Popular Malayalam screenwriter and director Dennis Joseph has passed away due to a heart attack at Kottayam.

Dennis, who started out as the sub-editor of a film magazine, made his screenwriting debut in 1985 with Earan Sandhya. 

A master screenwriter, Dennis is credited for making a significant contribution to mainstream Malayalam cinema through some of Mohanlal and Mammootty's biggest hits such as Rajavinte Makan, Bhoomiyile Rajakkanmaar, New Delhi, Kottayam Kunjachan, and Nair Saab. 

Rajavinte Makan catapulted Mohanlal to superstardom and New Delhi did the same for Mammootty.

Dennis made his directorial debut in 1988 with Manu Uncle, starring Mammootty and Suresh Gopi. The film fetched him the National Award for Best Children's Film.

He recently released his memoir titled Nirakkoottukalillathe.