Review of “Mandaadi” – now streaming on Netflix

Soori’s latest film, Mandaadi, is much more than an ocean-based action dramatic thriller, it is also a moving tale of love, betrayal, friendship and sacrifice. Mahima Nambiar plays the female lead and the second male lead is played by Telugu actor, Suhas, in his Tamil debut (with his voice dubbed by the film’s director, Mathimaran Pugazhendhi). The supporting cast includes Sathyaraj, Ravindra Vijay, Mithun Jai Shankar, Bala Saravanan, Stun Siva, Ramachandran Durairaj, Aadukalam Murugadas and B. Krithika Balasubramanian.

A fierce rivalry between two teams of sailboat racers takes on what appears to be an over-reaction that leaves Maari (Mithun Jai Shankar) fleeing to Chennai for safety. Radio announcer Baagam Priyazh (B. Krithika Balasubramanian) pleads with her uncle Kaali in Chennai (Soori) to provide refuge to Maari. However, when Maari’s enemies trace him to Chennai, Kaali relaizes that he would need to find a last solution to the challenge. He returns to his hometown, Mugavaipattinam, to face old ghosts, reopening old wounds and opening more.

Soori’s transformation to lead actor is an astounding one and his spirited performance as Kaaliin Mandaadi has extended his repertoire and highlighted his increased screen presence. His ability to emote and to invoke emotions from his audience is amazing.

Mahima Nambiar is in a fiery performance that also makes room for soulful emotions and an endearing vulnerability that adds credibility to her character.

Suhas makes an impressive antagonist, boosted by the magical voice of Mathimaran Pugazhendhi.

Bala Saravanan as the witty Qatar Ravi and Ramachandran Durairaj as Koluthu both show how character artists can often shine brighter than those with bigger roles.

Ravindra Vijay as Raakamma’s husband, Singaram, is the best of the others.

Sathyaraj is in magnificent form, making the most of his limited screen time.

The story, penned by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi, is detailed and features well-etched characters with believable character development.  The script by Mathimaaran Pugazhendhi and Ameer Jamal Khan is punchy and well written, bringing credibility to each of the characters and stirring enough emotion in the audience.

S.R. Kathir’s cinematography is magnificent, impressing with his lighting and framing for the terrestrial scenes, but he is most impressive in the way he captures the ocean-based sequences.

G.V. Prakah Kumar’s songs cold have been better, with only Usure Needhan Pulle lingering in the audience. His background score has some highlights but is far from his best effort.

Despite a slight lull in the first half and a very casual handling of the sea vortex scene, Mandaadi remains an impressive film that has tackled a novel subject with creativity and credibility.

Mandaadi, which is currently streaming on Netflix, scores 9 points out of 10.