Missed Dhanush’s Idli Kadai in theaters? Good news! The heartwarming Tamil family drama that touched millions is now heading to your living room. After a successful theatrical run that grossed over Rs 71 crores worldwide, this emotional rollercoaster is ready for its digital debut.
Written, directed, and starring Dhanush in his fourth directorial venture, Idli Kadai reunites the actor with National Award winner Nithya Menen after their blockbuster Thiruchitrambalam. Here’s everything you need to know about streaming this gem.
Idli Kadai Quick Streaming Details
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| OTT Platform | Netflix |
| Release Date | October 29, 2025 |
| Languages | Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam |
| Theatrical Release | October 1, 2025 |
| Runtime | 147 minutes (2 hours 27 minutes) |
| Digital Rights | Reportedly Rs 45 crore |
| Box Office | Rs 71.32 crore worldwide |
When Does Idli Kadai Release on OTT?
Idli Kadai is scheduled to release on the OTT platform Netflix and will begin streaming from October 29, 2025, just 28 days after its theatrical debut. The quick turnaround means fans won’t have to wait long to experience Dhanush’s directorial magic.
Viewers can watch it in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam, making it accessible to audiences across regions. The announcement was made through Netflix’s official social media handles with the caption: “Anbaala thodanguna idli kadai anbaala dhaan mudiyum” (An idli shop started with love can only be run with love).
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Where to Watch Idli Kadai Online
Idli Kadai will stream exclusively on Netflix, requiring an active subscription to watch. The streaming giant reportedly acquired the digital rights for approximately Rs 45 crore, reflecting the film’s strong commercial potential.
The multi-language availability ensures the film reaches pan-Indian audiences, expanding its reach beyond Tamil-speaking viewers.
What is Idli Kadai About?
Idli Kadai revolves around Murugan, a simple man from a small village who moves abroad in pursuit of his dreams and a better livelihood. However, an unexpected tragedy forces him to return to his hometown, where he is confronted with the values, traditions, and legacy he once left behind.
The film explores how Murugan comes to terms with his roots and his late father’s aspirations, standing firm against the challenges that threaten his family’s long-standing idli shop. Themes of ambition, familial responsibility, and rediscovery of heritage create an emotionally resonant narrative.
Dhanush’s Personal Connection
At a promotional event, Dhanush revealed the film was inspired by his fondness for idlis during his childhood, at a time he allegedly could not afford to buy them regularly. This personal touch adds authenticity to the storytelling.
Star-Studded Cast
The film features an impressive ensemble cast that elevates the narrative:
- Dhanush – Lead role as Murugan
- Nithya Menen – Female lead (reuniting after Thiruchitrambalam)
- Arun Vijay – Key supporting role
- Sathyaraj – Veteran actor
- Rajkiran – Supporting character
- Shalini Pandey – Important role
- R. Parthiban – Special appearance
- P. Samuthirakani – Supporting role
Arun, who primarily plays lead roles, said it was his long time desire to play an antagonist like he did in Yennai Arindhaal (2015) and accepted Idly Kadai as he trusted Dhanush.
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Technical Excellence
The film boasts top-tier technical talent:
- Music & Background Score: G.V. Prakash Kumar
- Cinematography: Kiran Koushik
- Editing: Prasanna GK
- Action Choreography: Peter Hein
- Art Direction: Jackie
- Dance Choreography: Sathish
- Costume Design: Kavya Sriram
The audio rights were acquired by Saregama. The first single, “Enna Sugam” was released on 27 July 2025, Dhanush’s birthday. The complete album consisting of six tracks received positive response from music lovers.
Box Office Performance
Idli Kadai had a strong theatrical run, earning Rs 11 crore on its opening day. The film collected approximately Rs 50 crore in the domestic market over 18 days, with overseas collections of Rs 12.5 crore, bringing the worldwide total to Rs 71.32 crore.
Despite mixed critical reviews, the film’s unique premise and the Dhanush-Nithya Menen pairing proved major factors in its commercial success.
Critical Reception
Sajin Shrijith of The Week gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote, “Idly Kadai doesn’t breathe the same air as what passes for ‘new wave’ cinema these days. It’s decidedly more ‘old-school’ than [Dhanush’s] previous directorials”.
The film received praise for its nostalgic storytelling approach and strong performances, though some critics felt Dhanush could have been more ambitious with his narrative choices.
Why Watch on OTT?
For those who missed the theatrical experience, the OTT release offers several advantages:
- Multi-language options – Watch in your preferred language
- Comfort of home – No need to rush to theaters
- Pause and rewatch – Catch every emotional moment
- Family viewing – Perfect for family movie nights
- High-quality streaming – Netflix’s superior streaming quality
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Idli Kadai available for free on Netflix?
No, Idli Kadai requires an active Netflix subscription to watch. Netflix offers various subscription plans starting from basic to premium tiers, depending on your viewing preferences and video quality requirements. The film is not available on any free streaming platforms and is exclusively licensed to Netflix for digital streaming.
Q: In how many languages is Idli Kadai available on Netflix?
Idli Kadai is available to stream in five languages on Netflix: Tamil (original), Telugu (titled Idli Kottu), Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam. This multi-language availability makes the film accessible to audiences across India and ensures viewers can enjoy the story in their preferred language with proper dubbing or subtitles.
