Soori’s Intense Sea Training Goes Viral for ‘Mandaadi’: Dedication Written in Blood, Sweat, and Unwavering Commitment!

Tamil actor Soori, who has successfully transitioned from comedy roles to intense lead performances, is going all out for his upcoming maritime action-drama Mandaadi. Directed by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi (also credited as Pugazhendhi Mathimaran), the film revolves around a traditional sailboat race held during festivals along Tamil Nadu’s coastline, particularly in the Cuddalore region. It celebrates the maritime heritage, with the protagonist (a fishing team leader played by Soori) relying on his mastery of ocean currents, wind patterns, and sea knowledge to lead his six-member team to victory.

Produced by Elred Kumar under RS Infotainment, Mandaadi features a strong ensemble cast including Telugu actor Suhas (as the antagonist in the Tamil version), Mahima Nambiar as the female lead, Sathyaraj, Ravindra Vijay, Achyuth Kumar, and others in pivotal roles. The technical team includes music composer G.V. Prakash Kumar, cinematographer S.R. Kathir, editor Pradeep E. Ragav, and action choreography by Peter Hein (with foreign specialists roped in for the sailboat racing sequences).

The film, made on a big budget (around ₹75-80 crore), is a pan-Indian project set for release in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi during summer 2026 (with some reports pointing to late April or May 2026). Shooting is progressing rapidly, with nearly 70% complete despite a past setback when a boat capsized during filming last year, causing equipment loss.

In the latest update, Soori shared a powerful behind-the-scenes (BTS) video on social media showing his rigorous sea training. The clip captures him performing intense workouts directly on a boat in the middle of the ocean — using simple onboard tools, balancing on suspended logs for push-ups, and executing high-risk stunts without any body doubles. He captioned it describing ‘Mandaadi’ as “a journey written in blood, sweat, and unwavering dedication.”

The video has gone viral, with fans praising Soori’s commitment to realism and authenticity in portraying the demanding sea-based role. The film’s extensive ocean sequences are being shot live for maximum impact, highlighting his physical transformation and grit.