Thaai Kizhavi is a 2026 Tamil comedy-drama that has taken the industry by storm with its unique blend of rural satire and emotional depth. Directed by debutant Sivakumar Murugesan and produced by the dynamic duo of Sivakarthikeyan Productions and Passion Studios, the film offers a refreshing take on family inheritance and the agency of elderly women. Starring the legendary Radikaa Sarathkumar in a mass-y, powerhouse role, the movie revolves around the life of Pavunuthaayi, a gritty matriarch whose secret stash of gold turns her greedy family's world upside down.
Directed by: Sivakumar Murugesan
Written by: Sivakumar Murugesan
Produced by: Sivakarthikeyan and Sudhan Sundaram
Starring: Radikaa Sarathkumar, Singampuli, Aruldoss, Munishkanth, Bala Saravanan
Cinematography: Vivek Vijayakumar
Edited by: San Lokesh
Music by: Nivas K. Prasanna
Choreographer: Sandy Master
Release Date: 27 February 2026
Running Time: 144 Minutes
Country: India
Language: Tamil
Dubbing: Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada
Budget: ₹20 Crore
OTT Platform: Netflix
OTT Release Date: 10 April 2026
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About the Movie
Thaai Kizhavi is a gripping cinematic experience that blends strong storytelling with powerful performances. The plot centers on Pavunuthaayi, a formidable 70-year-old woman in Karumathur who is also a moneylender. The story takes a hilarious yet poignant turn when her "vulture-like" sons, who were initially praying for her death to claim her properties, suddenly find out she has hidden gold.
What follows is a desperate and comedic scramble to keep the matriarch alive. The film expertly uses situational humor and pop culture references—including iconic Kamal Haasan tracks—to navigate the complex dynamics of a rural household. It is a women-empowerment drama disguised as a rural farce, proving that the elderly are far more resilient and intelligent than the younger generation often gives them credit for.
About the Cast
The film features a talented cast who bring depth and realism to their roles. Radikaa Sarathkumar delivers a career-defining performance as the lead, capturing the "badass-ness" and dignity of Pavunuthaayi with ease. Despite the heavy prosthetics, her steely gaze and authoritative screen presence dominate the film.
The supporting cast is equally brilliant. Singampuli and Munishkanth provide sharp wit and grounded humor, while Bala Saravanan and Aruldoss play the role of the frustrated yet greedy sons to perfection. Raichal Rabecca also shines in her role, adding another layer of emotional weight to this family-driven narrative.
Message of the Movie
The movie delivers a strong message about life, relationships, and human values. It highlights the importance of financial independence for women, regardless of age, and crititques the selfish nature of modern inheritance disputes. Through Pavunuthaayi’s journey, the film emphasizes that respect for elders should be rooted in love, not greed, and that a woman's agency remains her most valuable asset.
Should You Watch This Movie?
If you enjoy meaningful stories with emotional depth, strong performances, and a clear social or family-oriented message, this movie is worth watching. The film balances entertainment with thoughtful moments, making it suitable for viewers who prefer content with substance. The screenplay by Sivakumar Murugesan keeps the pace engaging, while Nivas K. Prasanna’s music and Vivek Vijayakumar’s warm visuals of the rural landscape enhance the overall experience.
This movie is especially recommended for audiences who like realistic storytelling and relationship-driven narratives. It has received high praise from industry veterans like Kamal Haasan and Jyotika for its progressive take on womanhood. However, if you are looking for a typical fast-paced commercial action flick, you might find the rural pacing a bit slow. Overall, it is a heartwarming one-time watch that hits all the right notes.
Family & Friends Warning: This movie is suitable for family and friends. It is a clean comedy-drama with a "U" rating. However, parental guidance is advised for younger viewers due to the emotional weight of certain family conflict scenes.