Autograph

Autograph (2004), directed by and starring Cheran, is a heartfelt masterpiece that beautifully captures the essence of love, friendship, and nostalgia. A gem of Tamil cinema, the film takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, recounting pivotal chapters of a man's life through a series of flashbacks, each resonating with universal emotions.

The narrative unfolds as Senthil (Cheran) travels across India to invite people from his past to his wedding. What starts as a simple journey soon evolves into a deeply reflective exploration of his school days, first love, heartbreak, and the friendships that shaped his life. Each phase is distinct, yet seamlessly woven together, making the story feel deeply personal yet universally relatable.

The film excels in its authenticity. Cheran's subtle direction and natural performance lend an understated charm to the narrative. The cast, including Gopika, Sneha, and Mallika, deliver moving performances, bringing Senthil's relationships to life. Bharadwaj's soul-stirring music, especially songs like "Ovvoru Pookalume" and "Manasukkulle Dhagam Vanthucha," elevate the emotions, making every scene linger in the heart long after the credits roll.

It's surprising that Autograph has so few reviews despite its timeless impact. Two decades later, it still captivates, evoking vivid memories of high school crushes, bittersweet first loves, and the irreplaceable friendships of youth. The film's ability to transport viewers back to their own cherished moments is a testament to its enduring brilliance.

I'm not a huge fan of Indian movies in general, but I let myself be talked into watching this one, expecting nothing more than an afternoon of fun with friends making fun of some cheesy dialogue. About 10 minutes into it, I was completely captivated by the touchingly sweet portrayal of a high school boy's first love. The movie begins with the viewer being told that a man who's about to be married shortly, is on his way to invite people to his wedding. So from the moment you meet his first love, you're drawn deep into the story, wanting to know more about what happened to each person he meets and most importantly who the woman is that he finally marries.

The rest of the movie is a series of vignettes on the years of his life leading up to the present. Every human emotion is treated so honestly with no melodrama (not to mention acted out superbly on screen), that you feel like you're making that journey with him. Rejoicing in his happiness and hurting with him in his sorrows.

There are very few movies (Indian or otherwise) that portray the ups and downs of growing up quite as well. This is definitely one of those.

I watched this show recently a decade later at its time of release

Autograph spotlights on the romantic escapades of a boy growing into a man. The story is told by the protagonist using the flashback method as he is on a trip down the memory lane inviting people whom he has come across in is life for his wedding. Be ready to plunge yourself in nostalgia even if u did not grew up in the time period shown in the movie. The events shown in the movie happens in every other person;s life regardless of the any time period. The presentation is refreshingly different for Tamil cinema and never done before on such a scale .

The film started off with a slow village scenario and gets interesting in the middle in the Cheran_Gopika episode. The other amazing aspect of the film is the debut performance of The Malayalee actress Gopika. Shecarries out her role with extreme ease like a seasoned actress it is hard not to get mesmerized by her natural beauty and natural performance.

The locales of Kerala, a treat for the eyes. The 'Hippi' hairstyles, 'Bell Bottom' Pants and 'Big Flap Collared' shirts should have been omitted and some unnecessary out of place commercial songs.

The background score is well done and addictive. This is Cheran's best film to date Overall a refreshing movie to watch with the family

I don't watch much Tamil cinema (mostly because I'm not familiar with it), but when I was last in India I heard many people talking about this film. They were saying it was moving and touching, something which i generally equated to overwrought melodrama.

Almost eight months later, I came across the DVD for "Autograph" by accident, and decided to give it a try. I was shocked.

This was an excellent picture, done with care and a lot of heart. Sure there are a few (and only a rare few) overly melodramatic moments, but overall it really touched me. Anyone (especially men) who have gone through the turmoils of relationships broken or incomplete will feel a joyfully sorrow connection to this film. I was moved by its honesty and quite frank look at relationships, and it brought a smile to my face when the film reveled in the exuberance and innocence of childhood crushes and young infatuation.

I rarely recommend modern commercial Indian cinema (because most of it is unfortunately subpar), but this is a lovely little film, definitely an engaging romantic drama. Kudos to the director/ writer Cheran for doing excellent work with visuals and performances, and I hope he continues to make such honest films in the future. 8/10

This ranks in my top 10 movies of allied. Just everything about it gives me a warm glow. I have to admit the courtship of Lathika by Senthil is the nut of the movie, but his scenes with Mallika, Divya, and his bride are just as nice. I could watch this an infinite number of times. Its my own personal taste, but I find it just a wonderful movie. This movie also make Gopika one of the actresses I follow. Can't quite explain what it is about her, but she warms my soul.

I think the best scene in the entire movie is when Senthil brings a present to Lathika when she is in her classical dance class. She doesn't realize at all what effect she is having on him, and the look on her face is so sweet and subtle. And another great scene is when they are trying to converse and neither really understands the other's language. But she is saying to him "until you disturb my dreams I cannot accept your love".

Anyway, if you're romantic, see this movie. I think it will give you a warm soft glow.