In a significant development in Tamil Nadu’s entertainment industry, Inban Udhayanidhi, the 20-year-old son of Deputy Chief Minister and producer Udhayanidhi Stalin, has formally taken over his father’s production banner, Red Giant Movies. The announcement coincides with the banner securing the distribution rights for actor-director Dhanush’s upcoming film, Idli Kadai, which is slated to hit screens across Tamil Nadu on 1 October 2025.
Dhanush confirmed the news on his official X handle, congratulating Inban on his new role as the CEO of Red Giant Movies. He shared a poster of the film and wrote, “IdliKadai – releasing across Tamil Nadu by @RedGiantMovies_ Wishing Inban Udhayanidhi the very best on his new journey!”
IdliKadai – releasing across Tamil Nadu by @RedGiantMovies_
Wishing Inban Udhayanidhi the very best on his new journey! pic.twitter.com/gFUTJgbFwm— Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) September 3, 2025
Red Giant Movies, which began producing films with 2008’s Kuruvi and distributing movies from 2010’s Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya, has grown into one of Tamil Nadu’s leading entertainment banners. The company recently co-produced Indian 2 and distributed films such as Vidaamuyarchi and Thug Life. Idli Kadai, Dhanush’s fourth directorial venture, stars Nithya Menen and Arun Vijay in prominent roles. Nithya Menen reunites with Dhanush after their hit Thiruchitrambalam (2022). The film’s music is composed by G.V. Prakash Kumar, with cinematography by Kiran Koushik and editing by Prasanna G.K. It is produced by Dhanush’s Wunderbar Films in association with Aakash Baskaran’s Dawn Pictures.
This step mirrors the trajectory of Inban’s father, Udhayanidhi Stalin, who transitioned from film production to politics and currently serves as Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister.
Inban has already been actively involved in the family’s media ventures. On 3 June 2025, the birthday of DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi, he formally assumed responsibilities in the management team of Kalaignar TV. Holding a degree in financial management from London, Inban works closely with the channel’s executives, including Chief Financial Officer Karthikeyan, managing day-to-day financial operations. Reports indicated he works from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM at the Neelankarai office in Chennai, consulting regularly with key team members.
Industry insiders suggested in August 2025 that Inban was preparing to make his acting debut once he completed his education in London. He has been undergoing intense physical training, hinting at serious preparation for a film career. Prominent Tamil directors, including Mani Ratnam, Vetrimaaran, and Mari Selvaraj, have reportedly been approached to direct his launch film, with an official announcement expected soon.
With his formal takeover of Red Giant Movies, Inban Udhayanidhi seems to be now poised to follow in his father’s footsteps – from managing the production house to acting in films to entering politics – it is a fact that Udhayanidhi Stalin is now the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
(With inputs from The Hindu)
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