Mandaadi

Scintillating sail despite some turbulenceWith powerful performances, emotional exchanges and cultural documentation, the film renews the bond between the sea and the fishers, with the rest making the narrative slips negligible.

Mahima Nambiar has a significant role with a strong character arc, and she provides the important emotional connection between various characters in this film.

Mandaadi is another example of how good, earnest writing and filmmaking can deliver a neat, engaging film even with a routine template.

When the film leaves the water and becomes a land-based drama about power, exploitation and survival, the screenplay loses the specificity that made the sea portions so compelling.

The performances are solid, the sailboat racing gives the film a distinct setting, and a terrific climactic race sequence makes a strong case for the film.