This action drama delivers some solid thrills. The climactic stretch in particular is a major highlight. The boat racing sequences has been superbly shot with Soori and Suhas giving it their all both physically and emotionally. The core plot is a mixed kichadi of numerous films, still Mandaadi makes for a good theatrical experience
Starcast: Soori, Suhas, Mahima Nambair, Ravindra Vijay, Sathyaraj and others
Direction, screenplay and dialogues: Mathimaran Pugazhendi
Additional dialogues: Ameer Jamal Khan
Additional screenplay: Elred Kumar, R Mohanvasanthan and Thiral Sankar
Music: GV Prakash Kumar
Cinematography: S R Kathir
Producer: Elred Kumar
Production Company: RS Infotainment
Running time: 2 hours and 34 minutes
Stories involve sports follow a certain template of redemption and a grand comeback; the settings do vary but the proceedings unfold in a template manner. Mandaadi isn’t particularly different ticking familiar boxes. Still Mathimaran Pugazhendi packs in enough thrills and drama to make the movie engaging. The second half in particular exploring how Soori and Suhas go from friends to bitter foes and the history associated with catamaran sailboat races packs a solid punch.
Mandaadi story in brief explores the dynamics between Soori’s Muthukaali and Suhaas’s Sattupali. Muthukaali is a former boat racing champion in exile, he has deliberately shut himself away from the sport but certain circumstances lead Muthukaali to make a comeback. What’s the past history between Muthukaali and Sattupali with the former finding redemption forms the main core of Mandaadi.
A story aspect of Mandaadi is the sequences shot on the high seas. Whether it’s the portion of practice match in the initial half, or the big finale with the two teams going all out. The cinematography coupled with VFX is flawless making the viewers feel tensed on how Muthukaali is going to win, given both the turbulent weather and Sattupali’s attack. The fight sequence with the leads battling it out on the boat in itself is worth the prize in itself.
The crucial flashback exploring the growing differences has also been etched in an engaging manner. Sathyaraj’s presence as a former mentor to the two leads and a couple of dramatic sequences between him and Soori also elvates the proceedings.
The love story between Soori and Mahima Nambair playing Sathyaraj’s on-screen daughter has some nice moments. The two actors share a warm chemistry making the viewers wish that they had a happy ending. Mahima stands shoulder to shoulder with Soori in both the lovey Dovey moments and the intense scenes.
The performances all around enhance the film. Soori of course has the biggest arc with ample moments of mass swagger and emotional moments, the former comedian pulls off the different shades in a solid manner. Suhas making his Tamil debut shows once again why he is a chameleon; his rugged appearance coupled with the overall body language is a treat to watch. His act in the climatic stretch in particular deserves a special mention. Ravindra Vijay in an important supporting role is good too, his confrontation scene with Mahima has been well written and enacted.
The life of coastal community and the importance of boat racing there has also been well fleshed out. This aspect elevates the movie beyond a mere sports movie. As already mentioned Mandaadi is a familiar underdog story. The unfolding of the plot for those who has grown up on this genre may feel tiresome. Also, the story takes its own sweet time to find its footing. The film picks up pace with the practice match and the interval portion in specific.
Apart from the solid cinematography GV Prakash’s music and background score is another plus for Mandaadi. GV’s background score enhances the boating sequences in particular.