Soori Credits Vetri Maaran for His Success at ‘Mandaadi’ Audio Launch, Details Grueling Sea Shoot

Chennai: The audio launch event for the upcoming Tamil sports drama Mandaadi became a deeply emotional affair as lead actor Soori took the stage to pay tribute to his mentor, filmmaker Vetri Maaran. Directed by Mathirmaran, the film is poised for a theatrical release on September 10.

A Career Shaped by Mentorship

Addressing the audience, Soori reflected on his transformative journey in the industry. He explicitly credited the acclaimed director for his career trajectory, stating, “Whatever I have achieved so far, and whatever I achieve from here, the reason is Vetri Maaran. The seed you planted has grown into a tree. Thank you, sir.”

Soori emphasized that the team behind Mandaadi prioritized authentic storytelling over grand spectacle, noting, “They did not take risks just for the film; they made the risk itself into the film.”

Decoding ‘Mandaadi’

The actor also took the opportunity to demystify the film’s unique title, which he noted had initially puzzled many. He explained that “Mandaadi” refers to the leader and guide of a six-member boat racing crew. Soori shared anecdotes about the constant need to clarify the term to the public, adding that the praise he has received for his performance has been deeply validating. He also lauded the contribution of music composer GV Prakash Kumar, promising that the audience would fully grasp the depth of the musical score once the film hits the screen.

Two Months in Open Waters

Perhaps the most striking revelation from the event was the physical and emotional toll the production took on the cast and crew. Soori disclosed that the original shooting schedule—which aimed for 80% of the film to be shot in a swimming pool and only 20% in the sea—was completely upended.

“We ended up shooting in the sea for two months,” Soori shared. He described the difficulty of being separated from his family, relying solely on video calls to stay connected during the demanding schedule. He humorously recounted how Vetri Maaran had teased them about the production, noting that even a massive project like Titanic utilized controlled sets for many sequences, whereas the Mandaadi team opted for the authenticity of the real ocean.

A High-Octane Thriller

Mandaadi promises to be a gripping sea-based sports drama, featuring Mahima Nambiar and Sugas alongside Soori. With the film’s release date fast approaching, anticipation is high for what is described as a high-octane cinematic experience. Reflecting on the final product, an optimistic Soori concluded, “The film has come out well. I am sure you will like it.”