Bharathiraja Reviews Radikaa Sarathkumar's Thaai Kizhavi During Recovery, Calls It A National-Award Winning Performance

Bharathiraja,

veteran filmmaker recently watched Thaai Kizhavi, starring Radikaa Sarathkumar, while recuperating from a prolonged illness. Highly impressed by her performance, he praised her portrayal and said it deserved a National Award. The emotional moment marked a reunion of mentor and protégé, as Radikaa began her acting journey under Bharathiraja’s guidance decades ago. The film, which released in February and continues to win praise from audience after OTT release. The film produced by Sivakarthikeyan also won appreciation from Kamal Haasan when it released.

Bharathiraja Reviews Thaai Kizhavi During Recovery From Illness

The acclaimed director made it a watch to view the film after Radikaa personally visited him. The gesture turned into an emotional and memorable moment for both. After watching the film, Bharathiraja was full of praise for Radikaa Sarathkumar’s performance. In a video shared by Radikaa in her Instagram page, he is seen describing her portrayal as deserving of a National Award.

The connection between Bharathiraja and Radikaa Sarathkumar dates back to her debut in his 1987 film Kizhakke Pogum Rail, which helped establish her in the industry. Over the years, their relationship has evolved from director and actor to mentor and mentee. Radikaa has often credited Bharathiraja for shaping her career and helping her find her identity as an actor.

Radikaa shared her happiness at seeing her mentor recover enough to watch her latest film. She also posted that she was saddened by his illness and was relieved to see him in better health. She credited her success and acting foundation to Bharathiraja. On December 27, Bharathiraja fell sick, following which relatives admitted him to a private hospital in Chennai, where he has been receiving treatment. It was reported that he was admitted to the hospital after experiencing respiratory problems such as wheezing. He was discharged a few weeks ago.Bharathiraja's son Manoj passed away due to a cardiac arrest at the mere age of 48, in 2025.

About Thaai Kizhavi

Thaai Kizhavi, directed by debutant Sivakumar Murugesan, features Radikaa Sarathkumar in a powerful role as Pavunthayi, a strong-willed elderly moneylender in a village. The story revolves around her mysterious illness and her sons’ desperate attempts to uncover a hidden secret tied to her wealth. The film also stars actors such as Singam Puli, Arul Doss, and Munishkanth.

Produced by actor Sivakarthikeyan under Sivakarthikeyan Productions along with Sudhan Sundaram’s Passion Studios, the film released in February to strong critical and commercial response. It later began streaming on JioHotstar from April 10 after a successful theatrical run.