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Director Cheran speaks
 Cheran-producer-director-hero of
'Autograph' speaks on his film and experiences.
He looks a more relaxed man these days. The frown-lines and the worried, tensed
look has given way to a more cheerful demeanour. Cheran's new release
'Autograph', which he scripted, directed, produced and played the hero in, has not only got him critical
acclaim but also applause from the masses. The maker of such acclaimed films as 'Bharati
Kannamma', Porkkaalam', Vettrikodi Kattu' and 'Pandavar Bhoomi'
speaks about his film and his experiences while making
it.
On his state of mind before
and after the release
Frankly, I was in total despair and fear, before the release of 'Autograph'. I wondered at my guts
in having taken such a big step. The film had no big heroes who would have drawn the crowds. But after the release, with the movie doing well with a 100 per cent opening at all
theatres, I'm in a more relaxed frame of mind. It's given new hope to film-makers who want to make such different films.
Reason for the positive audience
response
A lot of the audience are identifying with the film, the characters and the incidents. I'm getting so many calls from people from all walks of life, telling me that such incidents have happened in their lives too. That they've also had Kamalas, Latikas and Divyas in their lives, crushes and infatuations, platonic friendships and
that they had ultimately compromised with reality. Audience identification is the
strength of this film.
On his playing hero
 I did approach many heroes. but for some reason or the other, they couldn't do my film.
So I was forced to play the role myself. I don't blame them, nor do I want to delve into the past. Many who saw the film did tell me that the role has come out
naturally because I had played it. But I don't entirely agree with them, other heroes would have brought in their own unique style to the role.
On etching the character of
Senthil
It's a role everyone would identify with. It's 50 per cent of me in it. Some of the incidents are taken from my friend's
life. Divya was a dream character. When I first came to Chennai, like many others from
villages, I had dreamt of meeting a friend like this, a smart, modern, English-speaking girl!
Role of 'actor' Cheran in the film's
success
Zero per cent. After I saw the film, I felt that I could have done it better. Probably, others like a Prabhu Deva or a Vikram may have played Senthil differently. They have a mass image. So I may have had to re-structure the character and scenes to suit them. But now with the film doing well, there's no complaints!
On his turning producer
 Frankly, I didn't find anyone to produce it. But producing it myself definitely
has its advantages. It's given me the freedom to do it my way. And the loss or gain is entirely mine. I could have included many fights, 'item' numbers and comedy scenes, but I didn't.
Some Mumbai film-makers have approached me for the remake rights. I've also been asked to send it to film festivals abroad. Since I'm the Producer I can take steps for it. Earlier I'd missed such an opportunity!
On his turning lyric writer
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can i have emailID of cheran..... - sunitha, Chennai, 2/22/2008
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hai cheranw..... - sunitha, Chennai, 2/22/2008
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hi da your achievement is not..... - chinnah, chennai, 2/28/2007
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Dear cheran hope so u r fine a..... - K Prem Kumar BBM MBA, Choolaimedu, 1/29/2007
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Vanakkam Cheran Ongakitta nera..... - Nawin, California USA, 1/16/2007
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The subject was close to me, so I could write the lyrics of the song 'Nyabagam Varuthe...'with feeling. I wrote about 201 lines, but naturally I couldn't use all of
them: otherwise I would be singing throughout the film! But I'm not into
lyric-writing, and I'm not a competition for lyric-writers!
On the English name for the
movie
I did try for a Tamil
equivalent but I couldn't get any. 'Autograph' is a word familiar to everyone. Since childhood we all have been using that word, and it's an apt title for the subject.
On his next venture
I've not yet decided. But I'll be more into direction than acting. 'Director' Cheran is a continuous process. 'Actor'
Cheran is only an occasional diversion!
Malini Mannath
Published on 9th March, 2004
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