Mathimaaran clarifies that Mandaadi will not adhere to a sports drama template, which typically moves from one game to another and eventually to an all-important final match in the climax. “Though you will witness lots of the game, the film is not just about that. I have planned a non-linear narration tying this game to everyone’s lives and how the dynamics within them change because of this game. The drama part in the sports-drama is about a person’s redemption and a second chance at life. Mandaadi is as much a story where human emotions are at play as it is a story about a sailing game,” he shares. The director says the six-month-long pre-production, which is currently underway, will help him with the technical challenges of shooting a film that is predominantly set in the ocean. “Your expertise with lens, shot and angles on the land will be of no use on the ocean. An angle change on the land could be done in 30 seconds, it may take hours on the ocean. I have planned to film in Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, and Thanjavur. It’s going to be a huge task, but I have immense faith in my skilled team of technicians,” he says. Apart from Soori, the film has Mahima Nambiar playing the female lead, with actors Sathyaraj, Achyuth Kumar, Sachana Namidass, and Ravindra Vijay in central roles.

The film’s technical crew comprises composer GV Prakash, cinematographer SR Kathir, editor Pradeep E Ragav and stunt choreographer Peter Hein. Mandaadi, bankrolled by Elred Kumar’s RS Infotainment, has filmmaker Vetrimaaran as the creative producer.