Veteran Malayalam screenwriter and producer John Paul died at the age of 72 on Saturday around 1 pm at a private hospital in Kochi. He had been undergoing treatment for several health issues in the hospital. According to media reports, Paul was constantly switching hospitals to seek sufficient medical treatment for his breathing and kidney ailments for the past two months. 

Having written screenplays for over 100 films, Paul was best known for his contribution in the Malayalam film industry in the 1980s and 1990s. 

Several public figures expressed their condolences on social media. 

“Deeply saddened by the demise of renowned screenwriter Shri.John Paul. It’s an irreparable loss to the Malayalam film industry. My thoughts are with his family and friends,” Indian politician K Surendran wrote on Twitter.

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Early life

He was born on October 29 in the year 1950. During his younger years, he pursued freelance journalism and often participated in film and cinema societies. Back then, Paul would sharpen his skills by writing screenplays for commercials and short movies. 

In 1972, he briefly opted for a regular desk job at Canara Bank. A few years down the line, he quit his job to completely focus on his passion for cinema.

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Career

His major works include ‘Arorumariyathe’, ‘Kattathe Kilikkoodu’, ‘Yathra’, ‘Ormakkayi’ and ‘Utsavapittennu’. 

Throughout his career, Paul bagged several accolades for his impressive screenplays. His awards include the Kerala film critics association award, the Nana Gallop poll award for the best screenplay writer and the State award for the best film book for ‘M.T. Oru Anuyathra’.  

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‘Oru Cherupunchiri’, a film produced by him, won several national and international awards.

He was also the founder and general secretary of MACTA, a Kerala-based organization for film technicians.

Paul also featured in a popular show on Safari TV. 

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“John Paul’s storytelling through Safari episodes is what made me attached to him, I believe it will be same for others. He will be deeply missed. RIP,” one user wrote on Twitter.