Autograph - a great intro into Kollywood Tamil films

A lot of people have been asking me what is Kollywood? Well, Kollywood is Tamil films combined with the the city Kodambakkam in Tamil Nadu and Hollywood. And why have I been watching Kollywood films? Simple, because I want to. Nothing wrong with that. Honestly, it started with me realizing a handful of good Bollywood films I liked have copied Kollywood films. Then, my Surya crush started so why not?



Since Bachna Ae Haseeno, I wanted to watch the Tamil film, Autograph, which I read that Bachna Ae Haseeno has taken some inspiration from. Honestly, I don't see it. The only similarties is about a guy thinking back on his love life and the different stages of the women of his life.

I won't give any big spoiler for this film but it's going to be very descriptive so read and beware! Lots of screen caps.





Love how the movie opens with the credit with a letter with each of the characters of the film.











Movie starts off with Senthil, who runs an advertising company in Chennai. He is getting married soon and wants to invite everyone who has been a part of his life to the wedding -- former teachers, classmates, and even lovers. He even wants you and me to attend the wedding. His first stop is the village, Neikaranpatti - Dindiigul District, where he grew up and went to high school.



Song #1 - "Nyabagam Varudhe"
So many flashbacks for Senthil, so many things have changed.
I love how you see the changes through Senthil's eyes. One moment you see the younger Senthil, the next moment, you see Senthil.























Memories of Senthil's first love, Kamala. Definitely one of those cute, puppy-dog love, where he followed her and found every excuse to be next to her.









Senthil loves Kamala so much and wants to protect her. When school ended, both are unable to continue their studies at the same college and parted ways.



Present-day Kamala. Married with children.



Cute scene when Kamala realizes it's her first love. She runs inside the house and looks in the mirror hoping she's looking cute the way Senthil remembers her.



Newcomer Mallika plays Latika and is so natural. Playing the sweet, innocent high school village girl in love with Senthil and maturing to a mother of three living in poverty.



Next stop - Kerala. Senthil thinks about his college years.





Flashback - Kerala was a bit of a language barrier for Senthil since he speaks Tamil and the majority of the people in Kerala speaks Malayalam. He meets a beautiful, kind lady, Latika, and she helps him through his tough few weeks at college.





Song #2 - "Maname Nalamaa"
He never thought he'll forget his first love, Kamala. However, her memories are fading and he's falling in love with Latika.











However, Latika doesn't want to fall in love that quickly.





Song #3 - "Manasukkelle"
But the more time spent together, she realizes she does love Senthil.
My favorite song from the film. Check out that retro look! I think she looks Hema Malini-ish.



















Must watch, with English subtitles



Senthil and Latika's love story is so sweet. Just when Senthil found love again.





Song #4 - "Ninalvugal Nenjinil"
However, they can not be together. Afterall, there is the language barrier -- Tamil vs Malayalam.













Senthil re-connects with an old friend who knew Latika, as well. Still wanting to see Latika, Senthil tells him about Divya, the girl who has changed his life and made him realize that he must go on with his life.



Song #5 - "Ovvoru Pookkalume"
When Senthil first meets Divya, she is singing on stage.









Little did Senthil know that Divya will help the jobless Senthil land a job in the advertising field.





Song #6 - "Kizhakke Paartheen"
Both Senthil and Divya realize that they both need each other so they can forget the pain in their lives.

















Sneha is such a pleasure to watch on screen. Absolutely love her since Unnai Ninaithu. Sneha's character, Divya, is a bit more complex than I have described. Without giving spoilers, I felt Divya had more depth even though I love Latika's love story more. Defintiely becoming a fan of Sneha's.



Senthil finishes telling his friend the story and still wants to see Latika and invite her to his wedding.



Poor Latika is now a widow.





Now, Senthil is sad because why should he share his happiness with Latika who has been suffering for all these years?



Gopika is awesome. I love her love story the most. From the carefree, bubbly college girl to the sad widow, Gopika's eyes and facial expressions were mesmerizing.



Cheran definitely impress me with everything - acting, directing, writing. Wow! Honestly, I wouldn't have given a second thought to watch this film, just based on him. Come on, I'm shallow. Everyone knows it.



Will Senthil marry woman who he is inviting everyone to his wedding for? I won't reveal anything else about the movie but this. It's enough to make you want to see the movie. Definitely worth a watch. If anything, the "Manasukkelle" song alone should make you want to watch it.





When I first thought about the film title, I was thinking "Autograph?" Why that name? Usually when I hear the word autograph, I think of a celebrity's signature. But in the movie's tense, it's people who have an impact in your life and how you have grown as a person from it.