal, Nadia Moidu, and Thilakan. The film won several Kerala state awards, including Best Director for Hariharan and Best Screenplay for MT.

Nirmalyam - Disney+ Hotstar

MT both wrote and directed this movie, which featured PJ Antony in the lead role. Considered a classic in Malayalam cinema, the film won two National Awards and several Kerala state awards. The poignant film revolves around a Velichappadu (oracle) who struggles with the miseries and misfortunes of life.