Thaikelavi felt personal!
Thaikelavi, a film I avoided from the day of its release because I somehow felt it might remind me of my Ammama, and I don’t think I was ready for it. But as someone who longs for her presence in some way or another, I decided to watch the movie.
I was right. I felt as though the movie was inspired by my granny in parts.
Ammama was a huge source of inspiration, not just for me but for my entire family, including my friends, for that matter. There was never a dull moment with her. Just like how terrified people were of Radhika in the movie, I have seen people scared of my granny too. I was once scared of her too.
This film talks about financial independence for women. When I turned 18, the first thing Ammama did was take me to the bank and create an account for me. I remember her telling me how important it is to be financially independent. I still have that account active, and she was so proud that I was the only one who kept adding my savings to it. I have always admired her from a distance, but I am so glad to have witnessed the kindest version of her over the last few years. She has inspired me in many more ways. Forget influencers! She was the first one to truly inspire me to travel across the world. She travelled to multiple countries with her friends and set the standard so high.
I was weeping all night after Radhika miraculously survived the surgery, wondering why that didn’t happen with my Ammama. She was sick for a few days, but I was hoping she would come back stronger, just like she always had.
There are some scenes that are so damn relatable and definitely not over-exaggerated, but I don’t want to get into the details. Humans can be mean. That’s it.
The climax sequence in particular, where Radhika is sitting on top with all the women seated below her, somehow depicted her entire persona. My Ammama literally saved every single woman in our family, directly or indirectly, and I could instantly recreate that scene in my mind.
Oh Baby! (Telugu) was my comfort movie. Whenever I think of my granny, I remember the times I spent watching that movie with her. Thaikelavi will also be one, not for the fun memories, but to remind myself that people can be cruel.