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

You might have seen Raichal Rabecca Philip in films that found its way to hearts of critics. Be it just a scene for which comes in the heartwarming Meiyazhagan, or the critically acclaimed Kadaisi Vivasiyi and the commercially successful Good Night. In line with this, Raichal Rabecca is set to star in the upcoming Thaai Kizhavi as her another film The Tablet is doing a fantastic festival run.

What is Raichal Rabecca’s role in Thaai Kizhavi?

Speaking to OTTplay, Raichal Rabecca says about Thaai Kizhavi, “I knew Sivakumar sir (director of Thaai Kizhavi) while working in Kadaisi Vivasayi. He was an assistant filmmaker then to Manikandan sir. After a year or so, he called me for this story and narrated it fully. It was an instant nod for me.”

In Thaai Kizhavi, Raichal Rabecca plays Suruli, the daughter of the titular character played by Radikaa Sarathkumar. “I have three brothers in the film, and I loved the story, for the fact that it is only in rare instances we see female-hero films. It is almost non-existent because it is always about men. So Thaai Kizhavi became an important story to tell,” Raichal Rabecca says.

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

Talking a little more about her character, Raichal Rabecca says Suruli is honest, self-sufficient and simple. She adds, “I see her as the evolved, next version of Thaai Kizhavi, like she would be Thaai Kizhavi 2.0 when she becomes old. That is also the brief I got from the director as well. So once, I also came to know that Sivakarthikeyan sir is onboard as producer, the project only got more special.”

Raichal Rabecca is an actor who sees her director as the main source for her role. “When he is associated with Kadaisi Vivasayi itself, I was sorted. I just had to hear what he wants me to do. Knowing why this story has to be told, the premise, and village, everything made me to do it.”

What is Raichal Rabecca’s takeaway from Thaai Kizhavi?

Unlike her other films, Raichal Rabecca had to shoot in live locations for Thaai Kizhavi. She says it was interesting to shoot, but the real work began when she went to the dubbing room Raichal Rabecca says, “I had to get the perfect Madurai slang, and its not the normal one, but the interior, thick slang. Suruli is also one such character who is on her own and has her own issues to deal with.”

How does she take up films, given her role ranges from full-fledged ones to just a scene? “I don’t think I can ever predict what would be the impact. But when I think if I want this story to be told, I will take it up. Meiyazhagan is a totally unexpected one, and never imagined the reach it got. It was a lesson; like how when the audience get so connected with the protagonist and there is a scene that involves you, there will be a focus on your character,” she answers.

Also read: Thaai Kizhavi 2026: Release date, plot, runtime, OTT partner; Everything about Radikaa Sarathkumar’s rural drama produced by Sivakarthikeyan

Be it Angammal that released a few months back or the upcoming Thaai Kizhavi, Raichal Rabecca sees it as a huge change. “I see it as a statement. For years, it has been patriarchal society and for money and efforts to be spent for a woman in a film, like Thaai Kizhavi, where it is a story of an independent and strong woman, what more do I need to be part of it. In fact, I see it as responsible decision that I take to be part of such good films.”

Concluding the conversation, Raichal Rabecca divides her acting career as before and after Kadaisi Vivasayi. “Before that film, I thought actor is fame and acknowledgement. But after Kadaisi Vivasayi, I got something beyond fame. It was more like healing and compassionate. It is not definable. I see films as communicative channel. For an opinionated person that I am, I see films as statements that will continue to outlive me for years to come,” she signs off.

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.