Baakiyalakshmi – oru Illatharasiyin Kadhai (transl. Baakiyalakshmi – A Homemaker's Tale) is an Indian Tamil series on Star Vijay which is considered the worst serial ever made in television history its never ending and needs to be put on full stop.[1][2] This show is an official remake of Star Jalsha series Sreemoyee.[3][4][5] It premiered on 27 July 2020. It stars K.S. Suchitra Shetty in the title role with Reshma Pasupuleti, Sathish Kumar, Rajyalakshmi and Ranjith in the other prominent roles.[6][7][8]
Plot
Bhagyalakshmi (Bhagya) lives with her husband, Gopinath (Gopi), and their three children: Chezhiyan, Ezhil, and Iniya. Gopinath is having an affair with his ex-fiancée, Radhika, who is raising her daughter, Mayura, as a single mother. Unaware that Bhagya is Gopi's wife, Radhika befriends her. Meanwhile, Chezhiyan marries his high school sweetheart, Jennifer.
Bhagya feels confined to domestic life and aspires to establish her own identity. With support from Ezhil, Radhika, and Jenny, she starts a business, but Gopi and his mother, Eshwari, strongly oppose it. When Iniya is expelled from school, Gopi uses the opportunity to pressure Bhagya into closing her business. However, she manages to get Iniya’s expulsion revoked and restarts her business.
Gopi eventually reveals to Radhika that Bhagya is his wife. This revelation prompts Radhika to move on, while Bhagya begins to suspect Gopi’s affair. After confronting him, she discovers the truth. Gopi’s father, Ramamoorthy, is so shocked by the revelation that he suffers a paralysis attack. Bhagya and Gopi divorce. During the proceedings, Gopi tricks Bhagya into signing documents that transfer a portion of his company to her. After the divorce, Bhagya chooses to stay with her in-laws and children, while Gopi moves out and manipulates Radhika against Bhagya. Iniya stays with Gopi and Radhika, hoping to bring Gopi back home, but conflicts arise between Radhika and Iniya.
Meanwhile, Chezhiyan and Jenny are thrilled about Jenny’s pregnancy, and Ezhil marries Amirtha. Gopi demands ₹20 lakhs from Bhagya to transfer property ownership to Radhika, threatening to sell the house otherwise. Bhagya manages to gather the money within six months through her business, making a profit of ₹2 lakhs in just one week with the help of Amirtha and Selvi, their housemaid.
Determined to better herself, Bhagya joins English classes, where she befriends Pazhani and Lopika. Over time, Bhagya and Pazhani grow close, and Bhagya helps his ailing mother, while her own family develops a fondness for Pazhani. Gopi, consumed by jealousy, misinterprets their relationship and decides to move back into Bhagya’s house with Radhika. Bhagya and her family strongly oppose Radhika’s presence, making life difficult for her.
Tensions escalate when Radhika’s family visits, leading to an altercation with Eshwari. Radhika’s mother, Kamala, calls the police on Eshwari, but Eshwari claims she has the right to stay since Gopi is her son and the house is in his name. Out of frustration, Bhagya offers ₹18 lakhs to Gopi to officially acquire the house, which she successfully earns through a large catering event. With this, Gopi and Radhika leave Bhagya’s house, and Gopi vows revenge.
Radhika soon becomes pregnant with Gopi’s child. When Gopi informs Eshwari, she reacts angrily and tells Radhika the baby is unnecessary. Enraged, Radhika lashes out at Eshwari and reveals her pregnancy to the rest of the family, shocking everyone. Consequently, Gopinath’s family forces both him and Radhika to leave. Surprisingly, Eshwari decides to move in with them. However, Radhika suffers a miscarriage, and Eshwari is accused of causing it. She is subsequently thrown out of Gopi’s house.
Heartbroken over her son’s lack of support, Eshwari returns to Bhagya’s home. To uplift her spirits, Bhagya takes her in-laws on a devotional trip to Kumbakonam. Meanwhile, Kamala falsely accuses Eshwari of foeticide, prompting the police to issue an arrest warrant. As Bhagya and her in-laws return, the police arrest Eshwari, leaving the family in distress. A drunk Gopi arrives, unaware of the situation, and is slapped by his father, Ramamoorthy, in frustration.
Determined to prove Eshwari’s innocence, Bhagya visits Mayura at the park. Mayura recalls the incident, revealing that Radhika had tripped over a flower vase, and Eshwari had actually tried to save her. Bhagya and Pazhani consult their advocate, who advises that Mayura must testify in court. Initially hesitant, Bhagya and Pazhani resolve to bring Mayura to court.
During the trial, Mayura recounts the true events, proving Eshwari’s innocence and exposing Kamala’s lies. Eshwari is released, and Gopinath furiously confronts Radhika and Kamala for falsely accusing his mother. Seeking forgiveness, Gopi returns to Bhagya’s home, but Eshwari refuses to forgive him and cuts ties.
Later, Bhagya and Gopinath enter a cooking competition. Meanwhile, Iniya’s friend plans a house party. Initially reluctant, Iniya eventually agrees after lying about it being her birthday. The party moves to a pub, where a fight breaks out. The police arrive, arresting Iniya and her friends. Surprisingly, Radhika intervenes, helping them escape legal trouble. However, she later informs Chezhiyan, Bhagya, and Eshwari about Iniya’s actions. As a result, Iniya is expelled from college.
Bhagya and her family plead with the principal, who grants Iniya one last chance. Furious, Gopi lashes out at Bhagya for discussing him with the principal. Meanwhile, excitement grows over Jenny’s pregnancy, but tensions between Ezhil, Amirtha, and Eshwari lead Bhagya to ask Ezhil and Amirtha to leave the house. This decision leaves the family heartbroken.
For Ramamoorthy’s 80th birthday, the family organizes a celebration at a temple. Unexpectedly, Gopinath arrives but embarrasses himself when Ramamoorthy dismisses his gift. Later, Eshwari informs Gopi of Iniya’s suicide attempt, leaving him in shock. The next day, the family is devastated by Ramamoorthy’s sudden demise. Surprisingly, Eshwari refuses to let Gopinath perform the final rites, entrusting the responsibility to Bhagya instead.
Enraged, Gopinath seeks revenge by sabotaging Bhagya’s restaurant. He hires a chef to poison the biryani, causing customers to fall ill, leading to financial losses and damaging her reputation. Additionally, Gopinath manipulates Chezhiyan, Iniya, and Ezhil against Bhagya. However, Selvi becomes suspicious of the new chef, Anand. When Bhagya confronts him, she discovers that even his own daughter was affected by the poisoned food. Anand confesses, and Bhagya, recognizing his remorse, rehires him.
Determined to expose Gopinath, Bhagya confronts him at his home. Even Radhika and Kamala criticize him. Bhagya then files a police complaint, but Gopinath is bailed out with legal help. Their public argument goes viral, leading to Iniya being mocked at college. Humiliated, she lashes out at both parents. Later, she vents her anger at Gopinath, listing all his wrongdoings and breaking down in frustration.
Gopinath, overwhelmed with guilt, lashes out at Radhika and Kamala, resulting in a heated argument and a heart attack. He tries calling Radhika, but she ignores him. Desperate, he calls Bhagya, who surprisingly answers and admits him to the hospital. Eshwari, Chezhiyan, and Iniya blame Radhika for neglecting him.
After recovering, Gopinath faces a crucial decision—whether to stay with Eshwari at Bhagya’s house or return to Radhika. Under pressure, he chooses to go with Eshwari, leaving Radhika heartbroken. Gopinath finally realizes his mistakes and regrets his past actions. Whenever Radhika visits, Eshwari berates her, and Gopinath suffers a panic attack, making Radhika the scapegoat. Eventually, Eshwari demands that Radhika divorce Gopinath, forcing Radhika, Kamala, and Mayura to leave the house.[9]
Cast
Main
K. S. Suchitra Shetty as Baakiyalakshmi aka Baakiya: (2020–present)
Kamala's daughter; Chandru's sister; Rajesh's ex-wife; Gopi's second wife; Mayura's mother; Chezhiyan, Ezhil and Iniya's step-mother; Nila and Yazhini's step-grandmother; Baakiya's former friend.
Ranjith as Pazhaniswami aka Palani: (2023–present)
Baakiya's close friend and well-wisher.
Recurring
S. T. P. Rosary as Ramamoorthy: Sundaram's brother; Eshwari's husband; Gopi's father; Chezhiyan, Ezhil and Iniya's grandfather; Mayura step grandfather; Yazhini's great-grandfather; Nila's step-great-grandfather. (2020–2024) (Dead)
Rajyalakshmi as Eshwari: Ramamoorthy's widow; Gopi's mother; Chezhiyan, Ezhil and Iniya's grandmother; Mayura's step-grandmother; Yazhini's great-grandmother; Nila's step-great-grandmother. (2020–present)
Velu Lakshmanan (2020–2022) / Vikash Sampath (Jun.2022–present) as Chezhiyan: Baakiya and Gopi's elder son; Radhika's step-son; Ezhil and Iniya's brother; Mayura's step-brother; Jenny's husband; Yazhini's father.[10]
Divya Ganesan as Jennifer aka Jenny: Joseph and Maria's daughter; Chezhiyan's wife; Yazhini's mother. (2020–present)
VJ Vishal (2020–2024) / Naveen Prince (May 2024–present) as Ezhilan aka Ezhil: Baakiya and Gopi's younger son; Radhika's step-son; Chezhiyan and Iniya's brother; Mayura's step-brother;
Rithika Tamil Selvi (2021–2023) / Akshitha Ashok (Aug.2023–present) as Amritha: Ganesh's wife ; Nila's mother.
Neha Rajesh Menon as Iniya: Baakiya and Gopi's daughter; Radhika's step-daughter; Chezhiyan and Ezhil's sister; Mayura's step-sister. (2020–present)
Baby Kritisha as Nila: Madhan Ganesh and Amritha's Yazhini's step-cousin. (2021–present).
And the daughter of Madhanganesh
Unknown (2020–2021) / Sherine Farhana (Jul.2021–present) as Mayura: Radhika and Rajesh daughter; Gopi's step-daughter; Chezhiyan, Ezhil and Iniya's sister
Meena Sellamuthu as Selvi: The maid in Baakiyalakshmi's house also her sister
Unknown (2021–2022)/Arvind Kathare (2022–present) as Senthil: Gopi's friend.
Sheela as Kamala: Chandru and Radhika's mother; Mayura's grandmother. (2021–present)
Kannada TV actress Suchitra was finally cast as the protagonist Baakiyalakshmi. Actor Sathish Kumar was cast as Baakiyalakshmi's husband, Gopinath's character. Nanditha Jennifer initially played the role of Radhika but she left the serial in July 2021 as she was unhappy with her character transitioning into a villain. As a result, she was replaced by Reshma Pasupuleti.[17]VJ Vishal was selected to portray the role of Ezhilan (Baakiyalakshmi's younger son) who played an Main role, but in 21 May 2024 he quit the series,[18] and it was replaced by actor Naveen.[19]
In 2021, Rithika Tamil Selvi was cast to play Amritha opposite Ezhilan. However she quit the series,[20] and replaced by Akshitha Ashok in the role of Amritha.[21]
In 18 December 2021, Actress Priya Raman was play a cameo in special 3 hour episode.[22]
In February 2022, Velu Lakshmanan also quit the series, saying he got opportunity in Zee Tamil serial Meenakshi Ponnunga as the male lead role.[23] however he sign new serial for Zee Tamil. In June 2022 Actor Vikash Sampath was cast in play the role of Chezhiyan.
In early 2023, Ranjith was cast to play Pazhaniswami.[24]
Reception
Ratings
It became the second most-watched Tamil television program within a period of 2022.[25][26] In May 2023, the series was the third most watched Tamil-language television series after Kayal and Ethirneechal.[27] In July 2024, the series became the fifth most watched TV series in Tamil nadu after a long gap.[28]
Crossovers episodes
In 2021, Pandian Stores had crossover episodes with Baakiyalakshmi from 5 February to 28 February.[29][30]
In 2024, Baakiyalakshmi had crossover episodes with Pandian Stores 2 from 22 January to 13 February.[31][32]
