Dennis Joseph passes away: Mammootty, Mohanlal pay tributes

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

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.

Talking about Dennis' demise, Mammootty said, "Dennis Joseph's untimely demise distresses me greatly. The friend who stood with me like a brother in my highs and lows is no more. He will be remembered through all the films he wrote and directed." 

Meanwhile, Mohanlal wrote a heartfelt note. "Dennis was a king in the world of screenwriting. I was blessed to have given life to many characters that were born to this king. His affection was the sort concealed in a tender smile without expecting anything in return. Lots of vibrant stories that shook the silver screen. Situations that rocked the wave of intense emotions; lines replete with the fire of rage, the salt of tears, and sweetness of romance. The remarkable prodigy that presented to Malayalam cinema the tales of deep bonds and underworld feuds. No matter how much I say, those words won't be enough to describe my spiritual connection with Dennis. So I stop midway, with trembling fingers."

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.