P. A. Thomas

P. A. Thomas Biography

P. A. Thomas is a noted film and theatre personality of Malayalam cinema. Associated with the golden period of history of Malayalam cinema, he has directed 15 movies apart from producing 11 movies during the 1960s and 1970s. This filmmaker is known for producing movies based on contemporary social issues, the most notable ones being - Oraal Koodi Kallanaayi (1964), Kudumbini (1964), Porter Kunjaali (1965), Station Master (1967) and Thomaasleeha (1975). He has also produced and directed Christian religious movies. He directed, wrote the screenplay and story of the all-time favourite Christian movies – Jesus in 1973. He has also shown his face for a few movies.

Thomas was born in Thiruvananthapuram to Christian couple – Abraham and Mariamma in 1922. Njarakkal is his native place. He completed intermediate, before joining theatre as a stage actor. Later he formed his own theater group and has written and directed many plays shown across Kerala. 1950 film Prasanna directed by Sri Ramadu Naidu was his first role as a film actor, and the following year he became a hero through the movie – Vanamala, the first jungle film in Malayalam. Yet he is known to film fraternity as a film producer and director rather than an actor and character artist.

The social relevant movie - Oraal Koodi Kalyanayi starring Nazir and Sheela released in 1964 marked his debut as a film producer and director. It was a screen version of his popular play and one of the first South Indian film to focus on burning social issues like unemployment and the illegal appointments in schools. Kayamkulam Kochunni (1966), Kudumbini (1964), Bhoomiyile Malakha (1965), Porter Kunjali (1965), Jeevikkan Anuvadikku (1967), Jesus (1973) and Thomasleeha (1975) are among his famous directorial ventures. In 1970, he directed one Tamil film – Thalaivan starring M. G. Ramachandran and Vanisree in lead roles, and M. N. Nambiar and S. A. Ashokan playing villains.

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Updated: January 18, 2016