Family drama Tamil novels are stories about mothers, fathers, children and the ties that hold a family together.
This page brings together 18 family drama Tamil novels by Kalki Krishnamurthy, Muthulakshmi Raghavan, Viji Vignesh, Vedha Vishal, Aadhavan, Sivasankari and Sujatha.
Each novel below is described in its own section, with what is known about its story, its author and its mood.
Six of the novels here are named on the Top 10 Best Family Novels in Tamil list page.
Family Drama Tamil Novels — Key Facts
- Novels on this page: 18
- Main authors: Kalki Krishnamurthy, Muthulakshmi Raghavan, Viji Vignesh, Vedha Vishal, Aadhavan, Sivasankari, Sujatha
- What to expect: Mothers, fathers, children, brothers and sisters, and the ties that hold a family together
- Language: Tamil
- Free PDF: No free PDF is offered on this page, because these novels are in copyright, except Ponniyin Selvan, whose Tamil original is public domain
Ponniyin Selvan by Kalki Krishnamurthy
The title means “the son of Ponni”, another name for the river Kaveri.
It is Kalki Krishnamurthy’s five-volume historical epic, first serialised in the Kalki weekly magazine from 1950 to 1954.
The story follows the early life of Prince Arulmozhivarman, who later became the great Chola emperor Rajaraja Chola I.
At its heart it is a royal family story about the ageing emperor Sundara Chola and his three children, Aditya Karikalan, Kundavai and Arulmozhivarman.
A young warrior named Vandiyathevan carries messages between them while a conspiracy to put another prince on the throne threatens to split the family and the kingdom.
Parthiban Kanavu by Kalki Krishnamurthy
The title means “Parthiban’s dream”.
It is Kalki’s historical novel about King Parthiban of the Cholas, who are vassals of the Pallavas in the seventh century.
Parthiban refuses to pay tribute to the Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman I, and he is killed in the battle that follows.
Before he dies, he tells his young son Vikraman his dream that the Chola dynasty will one day be great and independent again.
The rest of the novel follows Vikraman as he grows up and works to fulfil his father’s dream, and it ends with the dream passed from father to son until it is finally realised three hundred years later in the reign of Rajaraja Chola I.
Alai Osai by Kalki Krishnamurthy
The title means “the sound of the waves”.
It is Kalki’s novel set against the backdrop of India’s struggle for independence.
The story portrays the lives of two brothers who are caught in the vortex of revolutionary fervour.
Kalki weaves their personal lives together with their politics, following their different beliefs, their sacrifices and their love stories.
Readers like it because it is both a family story about brothers and a picture of a country fighting for freedom.
Cheran Selvi by Aadhavan
The title means “the daughter of the Chera”.
It is a family novel by Aadhavan, whose real name was K. S. Sundaram, a Tamil writer who wrote about the nuances of city life and its people.
The site’s own family novels list describes it as a poignant tale of a father’s love for his daughter and his struggles to ensure her happiness.
That father-and-daughter bond is what makes it one of the most touching family novels in Tamil on the list.
No full story summary of this novel is published online, so this page does not retell its plot.
Parasakthi by Pavalareru Perunchiththiranar
Parasakthi is a family novel by Pavalareru Perunchiththiranar, a Tamil writer and scholar who worked on the Tamil language and edited the journal Thenmozhi.
It is named on this site’s list of the best family novels in Tamil.
Its mood is that of a family novel, about home and the ties between parents and children.
No full story summary of this novel is published online, so this page does not retell its plot.
It will suit readers who enjoy older Tamil family novels and want to explore beyond the best-known names.
Ponniyin Selvanum Mannarkalum by Sivasankari
The title means “Ponniyin Selvan and the kings”.
It is a family novel by Sivasankari, one of Tamil literature’s most respected novelists.
Sivasankari was born in 1942, and her novels often explore marriage, family and relationships between generations.
The novel is named on this site’s list of the best family novels in Tamil.
No full story summary of this novel is published online, so this page does not retell its plot.
Naan Sirithal Deepavali by Sujatha
The title means “if I smile, it is Deepavali”.
It is a family novel by Sujatha, whose author page on this site lists more than 80 of his novels.
Sujatha wrote across many forms, from thrillers and detective stories to science fiction and family novels.
The novel is named on this site’s list of the best family novels in Tamil.
No full story summary of this novel is published online, so this page does not retell its plot.
Puthithaga Oru Bhoopalam by Muthulakshmi Raghavan
Puthithaga Oru Bhoopalam is a family romance by Muthulakshmi Raghavan.
Muthulakshmi Raghavan was born in 1967, wrote her first novel Thoduvanam at the age of 24, and went on to write 200 novels before her death on 18 May 2021.
She is known for clean, family-oriented love stories with strong moral values.
Her novels are mostly family romances, and this one is named on her author page on this site.
No full story summary of this novel is published in reliable sources online, so this page does not retell its plot.
Kalvanai Kaadhali by Muthulakshmi Raghavan
The title means “the one who loved a thief”.
It is a family romance by Muthulakshmi Raghavan, who wrote 200 novels, mostly family romances.
Like her other novels, it is a clean, family-oriented love story with strong moral values.
It is named on her author page on this site, alongside her other family romances.
No full story summary of this novel is published in reliable sources online, so this page does not retell its plot.
Kaatrodu Thoothu Vittean by Muthulakshmi Raghavan
The title means “I sent a message with the wind”.
It is a family novel by Muthulakshmi Raghavan, who wrote 200 novels, mostly family romances.
Her stories are known for clean, family-oriented romance and strong moral values.
It is one of her novels listed on this site, and it suits readers who like gentle love stories set inside a warm family.
No full story summary of this novel is published online, so this page does not retell its plot.
Chithira Cholai Ilae by Viji Vignesh
Chithira Cholai Ilae is a family novel by Viji Vignesh, a well-known Tamil novelist.
Book listings describe it as a famous novel in the Tamil language, and it runs to 66 pages.
Viji Vignesh also wrote Thendral Aga Nee Varuvaya and other family and romance novels named on this site.
It is named on the author’s page on this site.
No full story summary of this novel is published online, so this page does not retell its plot.
Izhaitha Kavithai Ne! by Vedha Vishal
The title means “you are a poem I lost”.
It is a family novel by Vedha Vishal, and bookshops list it as a family novel.
Its publisher’s description presents two people who want to live freely, without being caught in bonds and without the usual duties holding them back, and asks whether that state of mind will last to the end.
Readers of Vedha Vishal praise the author’s flowing writing and characters that stay in the mind long after reading.
It is named on the author’s page on this site, and it suits readers who like emotional family stories with a gentle, reflective mood.
Yaaroda Yaaro by Muthulakshmi Raghavan
This love story by Muthulakshmi Raghavan first came out in December 2010, from Thirumagal Nilayam, in 200 pages.
Muthulakshmi Raghavan was born in 1967. She wrote her first novel, Thoduvanam, at 24, and went on to write 200 novels before her death on 18 May 2021.
Her novels are mostly clean love stories, centred on family, with strong moral values, and this one is named among her popular novels on this site.
No published summary of this novel’s story has been found, so I have not described its plot.
It suits readers who like a gentle love story by one of Tamil’s best-loved family novelists.
Malare Mounama? by Muthulakshmi Raghavan
It is a novel by Muthulakshmi Raghavan, and it is named among her popular novels on this site.
This story moves between two couples. The girl faces problems in life — and finds a way past them.
Muthulakshmi Raghavan was born in 1967. She wrote her first novel, Thoduvanam, at 24, and went on to write 200 novels, mostly clean, family-oriented love stories with strong moral values.
I found no full published summary for this novel, so its plot is not described here.
It suits readers who like a story of two couples, and a heroine who finds a way past the problems in her life.
Nila Soru by Muthulakshmi Raghavan
It is a romance novel by Muthulakshmi Raghavan, and it is described as one of her most attractive novels.
Born in 1967, Muthulakshmi Raghavan wrote her first novel, Thoduvanam, at the age of 24, and went on to write 200 novels — mostly clean, family-oriented love stories with strong moral values.
It is named among her popular novels on this site, and it is recommended as a starting point for readers who want her most attractive romance.
No full published summary turned up for this novel, so I have not described its plot.
It suits readers who like a gentle romance, and readers new to Muthulakshmi Raghavan who want a good first book.
Unnidam Mayangukiren by Viji Vignesh
It is a novel by Viji Vignesh, and it explores themes of love, relationships and personal dilemmas and of grief, struggle and suppressed emotions, expressed through nuanced characterization. (A particular source: Goodreads.)
The story follows the emotional journey of its protagonists as they work through the complexities of love and the challenges that come with what society expects.
Viji Vignesh’s novels often explore romance and personal growth, and readers like her storytelling style and the way she builds her characters.
There is no full published summary of this novel’s story, so its plot is not described here.
It suits readers who like a story about love and relationships, and the pressures society puts on them.
Iravum Nilavum Malarattume by Viji Vignesh
It is a Tamil fiction novel by Viji Vignesh, and it is named among her novels on this site.
Viji Vignesh’s novels often explore themes of romance and personal growth.
No published description of this novel’s plot or themes was found, so nothing more about its story is claimed here rather than guessed.
It suits readers who enjoy Viji Vignesh’s novels and want to explore more of her work.
Kandedutha Vairamadi by Viji Vignesh
The title means “the jewel anklet”.
This novel by Viji Vignesh is known for its engaging narrative and its exploration of love, betrayal and redemption.
The title points to the importance of jewellery, and what it symbolises, in the story.
No published summary of this story was found, so its plot is not described here.
It is for readers who like a story about love, betrayal and redemption.
Best Family Drama Tamil Novels for Readers
These family drama Tamil novels are best for readers who love stories about home.
They suit readers who enjoy mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters on the page, and readers who want a warm story with feeling.
If you are new to Tamil family novels, start with Alai Osai, because its story of two brothers is simple and moving.
Who Should Read Family Drama Tamil Novels?
Family drama Tamil novels are best for readers who enjoy stories about relationships.
They suit readers who like family feeling in their novels, and readers who want a story they can share with their own family.
Where Can I Read Family Drama Tamil Novels?
There is no free PDF of these novels on this page, because most of them are still in copyright.
Ponniyin Selvan is the exception, because its Tamil original is public domain, and the reading order page links to a legal free PDF of Part 1.
For the other novels, you can buy a printed copy from a Tamil bookshop or borrow it from a library.
For more Tamil novels, guides and stories, visit Novels Tamil.
More Family Drama Tamil Novels to Explore
For more of Muthulakshmi Raghavan’s family romances, see the Muthulakshmi Raghavan Novels author page.
Family Drama Tamil Novels FAQs
Which family drama Tamil novel should I read first?
Start with Alai Osai by Kalki, because its story of two brothers is simple and moving.
Ponniyin Selvan is another good first pick, because it is a royal family story as well as a historical epic.
Who is the best Tamil family novelist?
Muthulakshmi Raghavan is one of the best-loved Tamil family novelists, with 200 novels, mostly family romances.
Kalki Krishnamurthy is another great name, with Ponniyin Selvan, Parthiban Kanavu and Alai Osai.
Is Ponniyin Selvan a family novel?
Yes, Ponniyin Selvan is a royal family story as well as a historical epic.
That is why it appears in both the Historical and the Family Drama groups on this site.
Are family drama Tamil novels good for beginners?
Yes, they are good for beginners, because their stories are about home and family, which everyone understands.
Muthulakshmi Raghavan novels are a gentle place to start.
Are family drama Tamil novels free to read online?
No free PDF is offered on this page, because most of these novels are still in copyright.
Ponniyin Selvan is the exception, because its Tamil original is public domain.
Which Muthulakshmi Raghavan novel should I read first?
Start with Mannavan Vandhanadi Thozhi or Puthithaga Oru Bhoopalam, because both are much-loved family romances.
Her author page on this site lists more of her novels.
