He was a Malayali Indian filmmaker and screenwriter. He was perhaps famous for his style of living and way of thinking than for his films. He attained a legendary status, living a nomadic kind of life. He rebelled against all the established ways of life as well as art. John Abraham is recognised as a genius in Malayalam cinema.
Background
John Abraham was born in Changanacherry in 1937. He completed his studies in Kottayam staying with his grandfather. It was him who nurtured Abraham's talent in early days. After completing his degree in economics from Marthoma College, Thiruvalla, he worked as an insurance agent in Bellary. After that he joined the FTII, Pune and was trained by Ritwik Ghatak. Abraham graduated out of the FTII with gold medals in screenwriting and film direction. He entered the film industry working as an assistant director to Mani Kaul for the film Uski Roti. He has worked for some Hindi projects that was shot in Kerala, but none were released. Abraham's first attempt in direction came in 1967 named Vidyarthikale Ithile Ithile. It was the Tamil film Agraharathil Kazhuthai that elevated Abraham to fame.
Education
His childhood and primary education were in Kuttanad and school education in different schools including CMS School, Kottayam, Keezhillam School, and MD Seminary High School, Kottayam.
His college education was in CMS College, Kottayam, and Mar Thoma College, Thiruvalla, from where he graduated in Economics. After teaching in tutorial colleges for some time, he joined the University of Dharwar for post graduate studies. But he got a job as a clerk in the Life Insurance Corporation at Coimbatore before he could complete his studies, which he accepted.
It was while he was working there that he got admission in the Film and Television Institute of India. There he became acquainted with the classic films of the world, and also with Ritwick Ghattak, which kindled the cinematic genius in him. He passed out in 1969 with a Gold Medal.
Career
Considered an avant-garde film director and writer, he completed only four films, namely Vidyarthikale Ithile Ithile in 1972, Agraharathil Kazhuthai in 1977, Cheriachante Krurakrithyangal in 1979 and Amma Ariyan in 1986, all four written and directed by him.