Dhanush’s ‘Idli Kadai’ Review: A Comforting Cinematic Dish

In a powerful segment of Idli Kadai, actor-director Dhanush’s character, Murugan, tirelessly strives to perfect his father’s cherished idli recipe. He replicates his father’s routine, uses identical ingredients, and grinds the batter with the same stone. Yet, the idlis lack the distinctive taste that generations in Sankarapuram have adored. Murugan repeatedly fails, until, just as you start to wonder, the internationally acclaimed chef finally gets it right. There was no secret ingredient; the magic lay in the elusive concept of kai manam – an intangible touch from the chef’s hands. Murugan’s idlis eventually mirror his father’s, and the idli shop flourishes once more. This poignant struggle mirrors the overarching narrative of Idli Kadai itself.

Dhanush’s fourth directorial venture opens by highlighting the profound significance of the idli shop to his father, Sivanesan (portrayed by the endearing Rajkiran), and explaining why Murugan initially left his humble hometown for advanced culinary studies. Now a celebrated chef at a prestigious Bangkok hotel, Murugan is preparing to marry Meera (Shalini Pandey), the daughter of his boss and business magnate, Vishnu Vardhan (Sathyaraj). Vishnu’s spoiled son, Ashwin (Arun Vijay), harbors deep resentment for Murugan, a feeling fueled by his father’s constant comparisons. A twist of fate compels Murugan to return to Sankarapuram. Following a series of unfortunate events, he decides to take over his father’s shop and call off his wedding, much to Vishnu Vardhan’s displeasure, thus setting the stage for the central conflict of Idli Kadai.

While the premise seems straightforward, Dhanush’s direction occasionally misses crucial subtleties, leading to some irritating moments. For instance, a phone call between Murugan and his parents, who decline to attend his overseas wedding, lacks the emotional depth and expected parental reactions. The film also features numerous clichés, such as an opening monologue that blurs the lines between Murugan’s voice and Dhanush’s own. The Bangkok sequences feel rather uninspired, and attempts to portray Ashwin as an irredeemable man-child largely fall flat.

The film’s most significant drawback lies in its message: must one demonize those who leave their hometowns for opportunities to emphasize the importance of connecting with one’s roots? Ashwin’s character arc implies that only a humble background fosters empathy and good parenting, while other dialogues unfairly suggest that individuals seeking a better lifestyle cannot truly understand or appreciate their origins.

However, despite these imperfections, Dhanush’s film ultimately redeems itself through its skillfully executed emotional moments. Nithya Menen shines as Kayal, a kind neighbor who supported Murugan’s elderly parents during his absence. The burgeoning romance between Murugan and Kayal is genuinely endearing. The film also provides ample comic relief, particularly in scenes like Murugan, Kayal, and their friend Ramarajan (Ilavarasu) comically struggling with their idli grinding stone.

The film truly excels in its emotional core, and Dhanush deserves commendation for Murugan’s well-developed character arc. He evolves from understanding his father’s passion for the eatery to realizing he must embody Sivanesan’s spirit to revitalize it. When adversity strikes, he fully embraces his father’s legacy, becoming a living testament to all he stood for.

Several elements leave a lasting impression: the journey of Parthiban’s cop character, Ilavarasu’s insightful comment on ‘poetic justice,’ and the ripple effect of Sivanesan’s generosity towards the town’s schoolchildren. A particularly memorable Black Panther-inspired sequence, elevated by GV Prakash Kumar’s evocative music, rightly drew enthusiastic applause. Prakash’s masterful score, Kiran Koushik’s stunning cinematography, and Jacki’s flawless production design all contribute to making Idli Kadai a truly delightful cinematic experience.

Intriguingly, some initial flaws in the film’s second half — such as the rather uninspired delivery of news by Murugan’s mother over the phone — gain new significance, and Dhanush’s narrative even manages to retroactively justify the film’s opening quote.

Idli Kadai doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel. After NEEK, Dhanush appears to have sought a return to cinematic comfort food, and this film perfectly embodies that desire. It aims to make you momentarily forget gourmet dining and instead cherish a flavor you might have overlooked, soothing you with its familiarity and leaving you with a profoundly satisfied feeling.

Ultimately, it’s about good old, soft, and fluffy idlis. All you truly need are the right ingredients and that inexplicable, magical touch from the chef.