Maaman is a 2025 Indian Tamil-language family drama film directed by Prasanth Pandiyaraj, from a story written by Soori, and produced by K. Kumar under Lark Studios. The film stars Soori, alongside Rajkiran, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Swasika, Bala Saravanan, Baba Bhaskar, Viji Chandrasekhar, Nikhila Sankar and Geetha Kailasam.
Maaman released worldwide on 16 May 2025 in theaters to mixed reviews from critics.
Plot
In Trichy, Girija, Inba’s sister, faces verbal taunts and abuse from her mother-in-law for being childless after over 10 years of marriage, despite seeking medical treatment and visiting temples. However, her life takes a turn when she confirms her pregnancy at a baby shower function and later gives birth to a baby boy, Nilan “Laddu”. During this time, Inba’s caring nature towards his sister catches the attention of Girija’s doctor, Rekha, who develops feelings for him. As Inba and Rekha grow closer, they fall in love. Despite initial hesitation from Rekha’s parents, they eventually approve of their marriage. As Inba and Rekha prepare to tie the knot, Laddu becomes a precocious and adamant presence in their lives, often inserting himself between the couple. During the wedding ceremony and even on their first night, Laddu insists on staying between Inba and Rekha. The couple tries to adjust to having Laddu by their side, but they struggle to find private moments amidst the chaos of family gatherings. In an attempt to find some intimacy, Inba takes Rekha to his grandfather’s room, but their plans are foiled when the old cot breaks, embarrassing them in front of their relatives.
The family plans a honeymoon trip for the newlyweds, but Laddu’s antics lead to its cancellation. An argument ensues between Inba and Rekha, with Rekha feeling that Inba prioritizes Laddu over her. In a heated moment, Inba swears to never meet Rekha again, but he along with his family later apologizes and convinces her to reconcile. The tension between Inba and Rekha escalates as Inba continues to prioritize Laddu, making Rekha express her desire for private time with Inba, but feels it’s impossible with Laddu’s constant presence. The situation worsens as Rekha distances herself from Girija, Inba’s sister. A misunderstanding leads Girija to believe that Rekha called Laddu “mental,” causing a heated argument between Girija and her mother. Rekha explains that she said Laddu is hyperactive and needs counseling only, but Girija refuses to accept her explanation. The conflict peaks at Laddu’s ear-piercing ceremony, where Girija accuses Rekha of insulting her son, with Girija chasing Inba and Rekha out of the ceremony. Meanwhile, Rekha receives a transfer order to Madurai. Inba’s father-in-law meets him, highlighting the importance of Ravi, Laddu’s father, being involved in his son’s life. Inba realizes the importance of balance and decides to move to Madurai with Rekha.
Meanwhile, Laddu becomes troubled and weepy, missing Inba. As Inba and Rekha settle into their new life, they grow closer, and Rekha becomes pregnant. However, Rekha discovers that Girija had told Laddu that Inba had died, and the child had been mourning him. Rekha is furious, and a confrontation ensues. Inba and his mother, who knew this already are speechless. Girija pleads with her mother that she didn’t do it intentionally, but just to control her son. The situation is further complicated when Ravi, Girija, and Laddu are involved in a road accident, and Laddu is severely injured. Inba rushes to the hospital, despite promising Rekha that he wouldn’t. Rekha shouts at him stating, that he had skipped the promise that he made to his baby, meaning, that he doesn’t care about Rekha or his child, but only his sister, and her family. Feeling betrayed, Rekha throws away her thali, and applies for a divorce, while Inba lets her go, still hurt after knowing that she had intentionally got a transfer to Madurai, to separate him from his family.
Around the same time, Inba’s relative, Singarayar’s wife, Pavunu, passes away, and Singarayar follows her in death, leaving a deep impact on Inba and Rekha. Upon hearing Rekha’s delivery, Inba visits the hospital, but Rekha’s relatives bar him and his family from seeing the child. Girija apologizes to Rekha’s family and Inba, acknowledging her role in their estrangement. Meanwhile, Laddu visits Rekha in the maternity ward and is delighted to see the twin babies. Laddu affectionately talks to the babies, assuming the role of their maternal uncle. Moved by Laddu’s innocence and love, Rekha begins to understand the bond between Inba and his nephew. Laddu apologizes to Rekha for being the reason for her separation from Inba. Inba also apologizes to Rekha for not finding a balance between his love for her and his family. Moved by each other’s apologies, Inba and Rekha decide to put their differences aside, reunite, and resolve to live a loving life together, just like the elderly couple, Singam and Pavunu who loved each other till death.
Cast
- Soori as Inba
- Rajkiran as Singarayar “Singam”, Inba’s relative grandfather
- Aishwarya Lekshmi as Rekha, Inba’s wife (Voice dubbed by Ashmini Balakrishnan)
- Swasika as Girija, Inba’s elder sister, Ravi’s wife, Laddu’s mother
- Baba Bhaskar as Ravi, Girija’s Husband, Laddu’s father
- Master Prageeth Sivan as Nilan “Laddu”
- Bala Saravanan as Selvam, Inba’s friend
- Jayaprakash as Rekha’s father
- Viji Chandrasekhar as Pavunu, Singam’s wife
- Geetha Kailasam as Inba and Girija’s mother
- Kalaivani Bhaskar
- Melvin as Rekha’s brother
- Nikhila Sankar as Anitha
- Tamilselvi as Rekha’s aunt
- Vimal as a magician, Inba’s friend (cameo appearance)
Production
On 19 August 2024, before the theatrical release of Kottukkaali (2024), Soori announced his next project in the lead role with Bruce Lee (2017) and Vilangu (2022) fame Prasanth Pandiyaraj. The film marks the consecutive collaboration of K. Kumar’s Lark Studios, with Soori after Garudan (2024). On 16 December 2024, the title of the film Maaman was revealed after an inaugural pooja cermony in Trichy following which the production began. Aishwarya Lekshmi was cast as the female lead while Rajkiran was chosen for an important role and Lubber Pandhu (2024) fame Swasika as Soori’s sister alongside Bala Saravanan, Baba Bhaskar, Viji Chandrasekhar, Nikhila Sankar, Geetha Kailasam and others in supporting roles.The film has cinematography handled by Dinesh Purushothaman, editing done by Ganesh Siva and music composed by Hesham Abdul Wahab. A few days before the release date announcement, Sivakarthikeyan made a surprise visit to the film’s sets, sharing an emotional moment with Soori, with whom he had previously collaborated in Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam (2013), Rajini Murugan (2016), and Don (2022).