Idli Kadai: Warm, Nostalgic Flavors with a Few Lumpy Bites

We often realize the value of people and basic amenities only after losing them. Many people, in their admiration for the West, end up losing their sense of self and becoming someone unrecognizable, even to themselves.

Dhanush's Idli Kadai centers around the theme of recognizing one’s roots and identity. While the film’s message is effectively delivered in the end, its storytelling is inconsistent in parts.

The contrasting writing styles between the city and village settings are striking. The village sequences are particularly moving and authentic. From the song Yen Paattan Saami Varum, the emotional bond between Sivanesan (Raj Kiran) and Kasturi (Geetha Kailasam), the nostalgia surrounding the Idli Kadai, and especially the bond between Murugan and his calf—all exemplify the film’s best writing. A certain dream sequence is shot in a panoramic manner.

As I wondered why it was shot like this, it immediately cut to Murugan (Dhanush) waking up to see his little calf staring at him, indicating the calf's panoramic vision. The little calf plays such a huge role in this film, and it's executed so brilliantly. Throughout the film, I kept praying that nothing should happen to the little guy. Nithya Menon delivers a solid performance as Kayal, yet you wish you had seen more of her character. As of Dhanush as an actor, I am out of words to praise his performance. The sheer happiness he has in his eyes when he sees his fellow villager has his food is just spectacular and moving that it makes you almost tear up.

But here is the catch. The effort that's put into writing this little calf is hardly seen in the characters that are present in the city. The whole arc in the city portions is extremely clichéd, where no emotions work whatsoever. You're left with questions like how Meera (Shalini Pandey) suddenly feels so much for Murugan when her brother Ashwin (Arun Vijay) tries to demolish his shop, considering she showed no remorse for him when his parents passed away, or when she forced him to sell the same Idli Kadai a little while ago. Ashwin and Vishnu Varadhan (Sathyaraj) follow the rich dad-spoilt son template, which doesn't really pay off due to its shallow and one-dimensional writing.

Technically, the film does wonders in terms of cinematography and music. The world of Idli Kadai is explored well through the lens of Kiran Koushik. GV Prakash shoulders this film with a melancholic background score and a chartbuster album.

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Despite the city portions that pull down the film, there are a lot of genuine and heartfelt moments that leave you with a good message. Though the Idlis ain't all fluffy and soft, they're certainly made with lots of love. Ultimately, this film reminded me of a certain restaurant that I used to love as a kid. Though it doesn't exist anymore, the memories I had in that restaurant make me jump in joy, and Idli Kadai made me relive that experience again.

Verdict: Like an idli, the film is warm, wholesome, and made with love—but parts of it turn out lumpy and undercooked. Still, the taste of its nostalgia lingers long after the flaws fade.