Superstar Rajinikanth has added a special moment to the theatrical journey of Soori's latest film Mandaadi after watching the movie and personally calling the actor to appreciate his work. The interaction has become a talking point among Tamil cinema fans, particularly because Soori has described the Superstar's appreciation as a priceless moment.
Mandaadi was released in theatres on September 10, 2026. The Tamil film stars Soori in the lead role and is directed by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi. The movie has attracted attention for its sea-based setting, boat-racing sequences and performances. Recent reports have also highlighted the film's theatrical run and the response to Soori's performance.
According to reports, Rajinikanth watched Mandaadi and contacted Soori after seeing the film. During the conversation, the Superstar appreciated the film and Soori's performance. Soori subsequently shared the special moment with his followers on social media, expressing his happiness over receiving recognition from one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema.
For Soori, the appreciation carries particular significance because his career has undergone a major transformation in recent years. He spent a large part of his early career playing comedy and supporting roles before gradually moving into more substantial lead performances. Films such as Viduthalai helped establish him in a different kind of role, and Mandaadi continues that progression.
Soori's transition from comedian to leading actor has been one of the notable developments in contemporary Tamil cinema. His performances have increasingly focused on dramatic characters, emotional situations and physically demanding roles. Mandaadi is another project in which he takes on a central character in a story built around the sea and competitive boat racing.
The film is directed by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi, who previously directed Selfie. Mandaadi brings together a cast that includes Soori, Telugu actor Suhas and Mahima Nambiar, along with other prominent performers. The film has been produced by Elred Kumar under the RS Infotainment banner, with Vetrimaaran associated with the project as creative producer.
The movie's production involved extensive work at sea, making the project physically demanding for the cast and crew. Soori has spoken about the challenges involved in filming the project, including an extended period of shooting in marine locations. The demanding production process has been one of the notable aspects associated with the film.
The story of Mandaadi is connected to boat racing and the lives of people living around the sea. Its setting gives the film a visual identity that differs from many conventional Tamil sports dramas. Reviews and audience reactions have particularly focused on the performances and the sequences filmed on water.
Rajinikanth's appreciation comes at an important stage in the film's theatrical journey. While a Superstar's personal reaction does not determine a film's overall critical or commercial performance, such recognition can create additional interest among audiences. For Soori and the Mandaadi team, the gesture represents encouragement from a senior figure whose career has had a major influence on Tamil cinema.
Soori's social media post about the interaction helped bring the moment to a wider audience. The actor's description of the call as a priceless moment reflected the personal importance he attached to Rajinikanth's words. For an actor who has spent years working his way from comedy roles to leading parts, appreciation from an iconic performer can carry considerable emotional value.
The response to Mandaadi has also extended beyond Rajinikanth's comments. Filmmaker Vetrimaaran has publicly praised the film and its team, with reports quoting him as calling it the first blockbuster from among his former assistants. Such comments have contributed to the attention surrounding Mathimaran Pugazhendhi's directorial work and Soori's performance.
At the same time, reviews of Mandaadi have offered varied observations about the film. Some critics have praised the water-based sequences and performances, particularly the work of Soori and Suhas. The Indian Express, for example, highlighted the strength of the film's water sequences while noting that the narrative is less consistent when the story moves away from that setting.
The film's sea-based action is an important part of its identity. The boat-racing portions required considerable physical preparation and technical planning. The combination of action, sport and drama gives Mandaadi a distinct visual approach, while Soori's central performance remains one of the major points of discussion surrounding the movie.
For Soori, the recognition from Rajinikanth is also meaningful because of the changing perception of his career. The actor has spoken about the responsibility he now feels as a leading man and his decision to become more selective about the projects he accepts. His journey reflects a wider shift in Tamil cinema, where performers known primarily for comedy or supporting roles have increasingly moved into dramatic leading parts.
Mandaadi represents another step in that journey. The film gives Soori an opportunity to carry a story built around a physically demanding environment and a character-driven sports narrative. The response from audiences and fellow members of the film industry will be important as the movie continues its theatrical run.
Rajinikanth's call has therefore become one of the most memorable off-screen moments associated with Mandaadi's release. Rather than being a formal promotional event, the interaction came after the Superstar watched the film and chose to personally convey his appreciation to Soori.
The gesture has also generated positive reactions among fans of both actors. Rajinikanth remains one of the most influential stars in Tamil cinema, while Soori has established himself as an increasingly prominent leading performer. The interaction between the two actors has consequently attracted attention beyond the film's immediate audience.
Mandaadi's theatrical run is continuing, and further developments regarding its box office performance and eventual digital release are expected. The film's post-theatrical streaming rights have been reported as being acquired by Netflix, although streaming availability should be confirmed closer to the official digital release.
For now, the focus remains on the theatrical response and the appreciation the film has received from prominent figures in the industry. Rajinikanth's personal call to Soori has given the actor another reason to celebrate the film's journey.
The moment also reflects the importance of encouragement within the film industry. For Soori, who has worked for years across different kinds of roles before establishing himself as a leading actor, receiving appreciation directly from Rajinikanth represents a significant personal milestone.
As Mandaadi continues its theatrical run, the film will remain an important project in Soori's evolving career. The movie has already brought attention to his transformation as a performer, while Mathimaran Pugazhendhi's direction and the film's sea-based action have contributed to its identity.
Rajinikanth's appreciation has now added another memorable chapter to that journey. Soori's decision to share the interaction with audiences has allowed fans to witness the emotional value of the moment for the actor and his team. While the Superstar's praise is a personal endorsement rather than a measure of the film's overall reception, it has undoubtedly created additional interest around Mandaadi.