'Idli Kadai' Review: Dhanush delivers good old idli with some add-ons for flavour

There is this much you can do with an idli. You can add chicken or mutton (or, for the braveheart, a pani puri to make a volcano) for a twist. But in the end, the fermented batter cooked in a steaming pot comes out just as idlis.

Written and directed by Dhanush, 'Idli Kadai' attempts to jazz up the good old idli, blending multiple flavours within the feel-good genre. While the end product is the familiar idli, he has managed to serve it to entertain a family audience.

Murugan, who owns and runs the idli kadai --- rings any bell? --- begins by mixing his father's story but eventually ends up telling his own story. The screenplay, just like the ingredients for idlis, often feels predictable; yet the performances elevate the film.

Rajkiran, as Sivanesan, stands out with subtle expressions, while Nithya Menen (Kayal), Arun Vijay (Ashwin), Shalini Pandey, and Dhanush himself bring energy to their roles. The ensemble cast — Sathyaraj, Samuthirakani, Illavarasu, Parthiban, and others — delivers solid support, keeping the film engaging despite its flaws.

The storyline follows a familiar arc: a young man leaves his village in Tamil Nadu with big dreams, grows through various stages from Madras to Bangkok, and eventually rediscovers his roots. Themes of wealth, family, love, and responsibility are explored, though often through well-worn tropes.

Home keeps calling Murugan back, but the reason behind this pull is not effectively conveyed to the audience. He tries to express doubts, guilt, and confusion, but the core reason — the answer to why — is missing. The script features familiar elements: a marriage fixed with the wealthy owner’s (Sathyaraj) daughter, played by Shalini. Her character radiates charm on the surface but is also bossy, adamant, and narcissistic. The son, expected to inherit the empire, is depicted as irresponsible and convinced that money can solve anything. These clichés, among others, form the backbone of the story.

The narrative unfolds as Murugan embarks on a journey to rediscover his roots. Kayal (Nithya Menen) is the oft-repeated naive 'kramathu ponnu' or village woman and the love interest of the protagonist, though her role often feels like a backup girlfriend.

Even in 2025, why do filmmakers feel the need to give a tanned look to wheatish-skinned women (ala Anna Ben in P S Vinothraj's 'Kottukkaali') is beyond our imagination.

All said, the film does have captivating visuals. Warm tones, pleasing cinematography, and well-choreographed action sequences give it a polished look. The music also contributes to the film’s emotional atmosphere. However, the second half loses focus, drifting away from the central storyline, and the emotional pull does not fully connect.

Despite its predictable nature and reliance on clichés, 'Idli Kadai' remains an easy watch, thanks to its pleasant visuals and strong performances. Dhanush shows promise as a director, even if his writing lacks depth.