‘Mandaadi’ Movie Review: Soori, Suhas powers the engaging, fluid sports action

Who decides who belongs where? Who decides who will do what? These questions sparked countless uprisings that also defined many of the laws we are now proud of. The powerful have always dictated how the powerless should live, and this tension has always given rise to heroes who empower the powerless to rebel. But even history won’t tell you how many sporting dreams have been crushed by the powerful or heroes silenced and forced to feel satisfied with their own victories. That’s why whenever socio-politics meets an arena like sports in stories, the results can be truly exciting and thought-provoking. We’ve seen it happen in films like Bison Kaalamaadan and Sarpatta Parambarai, and we’re seeing it again in Soori’s latest starrer, Mandaadi.

This Thursday saw a unique clash between Sardar 2 and Mandaadi at the Tamil box office. And a viewer like yours truly who caught both films back-to-back would have seen superbly choreographed fight sequences on a plane, a train, a cable car and…a sailboat. Written and directed by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi, Mandaadi is set in the world of the titular sailboat races that are popular along the southern coast of Tamil Nadu. What his guru, Vetri Maaran, did with the traditional game of cockfighting in Aadukalam, Mathimaran is trying to do with Mandaadi.

It’s uncharted territory in Tamil cinema, so Mathimaran refrains from doing anything too extraordinary – taking the template of a socio-political sports drama and going all-in for a flawless execution. The result speaks for itself; Mandaadi is a clean, crisp and straightforward film that will hold your attention for 150 minutes.

Soori in distillate from ‘Mandaadi’ | Photo credit: RS Infotainment

Interestingly, both films released today show what the current generation of filmmakers seem to understand about action audiences – modern action films have to start high. They don’t waste a second with unnecessary introductions and throw you right into the action. In the coastal town of Mugavaipatnam, Kittaan (Krish Hassan), the young son of a notorious business tycoon and ex-sailor racer Saattappuli (Suhas), is brought in on a chariot and introduced to the townspeople as the new captain of the Tsunami Riders, a championship boat racing team.

However, the celebrations come to an end when Maari (Mithun Jai Sankar), a member of the rival team, tries to hack Kittaan. As tensions rise, Maari’s father Singaaram (Ravindra Vijay) sends him to Chennai and urges his friend Muthukaali (Soori) to take good care of him. Here’s the big secret: Muthukaali is not just another ordinary man. Maari’s situation pulls Muthukaali back to the world he escaped 20 years ago. Who is Muthukaali? What is the dispute between him and Saattappuli? The sail is set high and the course is set. Mandaadi starts its journey on a promising note.

mandate (Tamil)

Directed by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi

Cast: Soori, Suhas, Sathyaraj, Mahima Nambiar

Duration: 154 minutes

Plot: A former yachtsman returns to the sport he abandoned when a young racer becomes embroiled in an old feud that forces him to confront his past and fight to preserve the racing legacy of his coastal community.

First and foremost, let me address your biggest expectations in a sports film like Mandaadi – the sailboat racing scenes stand out as major highlights. The action choreography on the ships is carefully planned and executed. The two races featured in the film do not have a single dull moment. But trust me when I say that Mandaadi is not a movie to watch for the sailboat racing.

Those who have seen Mathimaran’s previous film Selfie (which is yet to see release) know the writer-director’s penchant for writing drama and complex plots. Mandaadi shines best when it dwells on the many personal, complicated spaces between the characters. Imagine what would go through young Maari’s mind when he realizes that his mother, Angel Rakkamma (Mahima Nambiar), was in a relationship with his mentor Muthukaali. Or what would a friendship look like between Muthukaali and a best friend who is now married to his ex-lover?

The most exciting moments in the film are between Muthukaali and Angel and Muthukaali and his mentor Machamuni (Sathyaraj). And I’m happy to report that all the actors in Mandaadi bring their A-game, further amplifying the impact of the writing. Mahima is undoubtedly the most impressive actor in the cast and watch her react when the inevitable moment with Muthukaali comes. Satyaraj does what he does best. It’s about time Tamil cinema saw an artist in Suhas. As Saattappuli, he holds the frames effortlessly and at times even comes close to stealing the limelight from the ever impressive Soori.

Suhas in Distillate from ‘Mandaadi’ | Photo credit: RS Infotainment

Importantly, Mathimaran’s depth of character allows these actors to bring out their best. For example, the feud between Muthukaali and Saattappuli has layers – which you can well understand from their positions. Both are traitors to each other, so winning the racing competition is a way for both of them to get revenge. But that’s not all; the stakes in Mandaadi are much higher. Winning the race is the only way Saattappuli can secure the business he had to fight so hard to establish. For Muthukaali, it’s about protecting the faith of his late mentor Machamuni and reclaiming the honor of their Mandaadi Vagaiyara sailing clan.

Machamuni believed that sailboat racing was not just a sport; they were a way of life for the community. He believed that a true mandaadi must pass on the knowledge of sailboat racing to the newer generations as it prepares them for a future where they will have to fend for themselves in the ocean without fuel for their engines. Saattappuli’s decision to hire racers from other cities prevents coastal men from learning the trade. This idea lies at the heart of Mandaadi and Mathimaran’s screenplay hones this emotion with ease.

Mandaadi is another example of how good, serious writing and cinematography can produce a slick and engaging film even with a routine template. And now it’s safe to say that Soori is serious about the films he’s chosen – the parotta-guzzling sports sidekick is long gone; this new beast can surf tsunami waves (oh we’re back in Aadukalam).

Mandaadi is currently running in theatres

Published – 10 September 2026 23:30 IST