Actor Soori expressed his gratitude to filmmaker Vetri Maaran for the role he has played in shaping his career at the audio launch of his upcoming film Mandaadi in Chennai on Friday. Addressing Vetri Maaran at the event, Soori said that the applause and whistles he has received from audiences over the years are ultimately a result of the filmmaker’s contribution to his journey.
“Even if I repeat certain words several times, they never get boring. So, I’m going to repeat this again — all this applause and whistles are because of you, Vetri Maaran. This applause, these whistles, they are all for you,” he said. Soori went on to acknowledge Vetri Maaran’s contribution to his journey from a comedian to a leading actor. “If I have come this far, if I have reached this point and continue to go further, it is all because of you,” he added.
Drawing an analogy, Soori said that Vetri Maaran had planted a seed that continued to grow despite the challenges along the way. “No matter how much rain, storm or strong wind comes, the seed you planted has grown into a plant and continues to flourish. There will definitely be strong winds and storms. Whatever comes our way, you have made sure that the plant doesn’t break. You have balanced it, protected it and carried it forward safely,” he said.
Vetri Maaran directed Soori in Viduthalai Part 1 and Part 2, which marked a significant turning point in the actor’s career. Soori, who was predominantly known for his comedy roles, transitioned into leading roles following the films and went on to headline films including Garudan, Kottukkaali and Maaman.
Mandaadi, meanwhile, is a sea-based sports action drama written and directed by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi. Soori plays the leader of a fishing expedition team who is skilled at reading ocean currents, wind and fish movements. The film revolves around a sailing boat race peculiar to a 100-kilometre stretch of the Tamil Nadu coastline, with six-member teams competing in the annual event.
The film has also been notable for its demanding production, with much of it shot in the sea and Soori performing intense ocean-based action sequences without a body double. The production had earlier faced an accident when a boat capsized during filming in Ramanathapuram.
Mandaadi stars Suhas as the antagonist, alongside Mahima Nambiar, Sathyaraj, Achyuth Kumar, Sachana Namidass and Ravindra Vijay. Produced by Elred Kumar under RS Infotainment, the film has music by GV Prakash Kumar, cinematography by SR Kathir and editing by Pradeep E Ragav. It is scheduled to hit theatres on September 10.
