Director Mathimaran Pugazhendhi's upcoming ambitious project, Mandaadi, is creating waves with its unique premise centered on the world of competitive sailboat racing. The film, which pits popular actor Soori against Tollywood star Suhas, is shaping up to be a high-stakes cinematic venture with a reported budget of ₹75 crore.
Cast Expansion and Character Details
The ensemble cast of Mandaadi is gaining more depth with the latest addition of actor Mithun Jai Sankar, known for his role in 'Tourist Family'. He is set to portray a key character as a sailboat player. Meanwhile, actress Mahima Nambiar, who will be seen opposite Soori, is confirmed to have a challenging part that requires her to appear in two distinct looks – as a young girl and later as a middle-aged woman.
A source from the film's team revealed that casting the heroine was not an easy task. "Many actresses were hesitant to take on the role, partly due to the requirement of playing dual ages and also because of initial reservations about pairing with Soori anna. This was all before his recent success in 'Maaman'," the source shared, highlighting the evolving dynamics in the industry.
Authentic Seaside Shoot and Immense Challenges
In a bid to achieve utmost realism, the production has set up camp in the coastal town of Thondi in Ramanathapuram. The team is committed to shooting the extensive sea sequences entirely on the actual sea, a decision that brings a host of logistical hurdles.
"Shooting on the open water is a different beast altogether," explained the source. "Retakes aren't instant. The sailboats are constantly moving with the waves, and resetting a shot takes considerable time. We're at the mercy of the wind; if it changes direction, the boats drift, and we lose our frame." The challenges were starkly evident when the team suffered a setback in October, losing a full day's footage after a camera accidentally fell into the water, necessitating a complete reshoot of those portions.
High-Octane Action and Pan-India Ambitions
Recognizing the film as his most significant lead role to date, Soori is reportedly going all out. He, along with other cast members, underwent specialized sailboat training with local experts in Thondi. Demonstrating his dedication, Soori is performing the film's risky action sequences on the sea himself, without using a body double.
The action is being masterminded by renowned choreographer Peter Hein, who has dedicated nearly 60 days to designing the stunts. For the crucial sailboat racing scenes, the makers have enlisted foreign action specialists and deployed international sports cameras and high-end filming equipment. The source emphasized that the film relies heavily on practical effects, with almost 90% of the visuals shot live and minimal use of VFX.
With its universal theme of sports and adventure, Mandaadi is being crafted as a pan-Indian release. The team is currently dubbing the film in Telugu and Hindi to ensure it reaches a wide audience across the country, marking a major step for the team and its leading hero.
