Mandaadi

“Mathimaran Pugazhendhi's 'Mandaadi' is a rock-solid drama set against a boat-racing background. Soori gives an affecting physical and emotional performance as Kaali, a man from Ramanathapuram who's an ace boat racer.”

“Mandaadi may follow a familiar sports-drama rulebook, but its thrilling boat races and terrific performances make the ride well worth taking. Mandaadi proves that you do not necessarily need to reinvent the sports drama formula to make it work. Its familiar story and stretched flashback portion occasionally hold it back, but the terrific boat races, strong performances and Mathimaran Pugazhendhi's assured direction make this an entertaining ride, especially when the action hits the high seas.”

“There have been several sports dramas in Tamil cinema, but Mandaadi scores simply because it takes us into a sporting world that has hardly been explored on screen.”

“Soori shines in this refreshing sports drama with thrilling boat races, stunning visuals and a strong Suhas.”

“Mandaadi is an uneven ride but it has enough going for it. The performances are solid, the sailboat [sequence provides visual appeal].”

“Actor Soori anchors the film with a physical performance that adds to his growing reputation as a serious leading man, but the screenplay struggles to sustain its unique premise across the full runtime.”

“With powerful performances, emotional exchanges and cultural documentation, the film renews the bond between the sea and the fishers, with the rest making the narrative slips negligible. That's the biggest trophy Mandaadi wins.”

“Mandaadi works in parts, blending a traditional water sport with a clash of pride and ego. Committed performances from Soori and Suhas, energetic boat-racing episodes, and a thunderous score work in its favour.”

“Director Mathimaran Pugazhendhi's Mandaadi, starring Soori, Suhas and Mahima Nambiar, is an interesting film centred on a sailboat race. The film tackles themes of friendship, mentorship, betrayal and second chances in life.”

“Mandaadi only offers water based stunts and even they seem regular at places. With better writing and the similar effort behind narrating the screenplay in proper pacing, the movie would have been much better. Movie lacks strong impact while sea sequences are shot well, the narrative feels too lethargic and predictable.”

“Mandaadi is a typical mass movie with backstabbing and shifting loyalties that brings freshness through its unique backdrop and sports-drama angle, but after a decent first half, the movie descends into an overwhelmingly predictable zone and ends up as a strictly passable affair.”

“Mandaadi is another example of how good, earnest writing and filmmaking can deliver a neat, engaging film even with a routine template. The sailboat racing scenes stand out as major highlights, with meticulously planned and executed action choreography, and the film shines best when it stays on the many personal, complicated spaces between the characters.”

“Soori's Charisma Sails Through A Painfully Predictable Plot”