Mandaadi X Review: Soori, Suhaas, and Mahima Nambiar's new film 'Mandaadi' has hit the theatres. Directed by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi, is this sports drama worth your time? Here's our full review
Soori and Suhaas lead the cast in this Mathimaran Pugazhendhi directorial. Mahima Nambiar plays the heroine, with Sathyaraj, Ravindra Vijay, Mithun, and Bala Saravanan in key roles. Elred Kumar has produced the film under his RS Infotainment banner. The film's trailer and songs created a lot of buzz before its release on Thursday, September 10.
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The Story of Mandaadi
The plot revolves around Saatta Puli (Suhaas), the undisputed king of the harbour, whose team 'Tsunami Riders' always wins. When a young man named Mallesh attacks him, he seeks refuge with Kaali (Soori). Kaali, returning to the area after 20 years, tries to make peace. The elders decide a boat race will settle the score: the winner stays, the loser leaves. But Kaali has a complicated past here, involving a woman named Mahima and his old coach, Muni (Sathyaraj).
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Mandaadi Review
The film's boat racing theme feels fresh, but the story of friends becoming enemies is quite old, a bit like the recent film 'Devara'. The first half is slow and a bit boring. However, the second half picks up pace with an engaging flashback involving Kaali, Puli, and their coach Sathyaraj. The climax boat race is the real highlight, packed with thrills and emotion. The second half and the race sequences are the film's biggest strengths.
The film's plus points are its boat racing scenes, a strong second half, and good emotional moments. The crew filmed the races realistically in actual locations, which looks great. But the minuses are many. The reason for the hero-villain fight feels weak, and many scenes just fall flat. The love story doesn't click either, and it's unclear why Mallesh tries to kill Puli. Overall, it ends up being just an average watch.
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How is Mandaadi?
Soori delivers a solid, realistic performance as Kaali. Suhaas is fantastic as the villain, Saatta Puli. Mahima Nambiar is decent as Angel, while Sathyaraj is perfect as the coach Muni. Ravindra Vijay and the actor playing Mallesh also do their jobs well. Technically, GV Prakash Kumar's background score shines, especially during the races. SR Kathir's cinematography gives the film a raw feel. Director Mathimaran Pugazhendhi had a good story but struggled with a slow first half, though he managed to pull it back in the end.
