Idli Kadai Movie Box Office Collection Day 1: Dhanush’s New Film Opens Strong with ₹10 Crore

Idli Kadai, a long-awaited movie starring national award-winning actor Dhanush, could finally release to theatres on October 1, 2025, and has started its big screen run spectacularly. The movie that has been promoted as an emotional rural action-drama has already generated 10 crore on Day 1 which augurs well with the film. But the true test of Idli Kadai starts when it has to meet stiff competition with the much awaited Kantara: Chapter 1.

Idli Kadai, directed, written and co-produced by Dhanush himself, is his grand comeback to rural drama after a series of urban movies. The movie, which features Nithya Menen playing a central role with him, combines heavy narratives with music, family feelings, and action, making it one of the most discussed Dhanush new movie releases in 2025.

Idli Kadai Movie: Cast and Crew.

The Idli Kadai film has an excellent star cast and has a seasoned technical crew.

• Director & Writer: Dhanush

• Director: Dhanush (Wunderbar Films) and Dawn Pictures.

• Lead Cast: Dhanush, Nithya Menen, Arun Vijay, Shalini Pandey, Sathyaraj, R. Parthiban, P. Samuthirakani and Rajkiran.

• Music Scorer: G.V. Prakash Kumar.

• Filmographer: Kiran Koushik.

• Editor: G.K. Prasanna

The same collaboration also brings about Dhanush and Nithya Menen, whose duo is beloved by Tamil cinema fans. Their romance is already being hailed as early publicity and lends a layer of emotional interest to the film.

Plot of Idli Kadai

Idli Kadai is fundamentally a play of roots, heritage and family heritage.

The film is based on the life of Murugan (actor Dhanush) who abandons his village and goes out in search of his big dreams in the city. But life takes him back to his hometown, where he inherits his deceased father’s idli shop, cherished not merely as a business but as a place of community connection.

Murugan struggles between ambition and responsibility, striving to prove his strength, patience, and family bonds while facing conflicts. The story delivers a layered tale filled with rural nostalgia, action sequences, and heartfelt drama, characteristic of Dhanush’s films.

Idli Kadai Box Office Collection Day One.

The Idli Kadai movie released in theatres on October 1, 2025, drawing high occupancy in Tamil Nadu and fair collections in other South Indian states. The movie earned ₹10 crore on the first day of its release, placing it among the highest-grossing films of Dhanush’s new movie in several years.

The challenge that lies ahead is however a stiff one. The Kannada blockbuster sequel Kantara: Chapter 1 had its paid premieres the same day, and is likely to take over pan-India screens. In the case of Idli Kadai, the following long weekend will be the key challenge in order to keep the momentum and collections alive.

Trade analysts state that the movie must cross ₹100 crores in revenue to count as a genuine commercial success, especially since Dhanush set box office records with his earlier film Kuberaa.

Idli Kadai Critical Reception.

Critics have until now given the movie mixed-to-positive reviews. Some reviews commend the rural setting, strong emotional beats, and Dhanush’s heartfelt performance, while others criticize the screenplay as weaker in the second act.

This still does not mean that the word-of-mouth by the audience is low, particularly B and C centre audiences who relate to the rural setting. Emotional narration and rough action might make Idli Kadai work in small towns and single-screen cinemas in a consistent manner.

Chemistry and Performance with Nithya Menen, Dhanush.

Dhanush is certainly one of the greatest strengths of the film. Being an easy-shaped character in terms of role-playing, he is wonderful in his role of Murugan, which is emotionally specific and full of raw energy.

Another aspect of the film that most draws attention is the coupling of Dhanush and Nithya Menen, whose screen chemistry gives the film a sense of emotional depth. Nithya Menen, who is praised for her natural acting approach, plays along with Dhanush, and this combination is one of the conversation points of the movie.

Idli Kadai Music: Dhanush New Film songs.

No Dhanush film is complete without music to remember by and Idli Kadai provides just that. The soundtrack, which was composed by G.V. Prakash Kumar, consists of folk-style melodies as well as energetic numbers.

The new film songs of Dhanush are already trending on social media and music platforms, and are already a favorite among fans before the release. He makes it more interesting by lending his own voice to the music, and fans who have always loved Dhanush songs like Why This Kolaveri Di now add Idli Kadai to that list.

The countryside music, as well, enhances the rural drama, as the heavy-percussion sounds go hand in hand with the heavy action scenes.

shooting and filming.

The Idli Kadai film began principal shooting in September 2024 in Theni, Tamil Nadu, where abundant greenery and a natural rural atmosphere provided the backdrop. Filming to end in April 2025.

Dhanush, in addition to acting, took charge of the creative process as the writer, director, and co-producer, and he portrayed the authenticity of rural life through detailed sets, costumes, and dialogues.

OTT Rights and Streaming Partner.

Even as the movie is still in the theater release, there is already good news on the digital front side of the fans. idli kadai OTT streaming rights have been acquired by Netflix, and it will be available to a worldwide audience once its theatrical period has expired.

Through this partnership, the film will penetrate more markets such as Tamil diaspora audience in the US, the UK, Middle East, and the Southeast Asia.

Challenges Ahead at the Box Office

Despite a strong Day 1, Idli Kadai faces tough competition. With Kantara: Chapter 1 pulling massive crowds in Karnataka and across India, screens may get divided.

Another challenge is sustaining collections during weekdays. Analysts believe that if the film can hold its ground during the long weekend, it will have a steady run at least in Tamil Nadu. Entering the ₹100 crore club would then become a realistic goal.

Why Idli Kadai Matters for Dhanush

For Dhanush, Idli Kadai is not just another film—it marks his bold step into direction while still leading as an actor. Balancing multiple roles in one project is a challenge, but his passion for storytelling shines through.

The rural theme also reconnects him with fans who loved his earlier earthy roles in films like Asuran. In addition, the collaboration with Nithya Menen adds freshness to the narrative, proving that Dhanush continues to experiment with new pairings and storylines.

Final words

The Idli Kadai movie has kicked off its journey with a strong ₹10 crore Day 1 box office collection. While challenges from Kantara: Chapter 1 loom large, Dhanush’s powerful performance, his chemistry with Nithya Menen, and a soulful album of Dhanush new film songs give the movie a strong foundation.

With Netflix acquiring the digital rights, Idli Kadai will make waves both in theatres and on OTT platforms. Whether it enters the ₹100 crore club depends on the coming weeks, but one thing is certain—this Dhanush new movie release has already made a mark.

For fans of Dhanush songs, his rustic acting style, and Tamil rural dramas, Idli Kadai is a film worth watching both on the big screen and later on streaming.

FAQs

Q. How is the Idli Kadai movie?

A. Idli Kadai got mixed reviews, the performance of Dhanush was appreciated by critics but they mentioned the melodrama.

Q. Idli Kadai OTT release date?

A. Netflix has acquired the post-theatrical rights of Idli Kadai and has not announced the date of release on the OTT.

Q. Who is Idli Kadai cast?

A. Idli Kadai is starring Dhanush, Nithya Menen, Arun Vijay, Rajkiran and others.

YOU MAY ALSO READ: Bollyflix Review 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Bollywood & Regional Cinema Online

Hari Hara Veera Mallu Release: Pawan Kalyan’s Fans Celebrate Outside Theatres