The sons in Thaai Kizhavi: Bala Saravanan, Munishkanth, Muthukumaran say ‘It’s a relevant film that every woman will adore and aspire | EXCLUSIVE

Thaai Kizhavi stars Radikaa Sarathkumar in a rooted rural drama. Bala Saravanan, Munishkanth and Muthukumaran say the film blends humour, politics and women-centric values with strong nativity.

Thaai Kizhavi

Thaai Kizhavi, the 2026 Tamil film starring Radikaa Sarathkumar in the lead role, has already been garnering a good word of mouth, thanks to its press and premiere shows. As the Sivakarthikeyan-backed rural comedy drama nears release, we get chatting with the men from the Thaai Kizhavi world. While Radikaa plays the protagonist, Bala Saravanan plays her youngest son Selvan, with Munishkanth playing a Pennycuick, a man in the village who aspires to get married, and Muthukumaran as 2 Idly, the son-in-law of Radikaa’s Pavunthaayi.

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What did Thaai Kizhavi actors say?

What’s something common among Bala Saravanan, Munishkanth, and Muthukumaran, is that how all the artistes have predominantly appeared in character roles. Bala Saravanan kickstarts the conversation, “No role can be called for the sake of it. A character might have only one scene or dialogue, might become an important to the narrative. Which role makes us significant is important to pick and choose. Recently, Lubber Pandhu character Kathadi gave me so much recognition. The writing of that character was so important because it had comedy, scope to perform, and talks the politics of the film. In the same way, Thaai Kizhavi character Selvam, has given me so much importance and will be one of the most-talked characters. Selvam is a man of emotions any man would have and there will be a learning that happens through my character in the story.”

Also read: Actor Raichal Rabecca: My role Suruli can be called as Thaai Kizhavi version 2.0 | EXCLUSIVE

Coming to Munishkanth, he talks about narrative is what matters, be it playing a character role in Thaai Kizhavi, or a protagonist in Middle Class. Playing Pennycuick in Thaai Kizhavi, Munishkanth recollects how people around the Mullai Periyar Dam often name people Pennycuick after the man who constructed it. “Many around Madurai, Theni, Dindigul have that name common. Beyond what the director narrated, the way it was taken, the honest in filmmaking, is what Thaai Kizhavi makes it special,” he adds.

Up next, Muthukumaran who has played negative shades in the past, talks about how he had always aspired to play a character that comes with some nativity. “In Sarpetta Parambarai, I had north Chennai slang. But this is Madurai slang, and I loved getting the accent. Mt character is called 2 Idly and as much as the name sounds quirky, I also believe that I have played the character true to what it is written.” He also adds that the cast had a great time working together and complementing each other.

How Thaai Kizhavi is relevant to women even today?

Thaai Kizhavi was shot in and around Madurai, particularly in Kadupatti. The actors say that the people of the village had greatly supported them during the shooting spot. “It wasn’t like a shooting spot, more like you have come to a relative’s house. There was clarity in what has to be shot, the production was supportive as well,” Muthukumaran says.

Also read: Thaai Kizhavi actor Radikaa Sarathkumar says this film is meant for Rajinikanth to act: But he will not do this…

Munishkanth recalls how Thaai Kizhavi director Sivakumar Murugesan narrated them the story that was just particular of their respective characters but as a story with dialogues, that gave away the details and scope for each role to perform. Bala Saravanan chips in that each of the characters had particular behaviour and characteristics. “His storytelling way is beautiful and it almost brings the words alive to picture. Every character is unique.”

Shooting in real locations with local villagers there, Bala Saravanan says that the public end up laughing and even distracting during takes. “We would think that the film is a hit, and the comedy has worked out. It gives some positive vibes,” Muthukumaran adds.

The three actors in unison say that Thaai Kizhavi is an important film, that everyone should aspire to be like her, and will be adored by every woman. They conclude, “There is politics, entertainment and our traditions and values. It is a film that is relevant for every woman.”

Thaai Kizhavi FAQs

Q. What is Thaai Kizhavi release date?

A. Thaai Kizhavi will release in theatres on February 27, 2026.

Q. What is Thaai Kizhavi OTT partner?

A. JioHotstar has bagged the OTT rights of Thaai Kizhavi and will be available on OTTplay Premium as well.

Q. What does Thaai Kizhavi mean?

A. The title refers to a funny way of addressing an old woman.

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