New Delhi: He has never been considered as a good actor but in a new role John Abraham is suddenly getting recognition and respect that was long due.
As the producer of the recently released 'Madras Cafe', John has been able to give a befitting reply to his critics and subtly let the world know that in spite of his non-filmy background, he knows his business well.
In a decade long career, John has mainly been treated as the brawny hottie who looks good but can't really act. The actor, who started his career in glamour world with a brief stint in modelling, made an impressive debut in Bollywood with a very bold film by the Bhatts called 'Jism' in 2003. The film raised a few eyebrows for its in-your-face boldness and the way sexuality was celebrated in the film paved the way for many such similar themes. While the film managed to get ample amount of work for its two leading actors, John and Bipasha Basu, the subsequent films that John signed somehow failed to cement the actors position in the big league. The turning point in John's career came with 'Dhoom' in 2004 where the actor was cast as an antagonist. Perhaps that set the tone for the actor's career in future. The actor possibly couldn't have imagined that his villain act in the film would get more accolade than the main hero. While John gained popularity among the masses with each of his films, critics were still not convinced about the actor and termed him as an eye-candy, much like his character in 'Dostana' where all the witty one liners were cleverly given to Abhishek Bachcahn and the skin show was restricted simply for John and Priyanka Chopra.
In the world of cinema, when actors launch their production houses, it is either to salvage their failing career or to make films in which they get the meatier role. But interestingly, John's maiden production venture 'Vicky Donor' did not feature him at all except in a promotional video. Says Shoojit Sircar , the director of the film 'I, in fact, had approached John at that time with the script of 'Madras Cafe' but then we both got busy with other projects and the film did not materialize. Around the same time, Juhi Chaturvedi came with the story of 'Vicky Donor' and John showed eagerness to produce the film and rest, as they say, is history." Interestingly, the actor from the very beginning wanted to just produce 'Vicky Donor' and not be a part of it. "He knew Ayushmann (Khurrana) was on board for the film. And he understood that the role wasn't meant for him," adds Sircar.
John apparently was "blown away" when he saw the first rushes of 'Vicky Donor' a story about a sperm donor. The actor willingly promoted the film and even tactfully handled tricky questions by the media and spoke about the issue of sperm donation- a topic which till then was never discussed that openly in Indian society.
Sircar, who has now worked with John in two consecutive films, gives the actor full credit for being the risk taker. "Its credible on his part to be associated to two non-Bollywood films. You know how Bollywood stereotypes actors, so for me his willingness to be part of the films that I make came as a pleasant surprise. Both 'Madras Cafe' and 'Vicky Donor' were unconventional films and dealt with serious and sensitive issues but John was willing to take the risk in producing such films," says Sircar.
While, as an actor, John has mainly stuck to commercial Bollywood films, the producer in him has tread the unknown path and emerged successful as a winner. Even Karan Johar, who is known for churning out typical Bollywood romances, has lauded John's instincts as a producer. While calling 'Madras Cafe' 'intelligent', Johar tweeted, " John Abraham emerging as the new age producer of our times...his brand value takes a giant leap....#MadrasCafe(sic)".
Not only has the actor-producer along with Sircar paved a way for new wave cinema in Bollywood, but he has probably set an example for his peers in the industry and once again reiterated the fact that content has to be given utmost importance in a film to make it work.
As an actor, John continues to stick to commercial films- his next film will be a sequel of 'Welcome' called 'Welcome Back'-while it seems he will satiate his creative thirst by taking more and more risks as a producer and surprise the audience with new genres of films time and again.
Take a bow John Abraham, for you have finally arrived.
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