01 October,2025 02:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Still from Idli Kadai
The month of October has kicked off with the theatrical release of Dhanush's film Idli Kadai, co-starring Nithya Menen. Directed by Dhanush himself, early audience reactions reveal that Idli Kadai is a heartwarming Tamil drama that leaves viewers feeling happy.
A review on X read, "#IdliKadai is simple in its storytelling but honest in its emotions. A feel-good, beautifully made film that connects with sincerity and heart. It may not be complex, yet its honesty makes it powerful. In the end, Dhanush wins."
Another reaction called it "A PERFECT FAMILY ENTERTAINER which will work big, especially for rural audiences. A simple story and screenplay, but Director #Dhanush delivered deliciously with the perfect mix of emotion, fun, love, and action."
In the film, Dhanush plays Murugan, a man with humble beginnings. His father, Rajkiran, owns a small idli shop in the village, which he runs with love and passion. As Murugan grows up, he joins a large company run by Arun Vijay's character, helping the firm grow its profits by around 15%. Meanwhile, his father worries that their shop will close after him, while his mother believes Murugan will one day return to take care of it. He does return, but his decision doesn't sit well with Arun Vijay, and the story unfolds from there.
Dhanush has previously mentioned that Idli Kadai was a personal project, noting that his grandmother appears in the film for the first time. He also shared the deeper message of the film, emphasizing the importance of staying connected to one's roots.
He explained, "What is your identity? Studying well, getting a good degree, and securing a good job gives you a position in society. However, our identity lies in our ancestral roots. The lives our fathers, grandfathers, and ancestors led shouldn't just dissipate in the air. They should continue as memories for future generations. The breath of our ancestors, along with the deity of our soil, is what we worship as our ancestral deity. Please visit your family temples and offer prayers. We shouldn't forget these important things."
Dhanush further added, "Just like a bird searches for food but returns to its nest, we too, regardless of where life takes us, shouldn't forget our origins. That's the essence of Idli Kadai."
The film, featuring Dhanush and Nithya Menen, is jointly produced by Dhanush's Wunderbar Films and Dawn Pictures, with cinematography by Kiran Koushik and music by G. V. Prakash.
