Dhanush's Passion Project Tops Netflix Charts After Box Office Struggle

In 2025, the Tamil drama Idli Kadai, led by actor Dhanush, struggled to find success at the box office despite being a project he shaped in every way – writing, directing, producing, and starring in the lead role. The film, made on a reported budget of ₹100 crores, failed to perform well in theaters, earning only about ₹71.91 crores worldwide.

However, the tide turned for Idli Kadai when it arrived on Netflix on October 29, 2025. Over the past two weeks, the film has remained in the top 10 list on the streaming platform and even held the number one position in India. Its popularity has extended beyond India, with the film also topping the charts in countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives. Idli Kadai has also managed to enter the top 10 list in 15 other countries, including Australia, UAE, Qatar, Singapore, Mauritius, Malaysia, and Nigeria.

The film's success on Netflix can be attributed to its emotionally resonant story, which follows a protagonist who leaves behind his comfortable life abroad to return to his hometown and run a simple idli shop. As he navigates the challenges of adapting to his roots, the film explores themes of family, identity, and the ties that pull a person back to where they truly belong. These relatable conflicts and the protagonist's honest, human journey have struck a chord with viewers, proving that smaller, character-driven dramas can thrive on OTT platforms even when they struggle to find an audience in theaters.