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 and Kantara Chapter 1 will witness release in the first week of October, with a day's gap in between
Last Updated: 10.43 AM, Sep 27, 2025
The coming week will see the clash of Tamil film Idli Kadai and Kannada sequel Kantara: Chapter 1. The former, starrin Dhanush, is a feel good drama, meanwhile the latter fronted by Rishab Shetty is a mythical action drama. Two different genres, two different languages, and two different stars, has one in common. Both of them are helmed by the actors themselves, who have already proved at the box office. If Dhanush's versatality and award-ridden filmography backs Idli Kadai, Rishab Shetty has a solid banking on the Kantara legacy, given the first instalment did wonders pan-India. The blockbuster had gone to become one of the highest grossers of Kannada cinema, and there is no looking back ever since.
Idli Kadai Vs Kantara: Chapter 1
Within a span of one day, the releases of Idli Kadai and Kantara: Chapter 1 are scheduled. The Dhanush film comes a day earlier, on October 1. This does given an edge to the film, but following October 2, when Kantara is set to take over screens, things can change drastically. Even as Idli Kadai will be releasing in Telugu, its limited release does not stand at par with Kantara, which is already marketed as Kannada's pan-Indian affair.
Speaking individually, Idli Kadai is touted to be a feel-good drama, story of a man who has come from humble beginnings and goes back to doing the same, while facing a rich and affluent opponent. This is homeground for Dhanush, who can easily charm his way through with his relatable performance. But besides starring, he also directs the feature. His past directorials, including Pa Paandi, Raayan and NEEK, have received decent reception. Dhanush as a director, is yet to build on much, but his previous stories have resonated to an extent, which gives a strong point for Idli Kadai to rely on. Given the star-studded cast of Idli Kadai, drama that can have its emotions work, then the film can manage to withstand the weight of Kantara. Or can it? It is a double edged sword for feel-good dramas, that it loses on majestic world-building and visual grandeur, but also can cover it graciously, if emotions work out tremendously.
On the other hand, Kantara directed by Rishab Shetty, has the world looking for it. It is both boon and bane, given it will enjoy a solid pan-Indian release, thanks to the success of its previous instalment. However, it also carries the burdens of expectations to be fulfilled. Givem sometimes the sequels fail to live up to standards, and the expectations from Kantara is sky high, the stakes are higher too. The blockbuster success of Kantara, has given the sequel a bigger canvas, budget, stars, and expectations, which on a positive note can benefit the mythical actioner. And just like Dhanush, it is not new for Rishab Shetty to wield the megaphone. His previous films, including Kirik Party, Sa.Hi.Pra.Shaale Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai, and Kantara, have only shown an upward trend in reception.
Given both Idli Kadai and Kantara have got their own pros and cons, one has to wait for a few more days. Let's not forget the possibility of both the films resonating with audience, which only gives double the joy for cinema lovers.
Idli Kadai and Kantara cast and crew
Idli Kadai stars Arun Vijay, Nithya Menen, Rajkiran, Sathyaraj and others. The film has music by GV Prakash. Meanwhile, Rishab Shetty brings in new cast members into his Kantara world by featuring Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram. With Ajaneesh Loknath scoring the music, Kantara: Chapter 1 is expected to be delve into the roots of Bhuta Kola tradition and bring Karnataka's folklore to screens.
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 upcoming movie Idly Kadai?
A. Yes Dhanush and Nithya Menen reunite for Idli Kadai.