John Edathattil is an Indian screenwriter and filmmaker. John E aka Sab John has penned scripts for some very critically acclaimed films in Malayalam and Tamil. Presently a resident of Chennai

Chennai

Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...

, India, John renders his guidance to aspiring script writers.

Career

John was born in Allepey, in the southern Indian state of Kerala to Simon Antony and Marykutty Antony. Though graduated in commerce, his accounting career did not last long. Very early in his career he discovered his interest in screenwriting and authored the script for the notable Malayalam film, Chanakyan, a Kamal Hassan starrer.

During a professional screenwriting career spanning over 2 decades, John has written about 30 filmed screenplays. To name a few of his very successful films are: Guna

Guna (film)

Guna is a 1991 Tamil drama film starring Kamal Haasan, Roshini, Rekha, S. P. Balasubramaniam, Girish Karnad, Ajay Rathnam, Janagaraj, and Sharat Saxena. It was dubbed into Telugu as Guna...

, Vyooham

Vyooham

Vyooham is a 1990 Malayalam-language feature film made in India, directed by Sangeeth Sivan, starring Raghuvaran, Sukumaran, Captain Raju, Babu Antony, Urvashi, Rajan P. Dev and Parvathy Jayaram. It was the debut film of Sangeeth Sivan.-Plot:...

, Gandhari (film)

Gandhari (film)

Gandhari is a 1993 Malayalam film directed by Sunil. The film stars Madhavi and Siddique in the lead roles.The film tells the story of a woman who wants to take revenge on the people who has once molested her.-Cast:* Siddique* Madhavi* Babu Antony...

, Soorya Manasam

Soorya Manasam

Soorya Manasam is a 1992 critically acclaimed Malayalam movie by Viji Thampi starring Mammootty in the title role. Mammootty played the role of a lunatic, Putturumees, one of the most acclaimed characters in his career...

, Highway (1995 film) , Sillunu Oru Kadhal, Mayilpeelikkavu

Mayilpeelikkavu

Mayilpeelikkavu is a Mollywood film released in 1998 starring Kunchacko Boban and Jomol. This is the third film of Kunchacko Boban. The film is about re-incarnation and revenge.-Cast:* Kunchako Boban* Jomol* Thilakan* Jagathi Sreekumar...

, Priyam

Priyam

- Story :Tthe story of three spoilt brats and their uncle , Benny . Benny was brought up in an orphanage with his best friend, Annie. Her Dad, realising his greatest asset needs to be with him always separates them. Annie vows to get back to benny. She hoping benny would realise her love joins the...

, Kuruthipunal

Kuruthipunal

Kuruthipunal is a 1995 Tamil drama and action film directed by veteran cinematographer P. C. Sriram. The film stars Kamal Haasan and Arjun in the lead roles, with Nassar playing a pivotal role. Upon release, the film met with a strong critical reception, and is recognized by some to have set high...

 and Chanakyan (film)

Chanakyan (film)

Chanakyan is a 1989 Malayalam film directed by T K Rajeev Kumar, and starring Kamal Haasan, Jayaram and Urmila Matondkar.-Plot:...

. Guna

Guna

' means 'string' or 'a single thread or strand of a cord or twine'. In more abstract uses, it may mean 'a subdivision, species, kind, quality', or an operational principle or tendency....

 starring Kamal Hassan is about a mentally affected person’s unadulterated love for a fictitious character named Abirami. The film was not only successful commercially, but also had an excellent blend of Kamal’s acting, Ilayaraja’s music and John’s screenplay. It surely became a milestone project for everyone involved.

In addition to being a screenwriter John has also donned other roles in film making like acting, directing and production management. He was cast in a pivotal role in the much-acclaimed film “Kuruthippunal” as “Narasimhan” and won critical appreciation. The film was produced by Kamal Hassan and directed by P. C. Sreeram. He worked as the Executive Producer for Kamal’s Hindi feature film “Chachi 420

Chachi 420

Chachi 420 is a 1998 comedy film, made in India and directed by Kamal Haasan who also starred in the film as the main character. Other actors include Amrish Puri, Tabu, Om Puri, Johnny Walker, Paresh Rawal, Rajendranath Zutshi, Ayesha Jhulka, Nassar and Baby Sana. The Executive Producer is Sab...

”.

Documentaries

John has written and directed documentaries for ROTARY CENTRAL VHS-TTK BLOOD BANK (2006), VCRC and Dengue fever (1995). “SMOKELESS HOMES” (Tamil) - promoting smokeless burners in the villages of Tamil Nadu for British Petroleum and “THE WAR” (English) for Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC), a unit of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India were docu-dramas, both written and directed by him.

Television

John wrote the teleplay “Venalinte Ozhivu” for the National Doordarshan directed by Shyama Prasad. The teleplay bagged the best short feature for the year in 1989. He also wrote and produced “DECEMBERILE ATHITHI” for Asianet TV (2001) directed by Roshaan Andrrews. “NAKSHTRAKKANNU” a 52 episode weekly serial (2002) was also written by him for Asianet TV.
He was also seen in a very popular TV series, “Shamanathalam” in Asianet TV, directed by the National Award Winning Director, Shyamaprasad

Shyamaprasad

Shyamaprasad is an Indian film director. Directing highly acclaimed and complex films such as Agnisakshi, Akale, Ore Kadal and Elektra, he has won several state, national and international film awards.-Biography:...

, as “George Panicker” (2001).

AD Films

John has worked on a wide range of television commercials as a director and producer. Some of them include Gold Winner Oil, Save Tamils in Sri Lanka Campaign, Sreerosh Builders (English), Sunidra Mattress (Malayalam), Eastern Sambar (Malayalam) , Eastern Appam [concept – Malayalam], Eastern Rasam [concept – Malayalam], Eastern Masala, Sheenlac Wood Polish [Malayalam], Alukkas Jewelers, Kaveri Fairness Cream, Pankajkasturi, Malabar Gold, Produced/Directed 40 sec spot Jokes Biscuit.

Works

Suryamanasam >

Film Name	Year of Release	Starring	Directed by
Chanakyan Chanakyan (film) Chanakyan is a 1989 Malayalam film directed by T K Rajeev Kumar, and starring Kamal Haasan, Jayaram and Urmila Matondkar.-Plot:...	1989	Kamalhassan	T.K. Rajeevkumar
Vyooham Vyooham Vyooham is a 1990 Malayalam-language feature film made in India, directed by Sangeeth Sivan, starring Raghuvaran, Sukumaran, Captain Raju, Babu Antony, Urvashi, Rajan P. Dev and Parvathy Jayaram. It was the debut film of Sangeeth Sivan.-Plot:...	1990	Raghuvaran Raghuvaran Raghuvaran was an Indian actor who predominantly acted in movies made in South India. He became famous for his portrayal of villain and character roles in Tamil films. He has acted in more than 150 Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi films... , Sukumaran Sukumaran Edappal Ponnamkuzhi Veettil Sukumaran Nair , popularly known as Sukumaran, was an Indian film actor, and producer.... , Captain Raju Captain Raju Captain Raju is a Malayalam film actor. He was born at Omallur in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.After finishing his graduation in Zoology, Raju joined the Indian Army as a first class officer at the age of 21. He started acting in films after leaving the army service. He has acted in more than... , Rajan P. Dev Rajan P. Dev Rajan P Dev was an Indian film and stage actor. He was born in Cherthala in the Alappuzha district of the former state Thiru-Kochi . He had acted in over 140 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada language films. He was noted for his villain roles laced with a touch of humour...	Sangeeth Sivan Sangeeth Sivan Sangeeth Sivan is a Bollywood/Malayalam director and writer of Indian cinema.He is the brother of cinematographer-director Santosh Sivan. He started his career in films as a director with Malayalam films. After directing more than half a dozen Malayalam films, he directed his first Bollywood film,...
Kshanakath	1990	Niyas, Athira	T.K. Rajeevkumar
1993	Mammootty Mammootty Mammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles... , Raghuvaran Raghuvaran Raghuvaran was an Indian actor who predominantly acted in movies made in South India. He became famous for his portrayal of villain and character roles in Tamil films. He has acted in more than 150 Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi films... , Vinodini	Viji Thampi Viji Thampi Viji Thampi is a popular Malayalam film director. After making his debut in 1988 by directing David David Mr. David, Thampi, directed a series of comedy films, mostly big hits in 90s. By early 2000 most of his films started ending up as flops...
Gandhari Gandhari (film) Gandhari is a 1993 Malayalam film directed by Sunil. The film stars Madhavi and Siddique in the lead roles.The film tells the story of a woman who wants to take revenge on the people who has once molested her.-Cast:* Siddique* Madhavi* Babu Antony...	1993	Babu Antony Babu Antony Babu Antony is an Indian film actor, noted mainly for his negative character roles. He has also acted as a lead actor in a number of films. His life and movie roles are much debated in film industry at one time.... , Rajan P. Dev Rajan P. Dev Rajan P Dev was an Indian film and stage actor. He was born in Cherthala in the Alappuzha district of the former state Thiru-Kochi . He had acted in over 140 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada language films. He was noted for his villain roles laced with a touch of humour... , Madhavi Madhavi (actress) Madhavi is a South Indian film actress. She played lead roles for 17 years in seven languages: Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Bengali, and Hindi. She has acted in more than 300 films.-Early life:...	Sunil Sunil Sunil is a common Hindu male name meaning "deep, dark blue color". It may refer to:*Sunil , actor in the Telugu film industry*Sunil Kumar Ahuja , professor of Medicine, Microbiology, Immunology & Biochemistry at University of Texas Health Science Center*Sunil Chhetri , Indian footballer*Sunil...
Nepoleon	1994	Babu Antony Babu Antony Babu Antony is an Indian film actor, noted mainly for his negative character roles. He has also acted as a lead actor in a number of films. His life and movie roles are much debated in film industry at one time.... , Vijayaraghavan, Mathu	T.S.Saji
Bharanakoodam Bharanakoodam Bharanakoodam is a 1994 Malayalam film written and directed by Sunil. The film was produced by V. Varghese under the banner of Surya Creators and distributed by Star Plus Release. It stars Babu Antony and Geetha in the lead roles....	1994	Babu Antony Babu Antony Babu Antony is an Indian film actor, noted mainly for his negative character roles. He has also acted as a lead actor in a number of films. His life and movie roles are much debated in film industry at one time.... , Geetha	Sunil
Dada	1994	Babu Antony Babu Antony Babu Antony is an Indian film actor, noted mainly for his negative character roles. He has also acted as a lead actor in a number of films. His life and movie roles are much debated in film industry at one time.... , Narendra Prasad Narendra prasad Narendra Prasad was a popular Indian movie actor, playwright, director, teacher and literary critic. He was born at Mavelikara, Alappuzha District, in the south Indian state of Kerala.... , Rajan P. Dev Rajan P. Dev Rajan P Dev was an Indian film and stage actor. He was born in Cherthala in the Alappuzha district of the former state Thiru-Kochi . He had acted in over 140 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada language films. He was noted for his villain roles laced with a touch of humour...	P.G.Vishwambharan
High Way	1995	Suresh Gopi Suresh Gopi Suresh Gopinathan Nair , often credited as Suresh Gopi , is an Indian film actor who works mainly in Malayalam cinema; he is famous for his roles in police dramas. He is noted for his leading roles as much as his character roles... , Vijayaraghavan, Janardhanan Janardhanan (actor) Janardhanan is a Malayalam film actor. He is known for his peculiar style of handling humor and his quaint voice. He started his career playing brusque villains in the 1970s but later went on to establish himself as a highly sought-after comedian. The turning point of his career was the role of...	Jayaraj Jayaraj Jayaraj Rajasekharan Nair, often credited as Jayaraj, is an award-winning Indian Malayali filmmaker who has marked his presence in mainstream as well as art house films...
Guna Guna ' means 'string' or 'a single thread or strand of a cord or twine'. In more abstract uses, it may mean 'a subdivision, species, kind, quality', or an operational principle or tendency....	1995	Kamal Hassan	Santhana Bharathi Santhana Bharathi Santhana Bharathi is a popular Tamil language film celebrity in Kollywood, the Tamil film industry in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. He has directed several films such as Guna and the National Film Award winner, Mahanadhi...
Kuruthipunal Kuruthipunal Kuruthipunal is a 1995 Tamil drama and action film directed by veteran cinematographer P. C. Sriram. The film stars Kamal Haasan and Arjun in the lead roles, with Nassar playing a pivotal role. Upon release, the film met with a strong critical reception, and is recognized by some to have set high...	1996	Kamal Hassan	P.C.Sreeram
Mayilpeelikkavu Mayilpeelikkavu Mayilpeelikkavu is a Mollywood film released in 1998 starring Kunchacko Boban and Jomol. This is the third film of Kunchacko Boban. The film is about re-incarnation and revenge.-Cast:* Kunchako Boban* Jomol* Thilakan* Jagathi Sreekumar...	1998	Kunchacko Boban Kunchacko Boban Kunchacko Boban is an Indian film actor who works in Malayalam cinema. He is the grandson of film producer Kunchacko of the erstwhile Udaya Studios and the grandnephew of producer Maliampurackal Appachan... , Jomol Jomol Gowri Chandrasekhara Pillai is an Indian actress who appeared in Malayalam films. She has had major roles in films like Niram, Piriyadha Varam Vendum and Deepasthambham Mahascharyam.She born in Koodathayi near Thiruvambady in Calicut district... , Madupal	Anil Babu
Priyam Priyam - Story :Tthe story of three spoilt brats and their uncle , Benny . Benny was brought up in an orphanage with his best friend, Annie. Her Dad, realising his greatest asset needs to be with him always separates them. Annie vows to get back to benny. She hoping benny would realise her love joins the...	1999	Kunchacko Boban Kunchacko Boban Kunchacko Boban is an Indian film actor who works in Malayalam cinema. He is the grandson of film producer Kunchacko of the erstwhile Udaya Studios and the grandnephew of producer Maliampurackal Appachan... , Jagathi Sreekumar	Sanal
Sillunu Oru Kaadhal Sillunu Oru Kaadhal -Awards:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards* Best Female Playback - Shreya GhoshalSillunu Oru Kaadhal won two awards at the 54th Filmfare Awards for Tamil films, both for its music.2007 Filmfare Awards South*Best Music Director – A. R...	2006	Surya Sivakumar, Jyothika, Bhoomika	N. Krishna N. Krishna N. Krishna is a director of Tamil films from India., Sillunu Oru Kaadhal. He was associate director in Kaaka Kaaka and also played a cameo in Minnale as a lorry driver who quarrels with Vivek at a traffic stop.Yean ippadi mayakani is in under production and he has started his new movie which is...
Washinston Report	-	Pre Production	Senthyl Parthasarathy
Sale Sale Sale may refer to:* Sales * Sale, discounts and allowances in the prices of goods, such as:**Fire sale, a drastic discount in prices**Loan sale, a sale under contract of all or part of the cash stream from a specific loan...	-	Pre Production	John E
Pulivaal	-	Pre Production	John E

Others

Apart from mainstream filmmaking, he has organized a curriculum, class models and assessment criteria for the Screenwriting Course for the film school SAE, in addition to conducting many classes and crash courses for aspiring screenwriter.

He volunteered himself in “Transactional Analysis” propagation group, conducted opening level classes for school and college students.
John was Jury Member for the FICCI BAF Awards 2008,2009 and 2010 Mumbai.

He is the head of screenwriting department at L.V. Prasad Film and Television Academy, Chennai. Currently he runs screenwriter.in a writers’ studio in Chennai, India that teaches and guides young and aspirant writers the professional skills of writing a script for the screen.