Thayavva is a touching film that shows the problems girls and women face from childhood till old age. Through its characters, the movie shows how deeply gender discrimination is present in our society. This is not just the story of one woman, but of many women at different stages of life, each going through different kinds of pain—big and small.
Pallavi is a young girl from the city. Her parents love her, but her grandmother always says hurtful things. She tells her, “This is not your house,” or “Your education is a burden.” These words slowly break her confidence. When her teacher asks her about her dreams, she softly says, “I wish I was a boy.” Her story shows how even normal-sounding words can hurt a child deeply and make her feel bad just for being a girl.
Spoorthi is also a young girl, but her parents are educated and caring. They listen to her questions and give her love and attention. Because of this, she grows up to be confident and curious. Her story shows that just like food and clothes, emotional care is also very important. Loving and involved parents help raise strong children.
Lakshmi is a village girl. Her mother is pregnant again, and Lakshmi has to leave school to help with housework. Her grandmother is hoping this time it will be a boy. Lakshmi spends her time looking after her mother, handling her wicked grandmother, and worrying about being married off early to an old man. She stands for many village girls who lose their childhood to unfair duties.
Every mother in the movie is fighting her own quiet fight. Pallavi’s mother doesn’t notice her daughter’s pain. Lakshmi’s mother, Savithri, is insulted and threatened for not having a son and has to protect herself, her daughter and her unborn child. Spoorthi’s mother works as a full-time doctor and still takes care of the house. Geetha, a woman who wants only one thing—to have a child in the surrounding battling boy-vs-girl which adds another emotional layer to the story.
At the centre of the film is Thayavva, an elderly woman who was once called unlucky. She has faced a lot of pain and rejection but has now become a respected woman in her village. Through her folk songs, advice, and quiet strength, she supports and inspires the women around her. Thayavva shows us that even after years of being looked down upon, a woman can rise and become a guiding light for others.
Thayavva is not about just one main character—it’s about many. It talks about different types of discrimination against girls and women—from the obvious and cruel ones like female infanticide and child marriage, to the smaller but still harmful ones like casual sexist remarks and emotional neglect.
Even though the film is made with a simple budget and basic acting, its message is clear and strong. Every scene reminds us how important it is to treat girls and women with respect, care, and equality. Thayavva may be a small film, but it tells a big truth.
This is a simple but powerful film about pain, strength, and hope in a society that is still learning to treat boys and girls equally.
