Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Mandaadi Review: Soori and Suhas Shine on the Water
Mandaadi is a film about fishermen and exciting races on the sea.
Soori plays a fisherman whose life is closely connected to his community and boat.
Suhas plays his rival, but the two characters understand and respect each other.
The boat races are filmed close to the water, so they feel dangerous and real.
The sounds of the waves, wind and wooden boats make the races even more exciting.
The movie is less interesting when the characters leave the sea and deal with problems on land.
The reviewer also says Mahima Nambiar has a smaller role that is not developed much.
Overall, the film is recommended for its racing, performances and strong sea imagery.
Mandaadi follows a young fisherman whose livelihood and community are tied to catamaran racing.
Soori delivers a physically convincing performance, while Suhas brings depth to the central rivalry.
The water-based racing sequences are praised for their practical energy, cinematography and immersive sound design.
The land-based drama about power, exploitation and survival is described as less distinctive and uneven.
The film earns a 3/5 rating, with the sea and racing carrying it past its weaker sections.
- Who
- Soori plays a young fisherman, with Suhas as his rival; Mahima Nambiar and Satyaraj are also in the cast.
- What
- Mandaadi is a sports drama about catamaran racing, community life and a conflict affecting a fishing community.
- Where
- The story is set in coastal fishing communities of Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The catamaran race becomes the arena for resolving a conflict threatening the protagonist’s livelihood and his community’s way of life.
Film’s Strengths
Film’s Weaknesses
Water versus land
Film’s Strengths
The racing scenes are described as visceral, immersive and among the strongest sports sequences in recent Indian cinema.
Film’s Weaknesses
The land-based drama is considered less specific, with conflicts resembling those in other Tamil rural dramas.
Performances
Film’s Strengths
Soori and Suhas are praised for their physical commitment and for creating a rivalry based on recognition and respect.
Film’s Weaknesses
Mahima Nambiar’s role is described as functional and underdeveloped, while the screenplay does not give the supporting characters enough impact.
Overall experience
Film’s Strengths
The sea, community and racing are strong enough to carry the film beyond its weaknesses, and the climax is considered satisfying.
Film’s Weaknesses
The second half’s journey toward the climax tests the viewer’s patience, and the film loses momentum whenever it leaves the water.
- Film
- Mandaadi
- Director
- Mathimaran Pugazhendhi
- Lead cast
- Soori, Suhas, Mahima Nambiar and Satyaraj
- Setting
- Coastal fishing communities of Tamil Nadu
- Central sport
- Catamaran racing
- Rating
- 3/5
- Technical strengths
- Cinematography and sound design during the racing sequences