Cinema VinesIn a surprising turn of events, the legendary Tamil actor Rajinikanth took the time to call Soori, the star of the rural drama Mandaadi, to personally commend the film’s performance and the actor’s work. The call, which was shared by Soori on his X account, has become a talking point among fans, with the superstar’s praise described as a “greatest blessing.”
Released last Thursday, Mandaadi follows the story of Muthukaali, played by Soori, a former champion boat racer who now works as a lifeguard in Chennai. After leaving his coastal village years earlier following a tragic incident, Muthukaali’s life takes a turn when a local boy, Maari, played by Mithun Jai Shankar, escapes after a clash with the powerful racer Saattapuli, portrayed by Telugu actor Suhas in his Tamil debut. Maari’s ambition to form an all‑local team to challenge Saattapuli’s dominance brings him to Muthukaali, who agrees to coach the underdog crew.
The film’s authenticity stems from its production choices: the crew shot the boat‑racing sequences directly in the open ocean for two months, capturing genuine water‑racing action. The action choreography, led by Peter Hein, features intense boat‑to‑boat sequences that have drawn praise from audiences and critics alike.
Since its release, Mandaadi has received positive reviews and has been performing well at the box office. The film’s success is further highlighted by the personal endorsement from Rajinikanth, who called Soori and expressed his admiration for the movie and the actor’s performance.
Meanwhile, Rajinikanth’s fans are eagerly awaiting his next venture, the sequel to Jailer. Scheduled for release on October 15, Jailer 2 is directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and promises to bring back the iconic character Tiger Muthuvel Pandian. The original Jailer grossed over ₹604.50 crore worldwide, setting high expectations for its successor.
