CHENNAI — After its theatrical run, Tamil actor-director Dhanush’s film Idly Kadai arrives on digital streaming, giving viewers at home a chance to revisit its tale of roots, legacy and family life.
What is Dhanush’s Idli Kadai about?
Idly Kadai tells the story of Murugan (Dhanush), a man who leaves his village life behind for an urban job abroad and returns home to run his father’s idli shop, confronting ego, legacy and morality in the process. The film features an ensemble cast including Nithya Menen, Arun Vijay, Sathyaraj, and Rajkiran.
What works in Dhanush’s Idly Kadai
The film’s heart is in the performances. Dhanush delivers a sympathetic and grounded Murugan, and veteran actors such as Rajkiran and Sathyaraj bring weight and authenticity to the village-setting story. Critics and social-media users have praised the film’s emotional core and relatability of its rural milieu.
The music by G V Prakash Kumar also stands out, the soundtrack and background score underscoring the film’s emotional beats and adding warmth to the village environment.
What doesn’t quite land
While the setup is strong, many reviews point out that the second half of the film loses momentum. Predictability creeps in and the dramatic arcs lean heavily on familiar tropes rather than fresh storytelling. As one critic wrote: “Despite all its good intentions, … ends up being a predictable affair with minimal surprises and innovation.”
Another review gave a more measured take: “A mid rural drama that had a decent emotional setup but wasn’t able to capitalize and derails in the 2nd half!”
In case you missed: Vishnu Vishal New Crime Thriller ‘Aaryan’ to be released on November
OTT release & rating
The film is set to stream on Netflix (rights reportedly acquired for around ₹45 crore) in its Tamil, Telugu and Hindi versions.
Critics’ ratings have varied.
- India Today: 2 / 5 stars.
- The Times of India: 2.5 / 5 stars.
With user sentiment more positive for performances and feel-good quotient, I would assign 3 out of 5 stars for Idly Kadai overall.
Verdict
If you’re in the mood for a heartfelt family drama anchored in village roots, Idly Kadai offers comforting nostalgia, strong performances and a gentle message about home and humility. However, if you expect a tightly‐woven, unpredictable narrative, this one may feel familiar and safe.
In the OTT era, it works best as a one-time screen outing with loved ones – especially if you enjoy films that emphasise emotion and rural simplicity over twists and thrills.
