Autograph (TV series)

Autograph
Season 1 title card
GenreTeen drama
Written byAnil Bass
Directed bySujith Sunder
Starring
Opening theme"Ormathan Thalile"
Country of originIndia
Original languageMalayalam
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes646
Production
ProducerAli Khan[1]
Production locationKerala
CinematographyManoj Kumar[2]
EditorJoby Pannapara
Running time18–20 minutes
Production companyBava Creations
Original release
NetworkAsianet
Release5 October 2009 (2009-10-05) –
6 April 2012 (2012-04-06)

Autograph is an Indian Malayalam-language teen drama television series that aired on Asianet from 5 October 2009 to 6 April 2012.[3][4] The series delves into the high school and college lives of five close friends, who are known as the 'Five Fingers', exploring themes of friendship and relationships.[1]

At the 2011 Asianet Television Awards, it received several accolades, including Best Director (Sujith Sunder), Best Screenplay (Anil Bass), Best Editor (Joby Pannapara), Best New Face – Female (Shaalin Zoya), and Best Actress – Character (Sona Nair).[5] The show was re-telecast on Asianet Plus during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, though it was quickly replaced by the Malayalam-dubbed Mahabharat (2013–2014).[6][7]

Plot

The first season centers on James, Rahul, Sam, Nancy, and Mridhula, a group of high school students known as the "Five Fingers." The story begins when Rahul and Mridhula witness a murder committed by businessman Chandra Kumar "C.K." and his henchman Stephen Gomez. At school, the group begins a rivalry with a new student, Deepa Rani, whose mother, Sethu Lekshmi, later becomes the principal. After vacation, the Five Fingers are wrongfully accused of killing their schoolmate Rosy, but their innocence is proven when Stephen, the true culprit, is arrested with help from their friend Jyothi. Later, C.K. illegally releases Stephen, who—with Deepa's help—attempts to murder Mridhula but accidentally kills Jyothi. Concerned about legal consequences, Deepa turns against C.K., who then tries to kill her; however, the Five Fingers manage to save her. She reveals the truth behind Jyothi's murder to the group, while James learns from Sethu Lekshmi that he is C.K.'s stepbrother. Meanwhile, C.K. enters a by-election and kills Stephen to safeguard his political reputation. During a TV interview, the Five Fingers manipulate the broadcast to expose him, resulting in his failure and arrest for Stephen's murder.

The second season is set in a law college, where the Five Fingers—now with Deepa replacing Mridhula, who has moved to the US—get involved in a series of conflicts with "4 The People", a senior student gang led by Mahendran. A new party is formed by the Five Fingers, who go on to win the college union election, further escalating their rivalry with the gang. When rumors of an affair between his sister Priya and James surface, Mahendran forces her into an arranged marriage with his cousin. However, the marriage is called off, and James's unexpected death impacts Deepa's mental stability. Deepa recovers with Dr. Premkumar's treatment and, alongside her friends, begins investigating the cause of James's death. However, when James, presumed dead, returns alive, Deepa is found missing, and C.K. emerges as the prime suspect. But, James and his friends discover that Deepa was kidnapped and murdered by Stephen, who was also presumed dead, while she had been missing. After capturing James, Rahul, and Sam, Stephen holds them hostage, but the trio manages to escape. The season concludes with C.K. killing both Stephen and his henchman Ram, after which James and his friends discontinue their course due to Deepa's absence.

Cast

Main

  • Ranjith Raj as James Albert,[8][9] leader of the Five Fingers group and the illegitimate son of the late businessman Nandha Gopala Menon. He is the stepbrother of Menon's elder son, Chandra Kumar "C.K.", and was raised by his mother, Leenamma, a quarry worker.
  • Sarath Kumar as Rahul Krishnan,[10] a member of the Five Fingers and the son of an influential businessman who lost his mother at a young age. In the first season, Rahul's infatuation with Mridhula leads to multiple conflicts, including the temporary breakup of the Five Fingers.
  • Ambarish M. S. as Samkutty "Sam",[11] one of the Five Fingers, often portrayed as a humorous character who values friendship. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his grandparents.
  • Soniya Srijith (season 1) and Meghna Vincent (season 2) as Nancy Samuel,[11][12] a Five Fingers member who spends most of the first season at the school and boarding premises due to her parents' separation. In the middle of the second season, she leaves for Kolkata to care for her father, whose health is declining.
  • Sreekutty as Mridhula "Mridhu" Menon[13] (season 1), a member of the Five Fingers and the daughter of Dr. Nirmala Prakash and Shivasankara Menon. At the end of the first season, Mridhula leaves for the United States to live with her mother, who suffered a stroke.
  • Shaalin Zoya as Deepa Rani,[14] daughter of Sethu Lekshmi and Prabhul Patel. Initially portrayed as the Five Fingers' archrival in the first season, she later joins the group in the second season, replacing Mridhula Menon.

Recurring

  • Sona Nair as Sethu Lekshmi,[15] the school principal, Deepa's mother, the wife of Prabhul Patel, and a former criminal defense lawyer. She is featured prominently in the first season and makes a brief appearance in the second.
  • Rajeev Parameshwar as Chandra Kumar "C.K.", a businessman and James's stepbrother. In the first season, C.K. is depicted as cruel and manipulative. However, his character undergoes a positive transformation in the second season, as he begins to accept James as a true brother.
  • Kaviraj Achari as Stephen Gomez, the warden of the boys' boarding facility and C.K.'s henchman for most of the first season. In the second season, he is initially introduced under the alias "Mr. X," but is ultimately revealed to be Stephen Gomez, who emerges as the primary antagonist.
  • Sreehari as Kuruvila (season 1), the school manager and Susanna's husband. After Stephen's arrest, he assumes the role of warden at the boys' boarding facility.
  • Jayakumar Parameswaran Pillai[16] as Sasi (season 1), peon of the school who is a well-wisher of the Five Fingers.
  • Jishin Mohan as Ram Narayanan,[17] a student who is initially a friend of the Five Fingers and Mridhula's love interest. In the second season, he allies with Stephen Gomez to seek revenge on the Five Fingers, who are responsible for his arrest in a drug-related case.
  • Niya Renjith and Swapna Treasa as Nandini Nair (season 1), a teacher of morality and discipline, an out-of-syllabus subject. She is Deepan's love interest and relocates to Mumbai to join a new school around the middle of the first season.
  • Amritha Prasanth[18] as Jyothi Viswanath (season 1), a friend of the Five Fingers who is murdered by Stephen Gomez in the girls' boarding facility, with Deepa's knowledge.
  • Murali Mohan as Prabhul Patel IPS (season 1), the Commissioner of Police (CP), husband of Sethu Lekshmi, and father of Deepa Rani.
  • Sarath Das[19] as Deepan (season 1), a physics teacher who loves Nandini. Midway through the first season, he leaves the school to care for his mother, who is hospitalized after a head injury.
  • Shiju AR as Devanarayanan IPS (season 1), a principled and disciplined police officer who is appointed as Police Commissioner following the deputation of Prabhul Patel.
  • Nijash Jash as Ben Johnson (season 1), Deepa's close friend and a classmate of the Five Fingers.
  • Karishma Manoj as Rosy Wilfred (season 1), a student who is sexually abused and murdered by Stephen Gomez.
  • Mahalakshmi[20] as Nandana (season 1), a student who initially supports Deepa when the Five Fingers are accused of Rosy's murder.
  • S. Vijayakumari as Rajamma (season 1), the matron of the girls' boarding facility.
  • Devan[1] as P. Sethuramayyer (season 1), the school's initial principal, who is later succeeded by Sethu Lekshmi.
  • Reshmi Boban and Karthika Kannan as Susanna (season 1), a school librarian and Kuruvila's wife, portrayed as a cunning and selfish woman.
  • Kishore N. K. as Gupthan, a deceptive yet innocent person who fools others for money to support his daily needs. He is a helper to the Five Fingers during their vacation periods.
  • Vipiyan James as Mahendran "Mahi" (season 2), the leader of 4 The People, a gang of senior law college students, the son of Narendra Nath, a businessman, and Priya's brother.
  • Rishi Bhaskaran as Bilal Ahamed (season 2), a member of 4 The People and the son of Ahamed, a cashew tycoon.
  • Mahesh Lakshman as Ashok Raj (season 2), a member of 4 The People and the son of Rajan Thoma, a Member of Parliament (MP).
  • Sree Lakshmi as Sony Wilfred (season 2), a member of 4 The People and the daughter of Wilfred D'Souza, a liquor businessman.
  • Meera Muralidharan[21] as Priya (season 2), Mahendran's sister and Subramani's love interest. Although James expresses his love for her, she sees him only as a friend.
  • Sandeep Sivan as Subramani (season 2), a third-year law student and Priya's love interest, who is also a friend to the Five Fingers.
  • Shari Krishnan as Sandra Viswanath (season 2), the sister of Jyothi Viswanath, who joins 4 The People in her pursuit of vengeance against the Five Fingers for her sister's murder.
  • Kailas Nath as Poduval (season 2), a professor who becomes the principal of the law college when Gayathri Devi takes a long leave.
  • Amal as Christopher "Christy" (season 2), an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and Maggie's foster son. He is a constant rival to the Five Fingers throughout the second season.
  • Yadu Krishnan as Dr. Premkumar (season 2), a psychiatrist who treats Deepa after James's sudden death impacts her mental stability.
  • Sreelatha Namboothiri as Maggie (season 2), the widow of the late Nicholas, former mayor. During their college days, the Five Fingers stay as paying guests at Maggie's house.
  • Senthil Krishna as V. D. Purushothaman "Purushu" (season 2), a person who arranges the Five Fingers' stay at Maggie's house.
  • Anand Kumar as Dr. Sreekanth (season 2), the principal of the law college.
  • Kavitha Nair as Gayathri Devi (season 2), the principal of the law college who replaces Dr. Sreekanth. Her character makes only a brief appearance in the second season as she departs for Chennai for her father's treatment.

Guest

  • Rekha Ratheesh as Dr. Nirmala Prakash (season 1), Mridhula's mother, who is settled in the USA.
  • Rajesh Hebbar as Dr. Syamaprasad, a psychiatrist who treats Deepa.
  • Beena Antony as Leenamma (season 1), James's mother, who works at a quarry.
  • Geetha Salam as Ramettan (season 1), Rahul's local guardian.
  • G. K. Pillai as Vakkachan (season 1), Sam's grandfather.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Autograph completes 200 episodes in Asianet". afaqs!. Thiruvananthapuram. 5 July 2010. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  2. ^ "'അത് വിവരിക്കാൻ എനിക്കറിയില്ല, സംഭവിച്ചു പോയതാണ് '; പ്രണയത്തെക്കുറിച്ച് ശ്രീക്കുട്ടി" ['I don't know how to describe it, it just happened'; Sreekutty on love]. Asianet News Malayalam (in Malayalam). 31 July 2024. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  3. ^ "Asianet launches 'Vigram' and 'Autograph'". Indian Television. 23 September 2009. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  4. ^ Mohan, Padma (22 June 2021). "11 Forgotten Malayalam Television Serials". pinklungi.com. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  5. ^ "'Asianet Television Awards 2011' on Asianet". afaqs!. 21 March 2011. Archived from the original on 24 April 2025. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  6. ^ Narayanan, Bidhun (27 April 2020). "മാനസപുത്രിയും ഓട്ടോഗ്രാഫും അടക്കമുള്ള ഹിറ്റ് പരമ്പരകള്‍ മടങ്ങിയെത്തുന്നു | asianet plus re telecast old hit serials" [Hit serials including Manasaputhri and Autograph are returning]. Asianet News Malayalam (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  7. ^ K. S., Anish (17 May 2020). "Mahabharatham Malayalam Telecast On Asianet Plus - 6.30 P.M To 7.30 P.M". Kerala TV. Archived from the original on 21 March 2025. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  8. ^ Nakul, V. G. (10 July 2019). "ഓട്ടോഗ്രാഫിലെ പ്ലസ് ടു 'പയ്യൻ' അച്ഛനായി; പ്രാർഥന പോലെ ജീവിതത്തിലേക്ക് ഇസബെൽ" [The 'plus two boy' in Autograph becomes a father; Izabel enters life like a prayer]. Vanitha (in Malayalam). Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  9. ^ "Autograph fame Ranjith Raj: Most of the viewers don't know my real name, they still call me James". The Times of India. 23 April 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  10. ^ Ahmed, Shaik Imthiyaz (26 February 2015). "'Autograph' Actor Sarath Kumar Died in Road Accident". All India Roundup. Archived from the original on 23 July 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  11. ^ a b "Ranjith Raj to Sonia: Here is how the Autograph actors look now and what keeps them busy". The Times of India. 29 January 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 31 January 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  12. ^ U. R., Arya (31 July 2017). "My husband and I were quite amused by the trolls, we just laughed them off! : Meghna Vincent". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  13. ^ admin (22 November 2012). "Malayalm Serial Actress Sreekutty's Marriage With Manoj Kumar". Kerala9.com. Archived from the original on 25 March 2025. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  14. ^ Scaria, Sherin (2 January 2012). "'Negative' honour". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  15. ^ archive, From our online (16 May 2012). "Sparkling Sona". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  16. ^ "For a long innings". The Hindu. 19 March 2015. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  17. ^ "Jishin Mohan on 'Autograph' re-run: It is exciting to watch the show again, but every scene reminds me of Sarath". The Times of India. 15 May 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  18. ^ "Actress Amritha Varnan married Prasanth Kumar | photos". Vinodadarshan. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  19. ^ "Big time on small screen". The Hindu. 19 November 2010. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  20. ^ Thomas, Elizabeth (30 October 2016). "Small (screen) is beautiful". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  21. ^ Soman, Deepa (19 August 2014). "The love for acting dawned on me gradually: Meera Muralidharan". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.