Actor-producer John Abraham, known for delivering diverse hits over a career spanning two decades, says despite being repeatedly written off by critics and industry insiders, it is the unwavering support of his audience that has kept him moving forward. With his forthcoming film, "The Diplomat," Abraham hopes to honor this bond by presenting meaningful cinema.
From adrenaline-fueled action thrillers like "Dhoom," "Race 2," "Satyameva Jayate," "Dishoom," and "Pathaan," to popular comedies including "Garam Masala," "Dostana," and "Housefull 2," and critically acclaimed dramas such as "Water," "No Smoking," "New York," "Madras Café," "Parmanu," and "Vedaa," Abraham's journey has been multifaceted.
Facing Criticism with a Smile
Reflecting on his turbulent journey in the film industry, Abraham revealed, “People have, in the past, said that ‘Parmanu’ marked my 1.0 version because I’d disappeared for four years. These are obituaries that are written every day about me, and it's fine; I don't have a problem with it. My career has been built on criticism, I enjoy it.”He emphasizes that while critics and producers measure success through box-office numbers, his genuine connection with his audience remains paramount. Abraham explained, "The only people that have kept me going and have made me survive is my audience. And I made 'The Diplomat' for that audience."
Returning to the Core of Storytelling
Acknowledging the film industry's recent tough spell at the box office, Abraham believes the solution lies in going back to basics—focusing on compelling writing and storytelling. He stated candidly, "We as an audience and trade are putting too much stress into the bifurcation of how the money is being spent. We've to cut all this noise, go back to writing, go back to where we started from and why we wanted to make films."Though Abraham admits he has also been guilty of prioritizing commercial success, he now firmly believes in the importance of impactful narratives.
"The Diplomat" Inspired by Real-Life Events
Abraham's upcoming film "The Diplomat", directed by Shivam Nair of "Naam Shabana" and "Special Ops" fame, is based on real-life incidents. The story revolves around the courageous efforts of diplomat JP Singh (played by Abraham) as he attempts to rescue an Indian woman named Uzma (portrayed by Sadia Khateeb, noted for her role in "Raksha Bandhan") from Pakistan.Speaking about the film's script, Abraham shared, "I love geopolitics, so I thought this looks interesting, and I fell in love with what I read, credit to Ritesh Shah (writer). For me, it's about the story; it's immaterial whether you see a woman or a man in front. If the painting is beautiful, all the characters look beautiful."
Highlighting Social Issues and Advocating Awareness
"The Diplomat" tackles significant social themes, especially the plight of women, children, and animals in society. Abraham emphasized the urgent need for awareness and stronger legislation in India, remarking, “Women, children, and animals are not safe in India... With regards to women, you need to have strict laws. It stems out of education and awareness; there is a multi-pronged approach."Drawing comparisons, Abraham mentioned the safety women experience in places like Dubai, underscoring the gap that still exists in India, “We are a developing society; we will get there, but it will take us some time. Along the way, there is going to be a lot of collateral damage.”
Intensive Preparation for Authenticity
To authentically portray JP Singh, Abraham underwent rigorous preparation under the guidance of renowned acting coach Saurabh Sachdeva ("Animal"). Sharing his experience, Abraham said, "Shivam put me through a drill. We went through reading with the entire cast. Then, I took a break and met Saurabh Sachdeva, who coached me on this character. For three weeks, I was with Saurabh every day." They also met the real JP Singh to accurately capture his mannerisms.Collaborative Production and Release Date
"The Diplomat" is produced by Abraham’s JA Entertainment in collaboration with T-Series, Vipul D Shah, Ashwin Varde, Rajesh Bahl of Wakaoo Films, Sameer Dixit and Jatish Varma of Fortune Pictures, and Rakesh Dang of Seeta Films.The highly anticipated film is scheduled to hit theaters on March 14.