Nithya Menen opens up on filming ‘Idly Kadai’ and accepting her National Award mid-shoot
Nithya Menen, known for her versatile performances across languages, recently revealed an unforgettable moment tied to her upcoming film Idly Kadai. The actor, in her own words, described the irony and beauty of receiving a prestigious National Film Award with cow dung still under her nails a result of a rural shoot just a day before the ceremony.
In an interview, Nithya shared her raw, earthy experience on the sets of Idly Kadai, a film written and directed by Dhanush. The project demanded more than just performance it required real-life immersion into village life. And Nithya, true to her commitment, didn’t hold back.
Nithya Menen’s journey from cow dung cakes to the National stage
For a crucial scene in Idly Kadai, Nithya Menen learned how to make cow dung cakes by hand—an age-old rural practice. She didn’t use gloves or props. Everything was real. “They asked me if I’d be willing to do it,” she recalled. “I said, of course. For the first time, I learnt how to roll and round up cow dung with my bare hands.”
The shoot happened just a day before she had to travel for the National Film Awards. “It’s so beautiful. I had cow dung in my nails when I went up to receive my award. That’s life. That’s the kind of contrast I live for,” Nithya said with pride.
This honest experience, to her, reflected the diversity of roles and experiences that acting brings. “I would never have had a chance to do this otherwise. That’s what I love about my work.”
Nithya Menen’s bond with Dhanush and her fearless acting approach
Nithya Menen reunites with Dhanush in Idly Kadai after their much-loved pairing in Thiruchitrambalam (2022). That film not only won critical praise but also earned her a National Film Award for Best Actor (Female).
In Idly Kadai, Dhanush plays the lead and also steps in as writer, director, and co-producer. The film also stars Arun Vijay, Shalini Pandey, Sathyaraj, Parthiban, Samuthirakani, and Rajkiran. GV Prakash Kumar is on board for music.
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This collaboration brings out a new side of both artists. The film, rooted in rural life and grounded emotions, seems to push Nithya deeper into her craft. Her performance style is not about glamour it’s about living the life of the character, even if that means walking barefoot on muddy paths or working with cow dung for authenticity.
Nithya Menen reflects on her National Award moment
Talking about her unexpected win, Nithya revealed that she had mentally prepared herself not to receive any validation. “I was getting used to the idea that I may not get recognition for the kind of roles I do. And that was okay with me,” she said. This National Award, therefore, came as both a surprise and a symbol of acceptance for her unconventional choices. Also Read: The Fierce Shift: Rohit Saraf Steps Out of His Comfort Zone in ‘The Revolutionaries’
Her acceptance speech was quiet, and her appearance simple but the moment was powerful. She stood with pride, knowing that her journey to that stage had literally gone through cow sheds and village fields. It wasn’t just an award it was a reflection of her choice to stay real, grounded, and deeply committed to her work.
Conclusion: A powerful reminder of purpose and passion
Nithya Menen has always been more than just a performer she’s an artist who thrives on depth, honesty, and unfiltered storytelling. Her recent experience with Idly Kadai and her National Award moment is a perfect reflection of that. With each role, she redefines what it means to be a true actor. Not afraid to get her hands dirty literally Nithya continues to build a career that’s rooted in integrity, and her fans are here for it.
