Cheran in a still from ‘Autograph’
In February, actor-director Cheran had announced that his 2004 film Autograph, considered a cult hit in Tamil cinema, is getting a re-release after 21 years. On Sunday (April 6), the director took to social media to announce that the film will be released in theatres on May 16.
The film, which catapulted Cheran to fame, follows the journey of a middle-aged advertising agent as he reminisces about the three women who influenced his life the most. Gopika, Sneha and Mallika starred as the female leads. Kanika, Ilavarasu, Krishnakumar Ramakumar, and Rajesh also played pivotal roles.
Autograph is especially known for its chartbuster album, which had songs composed by Bharadwaj. ‘Gyabagam Varuthe’ continues to be the go-to anthem in Tamil cinema for nostalgia; also sung by Bharadwaj, the song explored themes of being caught in the tides of change and the melancholy of looking back at our roots. In 2004, Gopika’s yellow saree adorned with Tamil scripts in the song ‘Manasukulle Dhagam’ became a trendsetter.
In particular, ‘Ovvoru Pookalume’ got acclaimed playback singer KS Chithra the Best Female Playback Singer National Award and popular lyricist-director Pa Vijay the Best Lyrics National Award at the 52nd National Film Awards. Notably, the film also won the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment award.
The film also won Tamil Nadu State Film Awards under Best Film, Best Director, and Best Female Playback Singer categories.
Autograph was remade in Telugu as Naa Autograph, starring Ravi Teja, in Kannada as My Autograph, starring Sudeep, and in Bengali as Amar Aponjon, starring Soham Chakraborty.
Published – April 06, 2025 02:10 pm IST
