Dhanush, the National Award winning actor, who has not only worked in Tamil, Telugu films but also in Hollywood and Bollywood movies. Apart from being one of he best, Dhanush has also carved out a space for himself as a director and writer. From intense dramas to psychological thrillers, the Raanjhanaa actor has over the years explore varied themes and characters.
Now that the Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja aka Dhanush has returned to the director's seat with Idli Kadai, a drama that has released in theatres, let's revisit all the film directed by him and also know their commercial reception here.
Dhanush Director Filmography: A Look at His Four Directorial Ventures
1. Pa Paandi
- Year Released: 2017
- Genre: Tamil comedy drama
- Commercial Reception: Critical and commercial success
The Tamil comedy drama written, directed and produced by Dhanush, in his directorial debut in 2017. The film was a critical and commercial success
2. Raayan
- Year Released: 2024
- Genre: Action, crime drama
- Commercial Reception: Massive hit
- Box Office: Grossed over Rs 160 crore globally. It became Dhanush's highest-grossing film and the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2024.
Dhanush's Raayan was a massive hit. It became Dhanush's highest-grossing film and the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year, grossing over Rs 160 crore globally. Talking about the plot, it deals with Raayan’s family that gets caught in a violent web of crime and politics, the simple man is forced to confront the very world he once fled.
3. Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (2025)
- Year Released: 2025
- Genre: Romantic drama
- Commercial Reception: Box Office flop
- Starring: Pavish Narayanan and Anikha Surendran
Nilavuku Enmel Ennadi Kobam is Dhanush's last directed film other than Idli Kadai. The romantic drama, starring Pavish Narayanan and Anikha Surendran, was Dhanush's third directorial venture and it was box office flop.
4. Idli Kadai
Year Released: 2025
Genre: Rural drama
Commercial Reception: Initial Box Office Gains
Release Date: Released in theatres on October 1, 2025.
Box Office Update: Due to the festive season release, the film has created a fair bit of buzz and made significant early gains.
Day 1 - Rs 11 crore
Day 2 - Rs 9.75 crore
Day 3 - Rs 5.6 crore
Day 4 - Rs 6.15 crore (at the time of writing)
Now, once again Dhanush is back with Idli Kadai. The film written and directed by Dhanush was released in theatres on October 1, 2025. This rural drama had created a fair bit of buzz online with its heartfelt trailer. Releasing on festive season the film made huge gain at the box office.
Also Read: Kantara: Chapter 1 to Idli Kadai, South Indian films releasing this Dussehra
