“மை டியர் பூதம்” (My Dear Bootham) is one of Tamil television’s most cherished supernatural-comedy gems. Premiering on Sun TV on 3 May 2004, the show charmed audiences with its magical premise—a mischievous bootham (genie) enters the life of a young boy named Moosa, turning his world upside down in the most heartwarming and hilarious ways.
This show was a perfect blend of fantasy, humor, and family warmth, with standout performances from the lead actors. Over its run of 914 episodes spanning until 30 November 2007, it built a loyal fanbase among kids and adults alike.
Quick Info Table
Feature | Details |
Cast | Abhilash (Moosa), Naga Kannan (Bootham), Master Bharath (Balu), Nivetha Thomas (Gowri), Haritha (Sandhya), Gandhimathi, Vietnam Veedu Sundaram, Gowtham, and many more |
Channel | Sun TV |
First Episode | 3 May 2004 |
Final Episode | 30 November 2007 |
Total Episodes | 914 |
Producer | (Not explicitly listed in Wikipedia for the series) |
OTT Platform | (Not available during original run; no confirmed OTT listing) |
Detailed Cast & Characters
- Abhilash as Moosa – The spirited young boy whose life takes a magical turn with the arrival of Bootham. Abhilash’s role as Moosa made him a household name.
- Naga Kannan as Bootham – The carefree, comical genie who becomes Moosa’s best friend.
- Master Bharath as Balu – Appears from episodes 1–411 and 455–914; replaced in some episodes by another actor.
- Nivetha Thomas as Gowri – A memorable presence, adding emotional depth to the family dynamics.
- Haritha as Sandhya – Adds charm to the ensemble cast.
- Gandhimathi – The loving grandmother figure.
- Vietnam Veedu Sundaram – The grandfather, offering both wisdom and humor.
- Gowtham – A recurring character across episodes.
- Additional actors such as Sangeetha Balan, Vaiyapuri, Priyadarshini, S. Rajasekar, King Kong, O. A. K. Sundar, and others added seasoned performances to the mix.
Storyline / Plot Summary
“இந்த சீரியல் ஒரு சதுரங்க-சேஷன் போட்டராக துவங்கியது…” (My Dear Bootham kicks off when Moosa, an ordinary young boy, accidentally unleashes Bootham, a quirky genie—or “bootham”—with magical abilities. Far from frightening, this supernatural friend becomes Moosa’s mischievous partner-in-crime. Together, they navigate everyday challenges, battle enemies, and create comedic mayhem. But behind the fun lies a deeper thread of friendship, courage, and family bonds—anchored in humor, love, and the magical realism that defined Tamil serial storytelling of the era.
Telecast Timings & OTT Info
During its prime, My Dear Bootham aired on Sun TV—the exact daily slot (e.g., evening or afternoon) isn’t confirmed in Wikipedia, but episodes were approximately 20–22 minutes long, suggesting a daily half-hour slot.
Regarding OTT availability: since the series originally aired between 2004–2007, there’s no mention of it being available on any streaming platform today. It appears to remain a classic of its time, largely accessible only via reruns or archived recordings.
Production Team
- Director: K. Shanmugham led the show’s creative direction.
- Theme Music Composer: X. Paulraj crafted its memorable theme.
- The series notably incorporated CGI—a rarity in that television era—which gave Bootham’s magic a visual edge.
- While producer details are absent from Wikipedia, it’s known that Abhilash later moved into production roles for films, indicating a production-oriented mindset from his TV day.
Reasons for Popularity
- TRP & Audience Connect: Though exact TRP numbers aren’t cited, My Dear Bootham ranked high on viewer popularity lists, emerging as “one of the most cherished sitcoms” of its time.
- Nostalgia Factor: Many who grew up in the early 2000s still reminisce about the bootham’s shenanigans and Moosa’s innocence—making it a perennial favorite among Tamil 90s-kids turned young adults.
- Supernatural + Comedy Blend: The unique premise—a child haunted rather than frightened by a friendly genie—made the show stand out in a sea of family dramas.
- Strong Performances: Abhilash’s portrayal of Moosa, Naga Kannan’s comic timing, and the affection among the ensemble cast forged emotional bridges with audiences.
- Technical Edge: The early use of CGI elevated its fantasy elements, lending it a visual flair ahead of its time.
Latest Updates / Upcoming Twists
While the original serial concluded in 2007, the My Dear Bootham legacy continues. An unrelated 2022 Tamil children’s fantasy comedy film of the same name was released, starring Prabhu Deva and Ashwanth Ashokkumar—but it’s not linked to the TV series’ storyline.
There’s no official news about a remake, sequel, or reboot of the TV series. Fans can only hope that nostalgia or demand might someday spark a revival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is My Dear Bootham available to stream online?
A1: No official streaming platform currently lists the show from its 2004–2007 run. It remains a vintage classic, mostly accessed through reruns or fans’ recorded archives.
Q2: Who produced the TV serial?
A2: Producer info isn’t specified on Wikipedia or available sources. The show’s direction was led by K. Shanmugham, and music composed by X. Paulraj.
Q3: Was the show successful in terms of ratings?
A3: Specific TRP numbers are unavailable, but its recognition in retrospectives—like Times of India calling it “one of the most cherished sitcoms of its time”—attests to its popularity.
Q4: Did any cast members go on to bigger fame?
A4: Yes—Abhilash became widely known as “My Dear Bootham Abhilash,” built a career in TV and cinema, and later took on production duties. Nivetha Thomas, who played Gowri, also went on to become a recognized actor in Tamil and Telugu film industries.
Q5: Is the 2022 film My Dear Bootham related to the serial?
A5: No—while it shares the name and similar fantasy-comedy genre, it’s an entirely separate story starring Prabhu Deva, with no narrative link to the 2004–2007 TV series.
Final Thoughts
My Dear Bootham remains a glowing example of Tamil television’s magical storytelling era—a show where mischief meets magic, and every episode felt like a small adventure. It captured hearts with its lovable characters, imaginative premise, and genuine warmth—earning its place among classics that continue to be fondly remembered today.