‘Mandaadi’ movie review: Soori, Suhas power an engaging, smooth-sailing sports actioner

Set against the competitive world of coastal sailboat racing, Mathimaran Pugazhendhi’s socio-political sports actioner ‘Mandaadi’ finds its strength in layered characters and assured performances from Soori and Suhas

Published - September 10, 2026 11:30 pm IST

Soori in a still from ‘Mandaadi’ | Photo Credit: RS Infotainment

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

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

It’s untapped territory in Tamil cinema, which is why Mathimaran refrains from anything too extraordinary — he takes the template of a socio-political sports drama and bets all-in on pitch-perfect execution. The result speaks for itself; Mandaadi is a clean, crisp, and straightforward film that holds your attention for its 150-minute runtime.

Soori in a still from ‘Mandaadi’ | Photo Credit: RS Infotainment

Interestingly, both films released today show what the current generation of filmmakers seems to understand about action-film audiences — modern-day action films need to start high. They don’t waste a second on unnecessary introductions and drop you right into the action. In the coastal town of Mugavaipatnam, Kittaan (Krish Hassan), the young son of a notorious business tycoon and former sailboat racer, Saattappuli (Suhas), is brought in a chariot and introduced to the townsmen as the new captain of the champion boat-racing team, Tsunami Riders.

However, the celebrations end when Maari (Mithun Jai Sankar), a member of a rival team, attempts to hack down 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. Now, here’s the big secret: Muthukaali isn’t just another ordinary man. Maari’s situation pulls Muthukaali back into the world he ran away from 20 years ago. Who is Muthukaali? What is the feud between him and Saattappuli all about? The sail is strung high, and the course is set. Mandaadi begins its journey with promise.

First and foremost, let me address your biggest expectation in a sports flick like Mandaadi — the sailboat racing scenes stand out as major highlights. The action choreography atop the boats is meticulously planned and executed. The two races featured in the film don’t have a single dull moment. But believe me when I say that Mandaadi isn’t a film you should watch for the sailboat races.

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

The most stirring moments in the film are between Muthukaali and Angel, and Muthukaali and his mentor, Machamuni (Sathyaraj). And I am happy to report that all actors in Mandaadi bring their A-game, further amplifying the impact of the writing. Mahima is, without a doubt, the most impressive performer in the cast, and watch how she reacts when the inevitable moment with Muthukaali arrives. Sathyaraj does what Sathyaraj does best. It is about time Tamil cinema saw the performer in Suhas. As Saattappuli, he holds the frames effortlessly and, at times, even comes close to stealing the spotlight from the ever-impressive Soori.