Dhanush’s latest outing, Idli Kadai, got off to a respectable start at the box office on its opening day. The film, which marks the actor’s return as both lead and director, registered an estimated ₹10.50 crore net collection across India (all languages) on its first day, according to early estimates from Sacnilk.com.

Featuring an ensemble cast of Nithya Menen, Arun Vijay, Shalini Pandey, Sathyaraj, Parthiban, Samuthirakani, and Rajkiran, the drama revolves around Murugan and his deep-rooted connection to his father’s Idli eatery.

In Tamil Nadu, where Dhanush enjoys a strong fan base, Idli Kadai recorded an impressive average occupancy of 48.34% on Wednesday. Night shows saw a surge, particularly in Chennai (85%), Dindigul (89%), and Trichy (84%), helping the film post healthy regional numbers. Other centres, like Coimbatore (76%), Pondicherry (80%), and Madurai (72%), also showed strong support.

Outside Tamil Nadu, performance was mixed. The Telugu version had moderate openings, with Guntur (31.75%) and Mahbubnagar (36.5%) faring better than other regions. In metros like Mumbai (19.75%) and Kochi (17%), occupancy remained on the lower side.

While its debut is modest when compared to Dhanush’s recent release, Raayan, industry trackers note that Idli Kadai has laid a solid foundation thanks to its positive audience reception in the home state. The film’s long-term box office trajectory will hinge on weekend growth and word-of-mouth, especially as it faces stiff competition from Kantara: Chapter 1.

An excerpt from CE's review of the film reads, "But there is something about Dhanush being vulnerable and good that he is effective in a role that might seem like a cakewalk, only because he makes it look that easy. The way Dhanush — the actor, filmmaker, and writer — mixes in folklore, divinity, and magical realism into the narrative is such a treat to watch."

For now, Idli Kadai has opened steadily, reflecting Dhanush’s enduring regional pull and the audience’s curiosity about his directorial choices.