Acclaimed Malayalam scriptwriter and director Dennis Joseph, 64,  passed away in Kottayam on Monday night due to cardiac arrest. According to reports he collapsed at his home in Kottayam. However, he died despite being rushed to a private hospital.

Joseph, who commenced his career in the early eighties as a journalist with a film magazine, later started writing scripts. He penned scripts for 45 films besides directing five movies, of which 'Manu Uncle' fetched him the national award for best children's film in 1988.

Joseph’s scripts paved the way for a new genre of films in the industry, which saw protagonists play the antihero.In Rajavinte Makan, Mohanlal played a don while in New Delhi, Mammootty’s character conspired to kill a number of persons. Both actors owe much of their stardom to the characters penned by Dennis Joseph. Dennis Joseph also transformed commercial cinema in the Malayalam industry with scripts that adapted to the trends of the time.

Chief Minister-designate Pinarayi Vijayan in his condolence message said that Dennis’ death is a great loss to Malayalam cinema.

Dennis Joseph's films had intriguing twists that captivated viewers.His other notable films include Manu Uncle, Number Twenty Madras Mail, Kottayam Kunjachan, and Akasadooth. He directed Manu Uncle, Agrajan, Thudarkatha, Appu and Atharvam.

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