Aishwarya Lekshmi and Soori bear a flawed melodrama in the film "Maaman"

Maaman, directed by Prasanth Pandiyaraj and starring Soori and Aishwarya Lekshmi, presents itself as a quintessential Tamil family drama set in Trichy, revolving around a joint family’s emotional intricacies. The film raises pertinent questions about familial bonds, marriage, and societal expectations, but its uneven narrative and regressive undertones often undermine its potential.

The first half of Maaman is a well-crafted exploration of relationships, particularly between a young boy, Nilan (Laddoo), and his uncle Inba (Soori). The boy’s excessive attachment to his uncle disrupts Inba’s marriage to Rekha (Aishwarya), leading to a deeper family conflict. The film effectively portrays how family members are largely defined by their roles—grandfather, mother, uncle—rather than as independent individuals. The sentimental moments work well initially, with strong performances and emotionally resonant scenes, such as Rekha’s father offering a perspective on the central issue or Inba yearning for his nephew from a distance.

However, post-intermission, Maaman takes a nosedive into predictable twists and outdated notions. The narrative echoes Tamil cinema’s tendency to overuse melodrama, especially in lines equating fatherhood with husbandhood. While some sentimental elements are impactful, others feel excessive and misplaced. The film also falters in its portrayal of women; Singarayar praises his wife Pavun for holding the family together, but her role is confined to cooking, and she rarely interacts meaningfully with others. Even when the film addresses domestic violence, the rebuke is framed through a man’s pride rather than the inherent wrongness of the act. Rekha, played brilliantly by Aishwarya Lekshmi, remains the most compelling character, standing her ground in a patriarchal setup, whereas Inba and Girija often come across as one-dimensional.

Despite its flaws, Maaman reinforces the relevance of Tamil joint-family dramas, portraying family as a microcosm of society. However, its outdated themes and inconsistent execution prevent it from making a lasting impact. Had the narrative taken a fresher approach, it could have transcended being merely an emotional rollercoaster. Ultimately, the film appeals to those who resonate with traditional familial sentiments, but its appeal remains selective.

Maaman (Tamil)

Director: Prasanth Pandiyaraj

Cast: Soori, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Rajkiran, Swasika