‘I felt like I was holding my father,’ says Mammootty in heartfelt tribute to MT

Kozhikode: Actor Mammootty shared a heartfelt Facebook post, paid his final respects to legendary M T Vasudevan Nair, who died here on December 25. Known for his immense contributions as a screenwriter, director, and producer, Vasudevan Nair, popularly known as MT, was a towering figure in Indian literature and cinema.

“Finding a place in MT's heart is the greatest blessing of my career,” Mammootty wrote. “I have portrayed many characters that carried his soul, though I can't recall all of them now. A whole era is fading away, leaving my mind empty. When I held him after he stumbled during a programme in Ernakulam four-five months ago, I felt like I was holding my father.”

Director Hariharan, who collaborated with MT on numerous critically acclaimed films, also broke down while paying homage to the luminary.

MT's legacy in cinema is unparalleled. He directed seven films and penned scripts for around 54, many of which are regarded as classics, including 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha', 'Kadavu', and 'Sadayam'.

His works seamlessly blended profound narratives with compelling visual storytelling, earning him four National Film Awards for Best Screenplay, the most by any individual in Malayalam cinema.

He made his directorial debut in 1973 with 'Nirmalyam', a poignant tale of a village oracle grappling with social change, which won the National Award for Best Feature Film. MT's repertoire extended beyond feature films to include documentaries, songs, and even a TV series.

Throughout his career, MT's screenplays reflected the cultural and social crises of Kerala, delving into themes of alienation, identity, and the disintegration of human relationships. Works like 'Kanyakumari', 'Varikkuzhi', 'Sadayam', and 'Perumthachan' stand as testaments to his genius.

MT Vasudevan Nair's funeral is scheduled for 5 pm on Thursday.

(With Agency inputs)