Raghu Thatha

Raghu Thatha (2024) is a social satire drama film by director Suman Kumar. It features Keerthy Suresh, M. S. Bhaskar, Ravindra Vijay, Devadarshini and Anandsami. The film is about Kayalvizhi Pandian, a bold bank clerk and secret writer, who challenges patriarchy, language politics, and forced expectations in her village. As her marriage is pushed forward under false pretences, Kayal cleverly reclaims her voice and identity, both as a woman and as the true author behind "Ka. Pandian."

Kayalvizhi Pandian works at a bank and is a bold feminist who secretly writes under the name "Ka. Pandian" to avoid bias against women writers. She’s proud of stopping a Hindi group in her village with her grandfather, Raghothaman. When she gets a promotion, she must transfer to Calcutta and pass a Hindi exam, something she strongly opposes. Meanwhile, her grandfather is misdiagnosed with cancer and makes three wishes: to eat biryani at the Buhari Hotel, take a photo with M.G.R., and see Kayal married. For his sake, she agrees to marry Selvan, a friend who seems supportive. However, she finds his diaries and figures out he has prejudiced views.

To avoid the wedding, she secretly takes the Hindi exam using a clever plan with help from her brother and friends. Selvan finds out but pretends to be understanding, only to trap her again into marrying him. Meanwhile, an old rival, Ranganathan, announces the return of the Hindi group. During the wedding, Kayal exposes Selvan’s true character in front of everyone and compares forced marriage to forced language. His mask falls, and his mother stops the wedding. Later, a fan of Ka. Pandian’s work meets Kayal, who finally reveals that she is the writer, proud and free.

Raghu Thatha is a heartfelt, clever and audacious film that speaks directly to our hearts and minds. It balances humour and sharp social commentary without ever feeling heavy-handed. The characters are palpable, their problems relatable, and their triumphs hard-won. It is a celebration of valour in a quiet day-to-day rebellion, and encourages these responses all at once: laughter, contemplation and elation. Essentially, it is about finding your voice and not being afraid to use it at all.