Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Mathimaran Reveals Vetrimaaran’s Warning Over Mandaadi Sea Shoot
Mandaadi is a film made by director Mathimaran Pugazhendhi.
He got the idea after watching a traditional boat race near the sea.
The movie took two years to develop and one year to make.
Much of it was filmed on moving boats and in unpredictable water.
Vetrimaaran warned Mathimaran that shooting at sea would be very difficult.
During filming, a boat capsized and expensive camera equipment was lost.
Actors Soori and Suhas were praised for their performances.
Mathimaran also dubbed Suhas’s lines himself.
He now wants to tell more stories set at sea in possible future films.
Mandaadi director Mathimaran Pugazhendhi was inspired by witnessing a traditional boat race in a seaside town.
The filmmaker spent two years developing the story and another year making the film, which released in September 2026.
Vetrimaaran initially advised Mathimaran to consider another subject because filming extensively at sea was extremely difficult.
Unpredictable conditions forced cinematographer SR Kathir to improvise, while a boat capsized and costly camera equipment was lost.
Mathimaran said he hopes to expand Mandaadi’s sea-based story into a trilogy.
- Who
- Director Mathimaran Pugazhendhi, with contributions from Vetrimaaran, Soori, Suhas, cinematographer SR Kathir, and others.
- What
- Mathimaran discussed the inspiration, challenges, performances, and future plans surrounding his film Mandaadi.
- When
- Mandaadi released in September 2026; Mathimaran said he spent two years developing it and one year making it.
- Where
- The film was substantially shot at sea and is set against a seaside backdrop.
- Why
- Mathimaran was inspired by witnessing a traditional boat race and believes more stories remain to be told at sea.
Mathimaran’s Conviction
Vetrimaaran’s Initial Caution
Whether to film extensively at sea
Mathimaran’s Conviction
Mathimaran continued with the project despite the risks and logistical difficulties, believing in the story and completing the film.
Vetrimaaran’s Initial Caution
Vetrimaaran initially suggested that Mathimaran consider another subject, saying he had tried shooting at sea and it had not worked.
- Film
- Mandaadi
- Director
- Mathimaran Pugazhendhi
- Release
- September 2026
- Lead performers mentioned
- Soori and Suhas
- Sea-shoot challenges
- A boat capsized and expensive camera equipment was lost
- Music
- GV Prakash Kumar
- Future plan
- Mathimaran wants to develop the story into a trilogy