M.T. Vasudevan Nair, legendary Indian author, screenwriter and director, died Wednesday, Dec. 25 at a hospital in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, days after suffering cardiac arrest, the Times of India reports.

M.T. Vasudevan Nair, celebrated Indian screenwriter, director and novelist, died on Dec. 25 at a hospital in Kozhikode after being admitted to a hospital for breathing difficulties. He was 91. His contributions to Malayalam-language cinema and literature redefined storytelling in the southern Indian state of Kerala where he was born.

Celebrated Indian author and screenwriter dies at 91 - Malayalam writer leaves lasting impact on Indian cultural landscape

Thousands gathered in Kozhikode to mourn the passing of MT Vasudevan Nair, a celebrated Malayalam writer and filmmaker. The funeral procession, attended by numerous dignitaries, concluded with his cremation at a newly renovated public crematorium.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan condoled MT Vasudevan Nair's demise and wrote on X, “With MT Vasudevan Nair’s passing, we’ve lost a doyen of Malayalam literature who elevated our language to global heights.