Idly Kadai, Dhanush's upcoming fourth directorial is his most personal feature yet. Not just because it takes inspiration from his childhood, but is once again showcasing his love for food and his longtime desire: To become a chef.
During the trailer release of Idli Kadai in Coimbatore, Dhanush expressed surprise on how most of his recent films revolved around food. "I don't know why... (I keep getting chef roles). I wanted to cook. I wanted to become a chef. Maybe because I had such a desire, I am continuing to get films and roles like that. In Jagame Thandiram, I made parottas, In Thiruchitrambalam, I was a food delivery boy. In Raayan, I had a fast food shop. In this movie, I make Idlis. When I write a script for myself, I get me a chef role and when other directors approach me for a film, then too, I get such roles. I think that is due to manifestation."
Going on to explain, he elaborated, "What you think you become. Manifestation's power continues to follow me even after I turned an actor. Youngsters must manifest what they want to acheive in life. They must believe that what they had in mind has already been achieved. They must work hard to realise that dream. Anybody can achieve anything they want in life. Keep meditating on your goal and work on it. Manifest and work hard on your goals. I am just saying what happened in my life to me."
The actor said that Idli Kadai would be a simple, humble film. which audiences can "watch and enjoy with your entire family."
The film's trailer launched on Saturday centred around Dhanush's Murugan and his strong emotional connection with his father's idli shop. He quits his job at a Michelin restaurant to help save his father's (Rajkiran) idli store. At one point in the trailer, Sathyaraj's character tells his son, played by Arun Vijay, to learn from Murugan instead of leading a wastrel life as a prodigal son. The plot also includes a conflict between Arun Vijay's character and Dhanush's Murugan, which emerges after the latter's departure from his Michelin restaurant.
Geetha Kailasam plays Dhanush's mother in the film, which also stars Nithya Menon, Arun Vijay, Sathyaraj, Shalini Pandey, Brigida Saga, Ilavarasu, Samuthirakani, and Parthiban, among others.
The audio launch of Idli Kadai was held last week where Dhanush revealed that the film is a nostalgic ode to his childhood where he sold flowers to eat idlis. He also stated that it takes inspiration from true characters and incidents that left a deep impact on him. He had previously directed Pa Paandi, Raayan and Nilavukku En Mel Ennadi Kobam.
The technical crew comprises Dhanush's frequent collaborator, composer GV Prakash, cinematographer Kiran Koushik, editor GK Prasanna, and art director Jackson.
The film is produced by Akash Bhaskaran through his Dawn Pictures banner and Dhanush through his Wunderbar Pictures banner. Inban Udhayanidhi, son of Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, will get his first film credit as a distributor.
Hamsini Entertainment is distributing the film worldwide. The production house had announced on Wednesday that Idli Kadai will also be released in France presented by 180 Entertainment.
Idli Kadai is slated for a theatrical release on October 1.