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Celebrity Kerala Obituary

Veteran Malayalam scriptwriter John Paul dies at 72

Best known for the screenplays of classic movies like Chamaram, Palangal and Oru Minnaminunginte Nurungu Vettam

Veteran screenwriter John Paul Puthussery, who penned screenplay for around 100 films, many of them evergreen classics in Malayalam, died at a private hospital in Kochi on Saturday.

He was 72 and was under treatment for various diseases for some time. Puthussery had been under critical medical care for the last two months after his condition got worse, news agency PTI reported citing industry sources.

Best known for the screenplays of classic movies like Chamaram, Palangal and Oru Minnaminunginte Nurungu Vettam, all directed by the legendary Bharathan and Balu Mahendra-directed Yatra, Puthussery was a genius who showcased rare skills to write all sorts of movies including action thrillers, dramas, entertainers and even comedy.

He also succeeded in erasing the boundaries of the class and mass movies and penned screenplays for both critically acclaimed movies and commercial entertainers.

Some of John Paul’s best known works include ‘Chamaram’, ‘Yathra’, ‘Kattathe Kilikkoodu’ and ‘Chamayam’. The gifted writer had also acted in some movies including the Manju Warrier-starrer ‘C/o Saira Banu’ and the Mammootty-starrer ‘Gangster’.

Kunchacko Boban pens emotional tribute

Malayalam actor Kunchacko Boban joined scores of Malayalam film and literature lovers in paying tribute to well-known Malayalam screenwriter John Paul who passed away at a private hospital in Kochi on Saturday.

Taking to Instagram, Kunchacko Boban penned a touching tribute to the late screenwriter , who had been keeping unwell for some time.

Lovingly addressing the great writer as his uncle, Boban said the man had given birth to so many soul-touching movies and added that the writer had remained in the hearts of everyone that he had met.

Pointing out that John Paul had an unparalleled command over language and literature, Boban said, “There were so many instances when I could feel the warmth and love that you had for the Udaya family, especially for my Appan.”

Calling Paul “the big man who had a much, much bigger heart for the people around him,” Boban said that people could feel his love even when he was not around them.

“Your voice and words will be sorely missed but your creations will speak volumes for what you have done for the film fraternity and literature!!

“Nedumudi Venu Chettan, Lalitha Chechi and now, John Paul uncle… Recent times have seen big losses for the Malayalam Film fraternity and on a more personal aspect, for me and my family. Hope you all rekindle your friendship in heaven,” he said.

Some of John Paul’s best known works include ‘Chamaram’, ‘Yathra’, ‘Kattathe Kilikkoodu’ and ‘Chamayam’. The gifted writer had also acted in some movies including the Manju Warrier-starrer ‘C/o Saira Banu’ and the Mammootty-starrer ‘Gangster’.

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