Pala, Kottayam: Malayalam film producer Joseph J Kakkattil, the owner of Cherupushpam Films, has passed away. He was 86.

Joseph was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Pala. The funeral will be held at St Michael's Church at Kuruvinal in Pala around 4pm on Saturday.

Joseph launched Cherupushpam Films and marked his entry into the film industry by producing 'Anavaranam' (1976). Cherupushpam Films, which was into production and distribution, has had 23 film releases.

‘Eeta’ (1978), directed by I V Sasi, turned out to be one of the superhits of Cherupushpam Films. Joseph was fondly called as Cherupushpam Kochettan.

Joseph was also the owner of the Pala-based Cherupushpam Trust Hospital, Cherupushpam Textiles, and Cherupushpam Depot.

His wife Annakutty had died earlier. His children are Molly, (late) Valsamma, Rosamma, Mercy and Kunjumon.