Snapaka Yohannan (1963)
John, the Baptist
Release date : 31 January 1963
As with bringing stories from other religious texts and scriptures , turning them into spectacular onscreen commercial successes, P Subramaniam also brought the first story from the Bible in Malayalam cinema through John, the Baptist. Many consider this to be Jose Prakash’s finest performance onscreen, in the titular role. Miss Kumari was Mariam, the estranged wife of Herod Antipas, who tries to warn him of a conspiracy by his new wife & her secret lover to kill him and grab power. Miss Kumari announced this would officially be her last film, then engaged and looking forward to a settled, married life. She would return to the arc lights for one final time in 1967 for Arakkillam.
Movie Handbill
Movie Still – Snapaka Yohannan (1963)
More about the Movie
| Jose Prakash | Miss Kumari |
| Prem Nazir | Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair |
| Adoor Pankajam | GK Pillai |
| Joseph Chacko | Kannamma |
| Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair | Murali (Old) |
| SP Pillai | KV Santhi |
| L Vijayalakshmi | Kanchana (Old) |
| Director | P Subramaniam |
| Producer | P Subramaniam |
| Banner | Neela Productions |
| Story | Bible Story |
| Screenplay | Muttathu Varkey |
| Dialogues | Muttathu Varkey |
| Lyrics | Vayalar, Thirunayinaarkurichi Madhavan Nair |
| Music | Br Lakshmanan |
| Playback Singers | KJ Yesudas, S Janaki, P Susheela, P Leela, PB Sreenivas, Kamukara, AP Komala, Renuka |
| Cinematography | NS Mani |
| Editing | N Gopalakrishnan |
| Sound Design | Krishna Ilamon |
Copyrights & Courtesy : The Hindu (B Vijayakumar’s MetroPlus Kochi Column)
The film told in brief the story of The Bible, with a special focus on the character of St. John The Baptist (Snapaka Yohannan). Yohannan (Jose Prakash) is brought up in the deserts by his mother fearing the order of the King of Judea who, in an attempt to get rid of infant Jesus, ordered the killing of all infants in Bethlehem. Yohannan grows up and preaches the righteous path of life.
He criticises the incestuous marriage of Antipas (Thikkurissi), his brother’s wife, with Herodia (Pankajavalli). Antipas had abandoned his faithful and pious wife Mariam (Miss Kumari).
At the instance of Herodia, her secret lover Naamaan (Kottarakkara) captures Yohannan and attempts to kill him. But Yohannan escapes. Mariam enters the palace of Antipas disguised as a servant maid. She comes to know about the secret plan of Herodia and Naamaan against Antipas. Fascinated by the dance of Herodia’s daughter Salomy (L. Vijayalakshmi) Antipas promises to gift her with whatever she demands. Prompted by her wicked mother, she demands the head of Yohannan.
And Yohannan is beheaded. Even Salomy’s lover Julian (Prem Nazir) hates her for this cruel deed. Antipas comes to know about the wicked plans of Herodia and Naamaan and they are punished.
Songs from the Movie
Movie Poster
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