In Tamil culture, the mamanar is traditionally viewed as the head of the household, responsible for maintaining family values and traditions. For a new marumagal , he can often be a more approachable figure than the mother-in-law ( mami ), acting as a mediator during family misunderstandings.

Tamil pop culture, particularly soap operas (serials) and modern web novels, frequently dramatizes this relationship by introducing unconventional emotional or romantic layers.

The evolution of the Tamil family from extended to nuclear units has changed how these relationships are perceived.