Tamil cinema has another reason to celebrate as two films have secured a place at the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Radhika Sarathkumar‘s ‘Thaai Kizhavi’ and Vijay Kumar‘s ‘Arivu‘ have been selected for the Indian Panorama section of the festival. The selection brings national recognition to the films and their teams. The 57th edition of IFFI will take place from November 20 to 28, with films from India and several other countries set to be screened.
‘Thaai Kizhavi’ and ‘Arivu’ selected for Indian Panorama 2026
According to the festival details, 234 films will be screened at this year’s event. The Indian selection includes 76 films from 18 languages, while 159 international films from 86 countries will also be part of the festival. Among the Tamil entries, ‘Thaai Kizhavi’ has been selected for the Indian Panorama section, while ‘Arivu’ will be screened under the New Horizons category. This particular selection represents the diversity of stories told in Tamil movies. Both films also focus on important social and family-related themes, making their place at the festival a notable achievement.
Radhika Sarathkumar’s ‘Thaai Kizhavi’ earns IFFI recognition
Directed by debutant Sivakumar Murugesan and produced by Sivakarthikeyan Productions and Passion Studios, ‘Thaai Kizhavi’ was released in theatres on February 27. The film features Radhika Sarathkumar in the lead role, alongside Singampuli, Aruldoss, Bala Saravanan, Munishkanth, Ilavarasu and George Maryan. Nivas K Prasanna composed the music. Set in a rural village, the film follows an elderly woman named Pavunuthayi and her complicated family relationships. It combines humour and emotions while exploring the struggles of a woman whose sons become interested in her property. Radhika’s performance and different appearance were among the major highlights of the film.
Vijay Kumar’s ‘Arivu’ to have its theatrical release in December
Meanwhile, ‘Arivu’, directed by Sathyasiva and starring Vijay Kumar, has also secured a place at IFFI. Unlike ‘Thaai Kizhavi’, the film is yet to reach theatres and is scheduled for release on December 11. This movie talks about women’s rights and attempts to tell socially relevant stories. Selection under the New Horizons category has helped make this movie more visible to people even before its theater release. Now that there are two Tamil films being selected in Indian Panorama in 2026, both these films will get their chance to be seen by a lot more people.
