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Idli Kadai box office day 1: Will Kantara Chapter 1 paid premieres hamper Dhanush’s opening collection?

Idli Kadai debuted in theatres on October 1, as Kantara: Chapter 1 has paid premieres beginning from the evening of the same day.

Anusha Sundar
Oct 01, 2025
Idli Kadai box office day 1: Will Kantara Chapter 1 paid premieres hamper Dhanush’s opening collection?
Idli Kadai

Actor-turned-director Dhanush's latest film Idli Kadai debuted in theatres on October 1. The film, which has the star in dual roles - both as director and actor, is a heartwarming tale of a man who goes back to his roots. Idli Kadai will be capitalising on the long weekend in theatres, given that the Pooja holidays and Gandhi Jayanthi coincide with the weekend to follow. But will the Dhanush film really be able to do so, given Kanthara: Chapter 1 begins with its paid premieres with evening shows all over, on Wednesday?

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Idli Kadai at box office: Will Dhanush film sustain Kantara Chapter 1 paid premieres

Idli Kadai, starring Dhanush (who has also directed it), is a family drama that released in theatres on Wednesday. The 2025 Tamil drama is majorly set in a rural backdrop and is about a young man who returns to his hometown to bring back the glory to his father’s legacy idli eatery.

The film, written and directed by Dhanush, was received with mixed response by critics, but fairly welcomed by general audience. The film is also expected to do well at rural and town areas, given its emotional factor. While Dhanush’s performance in the film has been praised and the sentimental factors have also landed in certain portions, Idli Kadai will soon face competition from Kannada film Kantara: Chapter 1. The mythical actioner will release on October 2, but has paid premiere the evening before, making Idli Kadai face stiff competition from the evening of day 1 itself.

Rishab Shetty Films on OTTplay

Also read: Idli Kadai movie review: Dhanush cooks a comfort watch much like simple yet staple homely meal

Even as Idli Kadai has the Dhanush factor, one has to let time tell if it can withstand a film that comes with a successful predecessor. Kantara: Chapter 1, helmed by Rishab Shetty, who is also starring in the film, follows the 2022 film Kantara, a blockbuster success. The paid premieres are scheduled to begin as early as 7 pm in Tamil Nadu. However, so far, theatres in Chennai have preferred Idli Kadai for the majority of screens. It is also to be noted that in B and C centres, Idli Kadai is expected to do better than Kantara, which still remains a foreign film. But tables can turn, and all depends on how good Kantara: Chapter 1 is.

Also read: Idli Kadai Vs Kantara Chapter 1: Which actor’s directorial will win; Can Dhanush's feel-good drama sustain Rishab Shetty’s pan-India franchise?

Idli Kadai OTT partner

Idli Kadai will stream on Netflix after its theatrical run. The film features Nithya Menen, Rajkiran, Sathyaraj, Arun Vijay, Shalini Pandey, Parthiban, Samuthirakani and others. With GV Prakash music, Idli Kadai has Dhanush as one of the producers. It released as Idli Kottu in Telugu.

FAQs

Q. Is Kantara based on a true story?

A. No, Kantara is not based on true story, but a fictional story based on real-life beliefs and instances.

Q. Will Dhanush and Nithya Menen reunite for movie Idly Kadai?

A. Yes. Dhanush and Nithya Menen reunite for Idli Kadai.

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