Madathu Thekepattu Vasudevan Nair (b. 1934)

Malayalam director born in Kodaloor, Kerala. Major Malayalam novelist and scenarist. His first major novel, Nalukettu (1958), contributed to the renewal of a literary tradition initiated by Thakazhy Shivashankar Pillai, Basheer and Uroob in the 50s. Sub-editor of the influential literary journal Mathrubhoomi (1956); later its editor (1968-81). Best-known writing addresses the tensions, incarnated by a central character, between traditional family structures in the declining feudal system of the Tharavad (non- Brahminic matrilineal castes) and economic development (e.g. Appunni in Nalukettu, 1958, Govindakutty in Asuravithu, 1962, or Sethu in Kalam, 1969). The melodrama of feudal nostalgia, ambivalently presented, had a major influence on 70s Malayalam cinema (e.g. Vincent and Sethumadhavan) and was one of the major forces behind the P.N. Menon/ P.A. Backer breakthrough into realist cinema with Olavum Theeravum (1969). First film as director, Nirmalayam, is an influential contribution to the ‘literary’ version of 70s New Indian Cinema. He directed only four more films, all based on his own stories. Currently top Malayalam scenarist with independent star status. Script credits include Murappennu (1965), Nagarame Nandi (1967) and Asuravithu (1968) for Vincent; S.S. Rajan’s Pagal Kinavu (1966); Bhaskaran’s Irutinte Atmavu (1967); P.N. Menon’s Kuttiyedathi (1971); Sethumadhavan’s Kanyakumari (1974) and Oppol (1980). Scripted Hariharan’s Edavazhiyile Pucha Mindappucha (1979), Valarthu Mrugangal (1981), Evedayo Oru Sathru (1983), Vellom (1984), Panchagni (1986), Nakhakshathangal (1986), Amritam Gamaya (1987) and Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989). Also wrote several films for I.V. Sasi including Aroodam (1983), Alkoottathil Thaniye (1984), Adiyozhukkukal (1984), Uyyarangalil (1984); and Prathap Pothan’s Ruthubhedam (1987), Recently returned to directing with Kadavu. Aravindan Vallachira (1991) has a book-length analysis of his films.

FILMOGRAPHY: 1973: Nirmalayam; 1977: Mohini Attam (Doc); 1978: Bandhanam; 1982: Manju; Varikkuzhi; 1991: Kadavu

Director