Yes, the grammar is very similar and some words are the same.
for example:
thaLLu = thallu karanna = to push
santhosham = shanthosha = happiness
mattam = mattama = level
massina = machan (brother in law)
machan = machan (dude, bro)
padam = padama = lesson
dukam = duka = sadness
etc etc.
You are in a better position than someone who just speaks English.