A delightful blend of ambition and heritage

Movie review: Idly Kadai

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

Director: Dhanush

Rating: 8.5/10 

ASSEMBLING a star ensemble cast and directed by Dhanush, Idly Kadai provides more food for the soul than the action appetite that South Indian cinema has been serving in recent times.

Murugan (Dhanush) is driven to succeed and grow further than his father Sivanesan’s (Raj Kiran) humble idly shop in the village prompting him to move to the city and eventually overseas. Sivanesan is firm in wanting to stay in the village and is content with his life and idly shop whereas Murugan has made a life for himself as a renowned chef overseas, working for multi-millionaire Vishnuvardhan (Sathyaraj).

Tragedy strikes and Murugan returns to the village. With the subsequent events that follow, he begins working in his father’s idly shop forming friendships and respect with the village people and even a love interest, Kayal (Nithya Menen). However happiness is sort-lived with the arrival of Vishnuvardhan’s son, Ashwin (Arun Vijay).

Idly Kadai marks another compelling directorial outing for Dhanush, who also delivers a subtle, yet strong lead performance. He effortlessly captures the emotional tug-of-war between urban ambition and the soulful simplicity of his hometown - a contrast that forms the heart of the narrative.

Menen brings warmth and charm to the role of Kayal, making her presence both comforting and memorable. Arun Vijay delivers an intense performance as the antagonist, while Samuthirakani as the village misfit contributes to the film’s villainy. Shalini Pandey shines in one of her finest Tamil roles to date, portraying a character that grows meaningfully from the opening scene to the final frame. And anchoring it all is Raj Kiran, whose quiet strength and expressive silence make him the emotional core of the story.

GV Prakash scores a wonderful music album, with Enjaami Thandaane and Enna Sugam featuring in the movie as songs and background scores blend beautifully into the movie and the themes represented by the plot. The picturesque rural villages and contrasting high end living is captured beautifully by cinematographer Kiran Kaushik.

Idly Kadai is currently on circuit at cinecentres

Darshni Pather is an RJ on Southside FM as co-host of the magazine show, Sunday Morning Spice, and hosts the Tamil Top 20.

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