Actor Soori, leading director Mathimaran Pugazhendi’s much-anticipated action entertainer ‘Mandaadi’, has taken a bold step by performing all high-risk stunts filmed at sea himself, according to industry sources.
For those who may not know, ‘Mandaadi’ is set to be a major milestone in Soori’s career, marking the largest and most ambitious project he has tackled thus far. The film presents him in a powerful, performance-driven role, supported by a strong narrative and significant physical transformation. This project represents a turning point in his career, showcasing him in a scale and space previously unseen.
One of the film’s key strengths lies in Soori’s extraordinary physical commitment. The actor has personally executed all high-risk action sequences without the use of body doubles, as per sources.
To prepare for the extensive sailboat racing scenes, Soori underwent rigorous training over several months, mastering both the physical and technical demands of the sport. This level of dedication has not only added authenticity but also emotional depth to the film, significantly enhancing its realism and cinematic appeal.
‘Mandaadi’ is positioned as a pan-Indian release, set to premiere in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi in the summer of 2026. Its universal themes, rooted emotions, and large-scale storytelling aim to resonate with audiences across different languages and regions.
A major highlight will be the sailboat racing sequences, which will serve as the core visual and emotional backbone of the narrative. Designed to offer a high-adrenaline cinematic experience, these sequences promise a unique spectacle for Indian viewers. The scale, intensity, and technical finesse are expected to work in the film’s favor.
To achieve this vision, the filmmakers have partnered with international action specialists and utilized advanced filming technologies, including global-standard sports camera equipment. These elements contribute to a level of realism and visual sophistication that is rarely seen in Indian cinema.
The action design is led by renowned stunt choreographer Peter Hein, who dedicated nearly 60 days to the project. The overall production has been developed on a substantial budget of around ₹75 crores.
‘Mandaadi’ also boasts a strong technical team. Music has been composed by G.V. Prakash Kumar, whose score is anticipated to elevate both the emotional and dramatic layers of the film. Cinematography is overseen by S.R. Kathir, known for his visually striking and realistic frames, while D.R.K. Kiran leads production design. Editing by Pradeep E. Ragav aims to ensure a concise and engaging narrative flow. The action choreography is managed by Peter Hein, sound design by Prathap, and visual effects by R. Harihara Suthan.
