‘Idli Kadai’ Review: Dhanush’s Directorial Venture is a Tasteless, Melodramatic Letdown

KOCHI: Dhanush’s highly anticipated film ‘Idli Kadai’, which he wrote, directed, and starred in, has left audiences disappointed on its opening day. Despite a star-studded cast and significant hype, the movie falls flat due to an outdated plot and excessive melodrama, failing to deliver a compelling cinematic experience.

Released today, the film boasts a talented ensemble including Arun Vijay, Nithya Menen, Prakash Raj, Sathyaraj, and Shalini Pandey, but their potential is wasted in a film that feels routine and uninspired.

Plot and Screenplay

The film tells the story of a young man who, after failing to live up to his father’s expectations, returns to his village to take over the family’s humble idli shop. While the premise—centered on themes of family, love, and responsibility—had immense potential, it is squandered by a predictable and weakly written screenplay. The director, Dhanush, fails to effectively convey the characters’ emotional conflicts, leaving the audience disconnected.

Performances

While Dhanush carries the film on his shoulders, his performance offers nothing new. It is technically sound but lacks the novelty and memorability expected from an actor of his caliber. The heroine’s character, played by Shalini Pandey, is poorly written, giving her little scope to perform. Arun Vijay does a competent job in his villainous role, but the character itself lacks depth. The only true standout is actor Rajkiran, who delivers a comforting and solid performance as Dhanush’s father.

Technical Aspects

The film’s technical departments are merely average. G.V. Prakash’s music and background score fail to make an impact or blend with the narrative. The cinematography by Kiran Koushik is passable, and the editing by G.K. Prasanna could have been much tighter to handle the film’s pacing issues.

Final Verdict

‘Idli Kadai’ is a classic case of a missed opportunity. Despite having all the ingredients for a heartfelt family drama, it collapses under the weight of its outdated storytelling and forced emotional scenes. Barring a few competent performances, the film is a forgettable and bland affair that fails to leave a lasting impression.

Cast:

Dhanush, Nithya Menen, Arun Vijay, Rajkiran, Sathyaraj, R. Parthiban, Shalini Pandey, P. Samuthirakani, Geetha Kailasam, Ilavarasu, Vadivukkarasi, Brigida Saga and Indumathy Manikandan

Story, Screenplay and Direction: Dhanush | Music: GV Prakash Kumar | Cinematography: Kiran Koushik

Editing: Prasanna GK | Production: Dawn Pictures and Wunderbar Films