Actor Soori shines in sentimental family drama

The Sun

26-05-2025

Directed by Prasanth Pandiyaraj, Maaman is a film that leans heavily on family emotions and the strength of its cast to drive an otherwise conventional narrative. It may not reinvent the wheel in terms of storytelling, but what it does offer is a deeply emotional and endearing experience, anchored by heartfelt performances and genuine moments of connection.
Plot
The story centres around Inba, played by Soori, a simple, affectionate man whose life revolves around his young nephew Laddu. Inba's world is turned upside down when he marries Reka (Aishwarya Lekshmi), a kind-hearted doctor. What begins as a happy union quickly becomes complicated when Laddu, feeling threatened and displaced by the new presence in his uncle's life, begins to rebel.
The conflict is not driven by villains or high drama – but by the quiet pain of shifting dynamics
in close relationships, a child's possessiveness, an uncle's guilt and a wife's growing discomfort.
Plot-wise, Maaman does not offer anything significant. In fact, the narrative is fairly predictable, with themes we have seen countless of times in Tamil cinema – especially family, sacrifice. misunderstandings and reconciliation. But what sets the film apart is how earnestly the cast delivers it. The emotional weight and sincerity of the performances turn a routine script into something moving.
Cast and characters
Soori, in particular, shines with a career-defining performance. Once known purely for his comedic roles, he has steadily carved a new path as a capable dramatic actor and Maaman proves just how far he has come. His portrayal of Inba is layered, vulnerable and brimming with love. There is a quiet dignity in the way he carries his character's emotional burden, and he effortlessly holds the film together.
Adding to the film's strength is the young boy who plays Laddu. A true natural on screen, the child actor brings an impressive mix of innocence and cheekiness. His chemistry with Soori is beautiful to watch, especially in tender and at times heartbreaking moments that speak to the unspoken love between a child and the adult who raises him.
Aishwarya, while underutilised in some parts, delivers a solid performance as Reka. She brings grace and empathy to her role, portraying a woman caught between understanding and frustration. Veteran actor Rajkiran adds further emotional heft, and the supporting cast, including Swasika and Bala Saravanan, all contribute meaningfully.
Some scenes, particularly in the second half, are deeply emotional and tug at the heartstrings. The film does not rely on heavy-handed melodrama but instead, it uses small, quiet moments such as an apology, a silent look, a tearful goodbye to evoke real feeling. These scenes feel honest and relatable, especially for audiences familiar with the dynamics of close-knit families.
Maaman may not be perfect, but it is a film with its heart in the right place and it offers a touching and worthwhile cinematic experience. Maaman is now playing in cinemas.
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