After its box office achievement, Dhanush’s fourth directorial venture, Idli Kadai, has officially arrived on the OTT. The movie made its debut on Netflix on Oct. 29, 2025, and is now available in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. This small-town family drama that released in theaters on Oct. 1 is centered around legacy, return, and healing in the story of a man who leaves his corporate job to put new life into his family’s idli shop.

What Is Idli Kadai About

The film is set in the life of Dhanush’s character, an executive who returns to his village to run his deceased father’s idli kadai. Returning to his roots is hindered by his old foes and unresolved family issues. The film is emotional and personal, with utmost significance placed on food, heritage, and relationships. The supporting cast consists of Arun Vijay, Sathyaraj, Samuthirakani, Nithya Menen, Shalini Pandey, Rajkiran, and Radhakrishnan Parthiban, contributing depth and diversity to the story.

Mixed Reviews But Strong Streaming Buzz

While Idli Kadai received critical mixed reviews at the time of its release to theaters, its streaming on Netflix has attracted a fresh wave of viewers. A few have compared it to traditional Bollywood family dramas and found similarities in tone and pacing. Though it did not find a place in the top ten Tamil box office films, the film did manage to collect ₹59 crore locally and ₹71.75 crore internationally, a good amount for a niche emotional drama.

Why Idli Kadai Succeeds on OTT

Streaming platforms have a tendency to provide slower-paced, emotionally charged films with a second life, and Idli Kadai is one such film that fits the bill. Those who did not catch it in theatres can now experience its nuanced storytelling from the comfort of their homes. The multi-language release of the film also widens its appeal across India and the diaspora. The recommendation engine on Netflix and its carefully curated South Indian content selection further amplify its reach.

How to Watch Idli Kadai on Netflix

To watch Idli Kadai:

• Open Netflix India or the app
• Search ‘Idli Kadai’
• Choose your desired language
• Choose your streaming plan (Mobile, Basic, Standard, or Premium)

The film is rated U/A 13+, being family-friendly with parental guidance.

Dhanush’s Directorial Journey Continues

Idli Kadai is Dhanush’s fourth direction following Pa Paandi, Raayan, and NEEK. Prizewinning for his ability to bridge realism and emotional depth, Dhanush now ventures into investigating stories rooted in Tamil culture. The film, by contrast, scales the urban angst to revisit the nostalgia of rural India, weaving a beautiful tribute to food, family, and lost dreams.