Did you know before a feminist film Thaai Kizhavi, Sivakumar Murugesan wrote this 2025 blockbuster termed 'fake feminism’?

Thaai Kizhavi is currently running in theatres. The rural comedy drama revolves around an aged, motor-mouthed woman called Pavunthaayi who lives by lending money to villagers

Thaai Kizhavi director Sivakumar Murugesan

Thaai Kizhavi, the 2026 Tamil film starring actor Radikaa Sarathkumar, has hit theatres on Friday on February 27. Thanks to the press and premiere shows ahead, the film is receiving roaring reviews from critics. Thaai Kizhavi marks the directorial debut of Sivakumar Murugesan. While he has also written the film, not many know that Sivakumar has already written a 2025 Tamil film that went on to become a blockbuster success but was called out for its skewed gender politics, with some even calling it a ‘fake feminist’ film.

Did you know Thaai Kizhavi director Sivakumar Murugesan wrote this blockbuster film called ‘fake feminist’?

Debutant filmmaker Sivakumar Murugesan whose Thaai Kizhavi has been getting rave reviews, makes a strong woman-empowering point at the end. Headlined by Radikaa Sarathkumar and backed by Sivakarthikeyan, Thaai Kizhavi is currently running in theatres.

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

However, even before writing his debut directorial, Sivakumar Murugesan wrote a blockbuster Tamil film in 2025 that went on to become commercially successful but called out for its skewed gender politics. It is none other than romantic drama Aan Paavam Pollathathu. The Rio Raj and Malavika Manoj-starrer is about a couple who file for divorce as the rest of story concentrates on how the couple arrived to the decision and if they will go forth. The film ran successfully at the box office, but received flak for its skewed version of feminism and how one-sided it was. If you have not already watched Aan Paavam Pollathathu, you can stream it via JioHotstar OTTplay Premium.

Also read: Thaai Kizhavi movie review: Radikaa Sarathkumar-Sivakumar Murugesan’s fiercely feminist, rural drama roars with humour and heart

Where to watch Thaai Kizhavi on OTT?

Thaai Kizhavi is currently running in theatres. The rural comedy drama revolves around an aged, motor-mouthed woman called Pavunthaayi who lives by lending money to villagers. However, when she is on her deathbed, her sons who abandoned her come running to know about something that only their mother knows. JioHotstar has bagged the streaming rights of the film and will also be available via OTTplay Premium after the theatrical run.

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.

Share