Popular Malayalam poet and film and drama lyricist Chunnakara Ramankutty passed away at a private hospital here on Thursday, said family sources. He was 84. Ramankutty has written for around 75 films for over 200 songs besides lyrics for over a 100 dramas.

Starting from 1978 he wrote lyrics for Malayalam films, till a few years back. His last piece was after the death of media baron and veteran Rajya Sabha member M.P.Veerendra Kumar, last month.