'MT's women were conventional, but had strong convictions'. A glimpse into his onscreen female characters

MT Vasudevan Nair who left an indelible mark in Malayalam cinema always gave prominence to his women characters. In an interview with Onmanorama, MT's daughter Aswathy, who conceived and coordinated 'Manorathangal' an anthology of films based on his short stories for ZEE5, said her father understood the woman's psyche well despite being a man.
“Kuttyedathi is one of the finest examples. During those times, you could not imagine such a character, but my father brought those women to life. Though none of the women in his works are unconventional, they are all women with strong convictions,” she said.

This statement stands true because MT's women were not overly different, but held their own in the times and situations they lived in. In 'Aranyakam', we see a young woman who is quite quirky and appreciates nature and passionately writes imaginary letters to well-known figures. Her brilliance doesn't go unnoticed and her quest to understand the Naxal cause is portrayed well, though there is very little she can do about it.

In 'Aalkootathil Thaniye', a school teacher's life is under focus. Her enterprising nature and her deep and sacrificing love for her lover, even when he marries another woman, finds different expression in MT's work. In 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha', we are exposed to Unniyarcha's coy and gray-shaded nature as she uses Chandhu. In 'Parinayam', we are introduced to Unnimaya, a woman who decides to defy customs and Orthodox traditions to follow her heart.

In 'Manorathangal,' the last work based on MT's short stories, some of the films focused on women's loneliness. 'Vilpana' directed by Aswathy, followed the life of Mrs Parekh who is extremely lonely.
MT Vasudevan Nair, Malayalam's master of lyrical nostalgia, died on Wednesday in Kozhikode. The last rites will be performed at Mavoor road crematorium in Kozhikode on Thursday around 5 pm.