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What is the story about?
Soori's latest film Mandaadi has officially arrived in theatres, and the coastal sports drama is already creating a buzz among moviegoers. Directed by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi, the film hit the big screens on September 10 and takes audiences into the world of traditional sailboat racing in Tamil Nadu's coastal communities.
Set against the backdrop of the sea, Mandaadi follows a story of rivalry, redemption, relationships and community pride. Soori plays Muthukaali, also known as Kaali, a man whose past and present become connected through the world of boat racing. The film also stars Suhas, Mahima Nambiar, Sathyaraj and Mithun Jai Shankar in important roles.
While the film has received praise for exploring a sporting world rarely seen in Indian cinema, viewers and critics have also appreciated its thrilling boat racing sequences, striking visuals, background score and performances. Social media platform X has been filled with positive reactions from audiences following the film's release.
Trade expert Ramesh Bala gave the film a glowing review, writing, "#Mandaadi [5/5]: Rarely a movie puts a tick on everything." He praised the story, screenplay, acting, direction, action and music, while also calling the film an "Ultimate Cinematic High". He highlighted the powerful boat racing backdrop and the emotional impact of the story.
Another viewer described Mandaadi as a "marvel of a making" and praised director Mathimaran Pugazhendhi for bringing authenticity and nativity to the screen. The viewer also praised Soori's performance, saying the actor convincingly looks like someone who has spent his entire life on the sea. The film's cinematography, especially the boat sequences, and GV Prakash Kumar's music also received special appreciation.
One social media user felt that the emotional moments became even stronger in the second half of the film. The viewer praised the screenplay for bringing every character into the story and appreciated the narrative's smooth flow.
Another reaction called Mandaadi an overall good watch, with particular praise for Soori's performance and Suhas' role. “#Mandaadi — OVERALL A GOOD WATCH! Soori delivers a fantastic performance, Suhas shines as the baddie, and the final 30 minutes are simply EXTRAORDINARY! A SURESHOT THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE! #MANDAADI #SOORI #SUHAS,” the user wrote.
The boat racing sequences, especially those during the interval and climax, have emerged as one of the biggest talking points among viewers. One user called the film a raw and intense experience set against the world of boat racing, adding that the interval and climax sequences were the major highlights. The viewer also praised Soori's performance and described the film as a winner.
Another moviegoer said they were left awestruck by the execution of the climax sequence. "Watched it in EPIQ screen and those last 30 mins was Goosebumps theatrical moment. Worth the experience. Both Soori and Suhas given their soul for the film," the tweet read.
One audience member summed up their experience by writing that the viewers in the theatre were left stunned after the climax. Calling the film a "blockbuster" and a must-watch, the user praised the passion and conviction behind the film.
Mandaadi has largely received positive responses for taking audiences into the world of Tamil Nadu's coastal communities and traditional boat racing. With Soori's performance, Suhas' intense role, breathtaking sea sequences and a much-talked-about climax earning praise, the film appears to be making a strong impression among audiences in its opening days.
Also Read: 'The Revolutionaries' review | A gritty, well-crafted chronicle of armed rebellion that aims high
Set against the backdrop of the sea, Mandaadi follows a story of rivalry, redemption, relationships and community pride. Soori plays Muthukaali, also known as Kaali, a man whose past and present become connected through the world of boat racing. The film also stars Suhas, Mahima Nambiar, Sathyaraj and Mithun Jai Shankar in important roles.
While the film has received praise for exploring a sporting world rarely seen in Indian cinema, viewers and critics have also appreciated its thrilling boat racing sequences, striking visuals, background score and performances. Social media platform X has been filled with positive reactions from audiences following the film's release.
Trade expert Ramesh Bala gave the film a glowing review, writing, "#Mandaadi [5/5]: Rarely a movie puts a tick on everything." He praised the story, screenplay, acting, direction, action and music, while also calling the film an "Ultimate Cinematic High". He highlighted the powerful boat racing backdrop and the emotional impact of the story.
#Mandaadi
[5/5] : Rarely a movie puts a ✔️ on everything...
Story ✔️ Screenplay ✔️ Acting ✔️
Direction ✔️ Action ✔️ Music ✔️
20 years in exile.. A man returns to his native to seek redemption..
Powerful Boatracing back drop..
Emotions work big time..
Ultimate… pic.twitter.com/t7fZgq82uD
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) September 10, 2026
Another viewer described Mandaadi as a "marvel of a making" and praised director Mathimaran Pugazhendhi for bringing authenticity and nativity to the screen. The viewer also praised Soori's performance, saying the actor convincingly looks like someone who has spent his entire life on the sea. The film's cinematography, especially the boat sequences, and GV Prakash Kumar's music also received special appreciation.
#Mandaadi - A MARVEL OF A MAKING! ????????
Huge kudos to director Mathimaran Pugazhendhi for nailing the nativity & authenticity. #Soori anna is brilliant he genuinely looks and lives like a man who has sailed these waters all his life! ????????????????
Every actor fits perfectly. S.R.… pic.twitter.com/f5NJVipN2Q
— VJ Santhosh aka LavyyBoii (@VJSanthosh02) September 10, 2026
One social media user felt that the emotional moments became even stronger in the second half of the film. The viewer praised the screenplay for bringing every character into the story and appreciated the narrative's smooth flow.
#Mandaadi – సెకండ్ హాఫ్లో ఎమోషన్స్ మరింతగా కనెక్ట్ అవుతాయి ????
ప్రతి క్యారెక్టర్ను కథలో భాగం చేస్తూ.. స్క్రీన్ప్లేను చాలా ఇంటెలిజెంట్గా నడిపించిన తీరు ఆకట్టుకుంటుంది ???? సీన్ టు సీన్ మంచి ఫ్లోతో కథ ముందుకు సాగుతూ.. క్లయిమాక్స్లో వచ్చే బోట్ రేస్ సినిమాకి మాస్ హై ఇస్తే, చివర్లో… https://t.co/4I2exUbq5c pic.twitter.com/NQ3RB8ULUL
— Sai Satish (@PROSaiSatish) September 10, 2026
Another reaction called Mandaadi an overall good watch, with particular praise for Soori's performance and Suhas' role. “#Mandaadi — OVERALL A GOOD WATCH! Soori delivers a fantastic performance, Suhas shines as the baddie, and the final 30 minutes are simply EXTRAORDINARY! A SURESHOT THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE! #MANDAADI #SOORI #SUHAS,” the user wrote.
#Mandaadi — OVERALL A GOOD WATCH! ????????
Soori delivers a fantastic performance, Suhas shines as the baddie, and the final 30 minutes are simply EXTRAORDINARY! ????????
A SURESHOT THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE! ???? #MANDAADI #SOORI #SUHAS pic.twitter.com/eh0OdvAIIW
— Karthikuuu (@Anchor_Karthik_) September 10, 2026
The boat racing sequences, especially those during the interval and climax, have emerged as one of the biggest talking points among viewers. One user called the film a raw and intense experience set against the world of boat racing, adding that the interval and climax sequences were the major highlights. The viewer also praised Soori's performance and described the film as a winner.
#Mandaadi — A raw, intense movie set against the backdrop of boat racing! ????????
Feels like a Vetrimaaran-style world...
The interval and climax boat race sequences are the major highlights.
Crisp runtime...
Soori delivers a solid performance! ????????
WINNER ???????? pic.twitter.com/b2QLXyrLdC
— Karthik Ravivarma (@Karthikravivarm) September 10, 2026
Another moviegoer said they were left awestruck by the execution of the climax sequence. "Watched it in EPIQ screen and those last 30 mins was Goosebumps theatrical moment. Worth the experience. Both Soori and Suhas given their soul for the film," the tweet read.
#Mandaadi - Literally Awestruck with how they have pulled of the Climax sequence. What an extraordinary efforts and execution????????
Watched it in EPIQ screen and those last 30 mins was Goosebumps theatrical moment. Worth the experience ????
Both Soori and Suhas given their soul for… pic.twitter.com/h3yo3c503V
— AmuthaBharathi (@CinemaWithAB) September 10, 2026
One audience member summed up their experience by writing that the viewers in the theatre were left stunned after the climax. Calling the film a "blockbuster" and a must-watch, the user praised the passion and conviction behind the film.
#Mandaadi - Climax aipoyaaka stun aipoyaru audience ikkada ????
What a film man. What a passion. What a conviction ????
BLOCKBUSTER and a Must Watch???? pic.twitter.com/wuPsVluGCx
— Sumanth (@SumanthOffl) September 10, 2026
Mandaadi has largely received positive responses for taking audiences into the world of Tamil Nadu's coastal communities and traditional boat racing. With Soori's performance, Suhas' intense role, breathtaking sea sequences and a much-talked-about climax earning praise, the film appears to be making a strong impression among audiences in its opening days.
Also Read: 'The Revolutionaries' review | A gritty, well-crafted chronicle of armed rebellion that aims high
