CHENNAI: Music director and screenwriter Isaac Thomas Kottukappally has passed away in Chennai. He composed music for several films, including Kuttisrank and Swam.

He was born in Pala in Kottayam district. He holds a PG Diploma in directing and screenwriting from the Pune Film Institute, and a two-year degree in music from American teachers at Kodaikanal School. He also passed sixth grade from London Trinity College of Music.

Isaac came to cinema through KG George's 'Mannu'. Later, he became an assistant director through Aravindan's 'Thampu'. He has co-written screenplays for the films Thampu, Kummati and Esthappan with G Aravindan. It was through Esthappan that he came to the field of background music.

He has composed music for films by Aravindan, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, TV Chandran, Shaji N Karun, Gireesh Kasaravalli, Kavitha Lankesh and Janaki Viswanathan. He won the state award for best background music for three consecutive years through Bhavam (2002), Margam (2003), Sancharam, Oridam (2004).