Review of “Thaai Kizhavi”

While some may be lamenting the diminishing number of hits from industry giants like Rajinikanth, Kamalhaasan, Ajithkumar, Vijay, Suriya and Vikram, there is growing positivity in Kodambakkam that emanates from the success rate of newcomers in the industry. The latest to join this list is Sivakumar Murugesan, the writer and director of the second biggest box-office hit for 2026, titled Thaai Kizhavi.

The success of the film goes well beyond solid acting performances and its high entertainment value. At its core is a brilliant and creative mind that uses humour to look at highly pertinent and relatable issues. The film is masterfully crafted, showing deliberate and credible detail in the plot and characters while not straying from the core purpose of films –to entertain its audience. Sivakumar Murugesan has ensured that his debut directorial would be a reference point for films for years to come.

Veteran actress M.R. Radhika plays the cantankerous, acid-tongued and crusty Pavunathaayi who heads a fragmented family in Kadupatti – a rural town not far from Madurai. She is feared and grudgingly respected by the townsfolk. Her blistering attitude takes no prisoners. A dramatic change in circumstances presents Pavunathaayi’s family with new challenges, with largely hilarious consequences.

Radhika is superb in her portrayal of Pavunathaayi, exuding a powerful screen presence. Her handling of the role without resorting to melodrama adds to an incredibly powerful performance that would rank among her best of her career.

Raichal Rabecca as Suruli is also in one of her most memorable roles, proving that one does not need extended screen time or lengthy dialogue to make an indelible mark in a film. Her potent expressions and telling body language augment a role that is brilliantly written and executed with perfection.

Munishkanth as the curiously named Pennyquick is in a role that highlights his versatility. Bala Saravanan, Aruldosss and Singampuli as Ponnuthaayi’s sons each do a brilliant job of their respective portfolios, with Bala Saravanan’s comedic timing giving him the edge over the others. Vettai Muthukumar as Rendu Rooba Idly, Illavarasu as Gold Kumar and George Maryan as the sign language interpreter are also in impressive roles.

Chinese actor Hu Chen De, whose impressive film credits include The Matrix Resurrections, Man of Tai Chi, John Wick and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, plays an important and memorable role, speaking Tamil in his own voice.  

Sivakumar Murugesan shows remarkable skill in the construction of his flawless screenplay, strong and credible characterisation and a keen understanding of human behaviour. His script has a generous does of wit and humour that traverses various types of humour. The humour is organic and makes palatable the many serious issues raised in the film – much of which remain oblique references.

It is a polished performance from music composer NIvas K Prasanna who excels in the variety of his songs as well as the creative background score that highlights rather than drive the scenes. With lyrics written by Vijay Sethupathi, Arunraja Kamaraj, Jegan Kaviraj and Karumathur Manimaaran, the soundtrack features the voices of the film’s producer – Sivakarthikeyan – as well as Aditi Shankar, Nivas K Prasanna, Sublahshini and Alex Samuel Jenito.

Vivek Vijayakumar’s cinematography gleefully experiments with unusual angles while maximising natural lighting.

This is a magnificent debut as a writer and director for Sivakumar Murugesan, who was assistant writer and director in Kadaisi Vivasayi and Aan Paaval Pollaathathu. Credit should also go to producer Sivakarthikeyan for his confidence in backing a movie like this which is well off the beaten track. It is a gamble that has handsomely paid off.

Thaai Kizhavi will begin streaming on Jio Hotstar and Simply South from Friday, 10 April.

Thaai Kizhavi scores 10 points out of 10.