Thai Kishavi (Godmother) is a 2026 Indian Tamil-language comedy drama film written and directed by Sivakumar Murugesan. The story revolves around a 75-year-old woman and her family living in Kadupatti, Usilampatti village. The film was released on February 27, 2026.
Cast
Radhika Sarathkumar as Pavunuthaayi, Raichal Rabecca as Suruli Athadi Kumaran as Vesakutta Singampuli as Uppiliyaan Aruldoss as Vijayan Munishkanth as Pennycuick Bala Saravanan as Selvam Ilavarasu as Gold Kumar Muthukumar as 2 Rooba Idly George Maryan as a Doctor Nopsis.
Plot:
In a small village called Vikramangalam in Madurai district, lives a seventy-year-old woman named Paunuthai (Radhika). In a village beset by drought and agricultural problems, Paunuthai makes a living by her own efforts, doing interest-bearing business. Living with confidence despite losing her husband, she lends money to the villagers and collects it in a determined manner. Her authoritarian attitude and sharp words, which do not respect anyone, make her a source of fear for the villagers. Paunuthai has four children, three sons and a daughter. Due to her domineering attitude of refusing to share the property, her three sons Singampuli, Aruldas, and Balasaravanan, have quarrelled with her and settled separately in other places. Only her daughter Rachel Rebecca, who had separated from her husband, lives with her mother. Whether it is the villagers or her relatives, everyone is counting the days in anticipation of Paunuthai final days.
Suddenly, Paunuthai is struck by a stroke and falls unconscious. The villagers are overjoyed to know this. The three sons who live in other villages are also invited. But their arrival is not due to maternal love, it is the news that the mother has collected one hundred and sixty sovereigns of gold jewelry during her lifetime that attracts them. In order to get the property, the sons must bring their mother back alive, so they sell everything they have and borrow money to get their mother admitted to a private hospital. Even in her unconscious state, Paunuthai tries to convey some message by moving a finger. No one understands what is hidden in that gesture.
The rest of the story unfolds as to whether Paunuthai was wrong, what secret lies behind that gesture, and the twists and turns it will bring to the sons' lives.
Overall judgment
This film is a comedic and entertaining ride that ultimately leaves you with something to ponder. What really makes it shine is how the supporting cast skilfully propels the plot and emotional beats for much of the story. While the portrayal of the male sons as quite foolish is a minor drawback, it certainly doesn't stop the movie from being incredibly enjoyable.
Honestly, it was so refreshing to see a different kind of story and screenplay hit it big, without resorting to gratuitous violence or weapons. I absolutely loved it.
The entire lead cast just nailed their roles. And a huge shout-out to the grandson, the drunkard plus all three daughters-in-law; their performances were fantastic. It might not be a groundbreaking plot, but the neat and clean screenplay, packed with so many memorable moments, kept me totally engaged and entertained. It felt like we were right there, living within their family.
Sometimes, all you need is a good old-fashioned family tale. Thaai Kizhavi delivers it with heart and humor! A great story and stellar performances, just what you need for a truly entertaining film.
ENDS
By Sam Trailerman
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