Dhanush wears multiple hats in Idli Kadai, the 2025 Tamil film where he writes, directs, and stars as the central character. The movie brings together talented actors including Nithya Menen, Arun Vijay, Sathyaraj, and several veteran performers under the Wunderbar Films banner. Filmed across Theni with G. V. Prakash Kumar handling music, this October release centers on family ties and what home really means.
Murugan runs from his village roots, building a life far from the small idli shop his parents manage. Years pass in cities and foreign lands before circumstances pull him back. There, waiting at home, are old conflicts and questions he never answered about who he wants to be.
How the Plot Unfolds
Murugan’s childhood revolves around his parents’ modest food stall in Sankarapuram village. Their daily grind shapes his early years, but ambition calls him elsewhere. The film jumps between timelines, showing us the boy who watched his parents work and the man who left seeking something more.
His return triggers confrontations about values and choices. Modern life clashes with village traditions as Murugan faces what running away cost him. The script attempts juggling several conflicts at once, which creates occasional confusion about what story it wants to tell most urgently.
Acting That Holds Attention
Dhanush handles Murugan’s internal struggles without overselling them. Watching him move between life phases feels natural rather than performed. His scenes opposite Nithya Menen show genuine chemistry, though I wish their relationship got explored beyond surface moments. She brings quiet strength to Meera but deserves more screen time.
The older actors form the film’s foundation. Sathyaraj and Samuthirakani build family relationships that feel lived-in rather than scripted. Rajkiran and Parthiban add layers to smaller parts, while Arun Vijay creates tension in his sequences. Each supporting role contributes something specific rather than just filling space.
What Works Well
Family scenes carry real weight here, particularly exchanges between Murugan and his father. These moments avoid manipulation, letting emotions build naturally. The camera work captures village life with rich textures and lighting that feels authentic rather than prettified for urban audiences.
G. V. Prakash Kumar’s soundtrack serves the story instead of interrupting it. Background music lifts key scenes without drowning dialogue or emotion. The central theme about honoring your origins lands effectively, and Dhanush shows skill directing actors toward understated performances that feel truthful.
Problem Areas
The film keeps adding new plot threads when it should deepen existing ones. Starting with the idli shop concept, it then branches into romance, generation gaps, career choices, and moral debates. None get full attention because the script keeps switching focus.
Predictability becomes an issue after intermission. You can see plot turns coming well before they arrive. Some sequences stretch longer than needed while others rush past important developments. The love story needed stronger writing, and certain problems resolve themselves too neatly to feel earned.
Reception from Reviewers
Different critics landed in different places on this one. IMDB users gave it 7 out of 10, suggesting decent but not overwhelming appreciation. The Hollywood Reporter India called out both strong and weak moments existing side by side throughout the runtime.
Onmanorama recognized solid acting but questioned the familiar story beats. Deccan Herald pointed to script issues limiting the film’s impact. Regular viewers responded more warmly, particularly families looking for clean entertainment with emotional content during holiday viewing.
Where It Lands
Idli Kadai delivers genuine feeling even when its construction shows cracks. Dhanush demonstrates directorial potential, especially handling quiet interpersonal moments. Strong performances run through the entire cast, supported by attractive cinematography and fitting music.
Still, the scattered storytelling and predictable turns keep this from reaching higher ground. Better focus in the writing stage would have helped considerably. What remains works for audiences wanting heartfelt family material about belonging and heritage, even if the execution stays somewhat uneven.
Rating: 3.5/5
