Writers do not need support of political parties, says M Mukundan citing example of MT

New Delhi: Writers in Kerala do not need the support of any political party, said writer M Mukundan. “Perfect example of this was the late MT Vasudevan Nair. He would not have taken a call from even the Chief Minister. Writers do not need a political party, but on the other hand, political parties need writers,” Mukundan said while speaking at the discussion of his latest book  ‘Ente Embassy Kaalam’ organised by Mathrubhumi. 

Mukundan’s earlier statement at the Kerala Legislative Assembly’s book festival, where he said writers should stand with the government, had sparked a controversy.

Mukundan clarified that he could not be an activist. “I can’t go out into the streets. There are not enough people in the field of writing. And, writing is the only thing I can do”, he said. 

“When I arrived in Delhi, the politics here was based on idealism. Things have changed now, as politics has become practical. Communalism has nothing to do with creative writing. It exists in everyone. Even in the era of Artificial Intelligence, there are people who talk about caste and communalism. It is not universal, and it can be eradicated soon. God belongs to everyone,” Mukundan said.

“Of late, reading has been increasing. Young people are going back to books. Three out of the five best-selling books in India are in Malayalam. There is an opinion that contemporary Malayalam literature is becoming more regional. It should become more global in treatment and style,” he said. 

When he asked the audience whether they want a sequel to his autobiographical book “Ente Embassy Kaalam”, the audience unanimously responded with a ‘yes’. 

John Brittas MP, Open Magazine Editor S. Prasannarajan, Director of the Ministry of Culture Aneesh Rajan and Mathrubhumi’s special correspondent N. Ashokan also spoke during the function. Mathrubhumi Delhi Bureau Chief Manoj Menon moderated the session.

Will you give permission to make ‘Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil’ into a film? 

I don’t want ‘Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil’ to be made into a film. The example of Chemmeen is right in front of us. When we think of Chemmeen, what strikes us first is the music of Salil Chowdhury. When we think about characters Karuthamma and Pareekkutty, actors Madhu and Sheela come to our mind. Thakazhi and his novel no longer exist and the film has occupied its place. I also have the fear that such a fate would come to me as well if I let anyone shoot my novel into a movie. If a good director shows up, I’ll rethink about this.