Thaai Kizhavi () is a 2026 Indian Tamil-language comedy drama film written and directed by Sivakumar Murugesan, in his directorial debut. Produced by Sudhan Sundaram and Sivakarthikeyan under Passion Studios and Sivakarthikeyan Productions, the film stars Radikaa Sarathkumar in the titular role, alongside Singampuli, Aruldoss, Munishkanth, Bala Saravanan, and Ilavarasu. Thaai Kizhavi released in theatres on 27 February 2026 to critical acclaim and commercial success.
An aged money lender Pavunuthaayi lives in Kadupatti village, Madurai along with her daughter Suruli and her grandson. She is feared by the fellow villagers and respected by her family. One day she takes ill and lies on her death bed. News reaches her three estranged sons Uppiliyan, a sound technician in Karumathur; Vijayan, an auto driver in Vadipatti and Selvam, a flower seller at Usilampatti who arrive at her home. 2 Rooba Idly, Suruli's estranged husband also arrives at her home. All of them have an eye on their share of Pavunuthaayi's wealth.
As the village prepares for Pavunuthaayi's impending death, a jeweller named Gold Kumar arrives at the place and confides to her sons about 160 sovereign of gold jewellery she had purchased from him after investing her savings in a chit fund. Determined to find the place the jewellery is kept without the knowledge of 2 Rooba Idly, her three sons must now figure a way to keep Pavunuthaayi alive with the help of a fellow villager Pennycuick.
On 24 December 2025, Sivakarthikeyan's company Sivakarthikeyan Productions announced that they would join hands with Sudhan Sundaram's banner Passion Studios for the film Thaai Kizhavi. The film is directed by debutant Sivakumar Murugesan, who previously worked as an assistant director and screenwriter in Kadaisi Vivasayi (2022) and Aan Paavam Pollathathu (2025), and would feature Radikaa Sarathkumar as the lead actress. The technical crew includes music composer Nivas K. Prasanna, cinematographer Vivek Vijayakumar and editor San Lokesh. Because the story is in Madurai, some of the actors trained to speak in the Madurai dialect.
The soundtrack is composed by Nivas K. Prasanna. The first single "Thaai Kizhavi Varaa" sung by Sivakarthikeyan was released on 5 February 2026. The second single "Mattikitan Minorkunju" sung by Sublahshini and Alex Samuel Jenito was released on 21 February 2026. Additionally the songs "Injerungo" from the 2000 film Thenali, "Engeyum Eppothum" from the 1980 film Ninaithale Inikkum, "Yellelama" from the 2011 film 7 Aum Arivu, "Megham Karukkuthu" from the 2000 film Kushi, "Maada Vilakkae" from the 2004 film Virumaandi, "Yaarendru Therigiratha" from the 2013 film Vishwaroopam, "Vikram Vikram" from the 1986 film Vikram,"Karbagraham Vitu Samy Veliyerathu" from the 2004 film Virumaandi and "Kadavul Amaitha Vaitha Medai" from the 1974 film Aval Oru Thodar Kathai are reused in the film crediting the original composers.
Thaai Kizhavi released in theatres on 27 February 2026. Earlier it was scheduled for 20 February 2026.
Thaai Kizhavi<nowiki>'</nowiki>s post theatrical streaming and satellite rights have been acquired by JioHotstar and Star Vijay respectively. It is scheduled to begin streaming on JioHotstar from 10 April 2026.
Yashaswini Sri of The Indian Express gave 4/5 stars and wrote, "Thaai Kizhavi is a well-written, well-acted rural entertainer that works as a comedy drama, and leaves you thinking a little after the credits roll. Radikaa Sarathkumar reminds everyone why she belongs at the center of a film. A solid watch". Janani K of India Today gave 4/5 stars and wrote, "Thaai Kizhavi is well-intentioned, sharply executed, quietly radical and much-needed in today's world. It champions financial independence and women's agency without ever feeling like a lecture. Sivakumar Murugesan's final frame is wholesome, powerful, and unmistakably progressive â the work of a filmmaker who clearly had something to say and knew exactly how to say it". Bhuvanesh Chandar of The Hindu wrote, "Throughout Thaai Kizhavi, I often found myself wondering if this was the work of a debutant. This is the work of an all-new filmmaking voice that doesnâÂÂt wish to be constricted to set patterns".