Renowned Malayalam scriptwriter John Paul (71), who is known for his evergreen movies such as 'Chamaram', Oru Minnaminunginte Nurungu Vettam, 'Yathra' and 'Vida Parayum Munbe', passed away on Saturday at a private hospital in Kochi. The veteran was undergoing treatment for the various diseases last two months. On Friday, his health deteriorated and breathed his last on a Saturday noon, at around 1 pm. He is survived by his wife and a daughter.

John Paul was a genius who showcased rare skills to write all sorts of movies including action thrillers, dramas, entertainers and even comedy. He made his debut in cinema as a screenwriter with the 1980 movie Chamaram and later penned over 100 screenplays in his decade long career. John Paul has worked with several eminent filmmakers, including I V Sasi, Sethumadhavan, Joshiy, P G Viswambharan, Joshiy, Sathyan Anthikad, Bharat Gopi, P N Menon, Kamal, Viji Thampi, and so on besides Bharathan and Balu Mahendra. John Paul was the producer of the award-winning classic movie Oru Cheupunchiri directed by MT Vasudevan Nair.

He also proved his mettle as an actor when he appeared on screen in movies like 'Gangster' and 'C/O Saira Banu'. He has also penned several books too, including Vismayaanubhadhikalude Puravritham, Pavithram Ee Smrithi, Prathishedham Thane Jeevitham, Ente Bharathan Thirakadhakal, Swasthi, Kaalathinu Munmbe Nadannavar, and many others. Soon after the sad news of his death came forward, scores of his fans took to social media handle and mourned John Paul’s demise.