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Mandela (2021 film)

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Mandela
GenrePolitical satire
Comedy drama
Written byMadonne Ashwin
Directed byMadonne Ashwin
StarringYogi Babu
Sheela Rajkumar
Music byBharath Sankar
Country of originIndia
Original languageTamil
Production
ProducersS. Sashikanth
Chakravarthy Ramachandra
Balaji Mohan
CinematographyVidhu Ayyanna
EditorPhilomin Raj
Running time140 minutes
Production companiesYNOT Studios
Reliance Entertainment
Open Window Productions
Wishberry Films
Original release
NetworkStar Vijay
ReleaseApril 4, 2021 (2021-04-04)

Mandela is a 2021 Indian Tamil-language political satire television film written and directed by Madonne Ashwin on his directorial debut and produced by S. Sashikanth and Ramachandra of YNOT Studios while director Balaji Mohan, co-produced the film under his banner Open Window Productions. The film being titled after the late South African President Nelson Mandela, stars Yogi Babu in the titular lead role while Sheela Rajkumar, Kanna Ravi, Sangili Murugan and G. M. Sundar play supportive roles.[1] The music for the film is composed by Bharath Sankar, whereas cinematography and editing were handled by Vidhu Ayyanna and Philomin Raj respectively.

The film is set on the backdrop of a village panchayat election scenario between two political parties where a local barber's vote will determine the fate of the election.[1] The film was directly released via Star Vijay on 4 April 2021 and internationally through Netflix, the following day.[2] The film received universal acclaim praising the script, performances and technical aspects of the film. It was shortlisted as one among the 14 Indian films to be nominated for Best Foreign Film at the 94th Academy Awards scheduled to be held in mid-2022.[3][4][5] At the 68th National Film Awards, it won 2 awards for Best Debut Film of a Director and Best Screenplay (Dialogues), both for Madonne Ashwin. The film was remade in Telugu as Martin Luther King (2023).[6]

Plot

[edit]

In a small village named Soorangudi in Tamil Nadu, the population is around 840 people, and it is split into two caste-based factions, Northerners and Southerners. The long-unopposed village president, a follower of caste indiscrimination, has two wives, a Northerner and a Southerner. His elder son's mother is a Northerner, and the mother of the younger son is a Southerner. Both sides are led by their respective son. Both side have been at odds with each other, hampering any development in the village.

During an opening of a public toilet in the village, a feud breaks out between the Northerners and Southerners, and the neglected president becomes paralysed. Since village election is months away, and taking into account the president's health, the MLA suggests he appoint one of his sons, Rathinam or Mathi, as his successor. The MLA needs the president for a work contract of 3 crore. Unable to reach a conclusion, the two brothers decide to contest the election against each other. The election is divided along caste lines. Based on pre-polling, it turns out the vote is evenly split.

Smile is a homeless lower-caste local barber living in Soorangudi. He lives with his assistant Side Burn in a banyan tree. One day he visits a post office for a money deposit. Since he doesn't have an identification card yet, the postmaster helps him apply for a new identification card. The postmaster suggests he don a new name, 'Nelson Mandela', citing Nelson Mandela as an metaphor for the fact that Smile is not on any side in the election.

When Mandela's voter ID and list arrives, both of the brothers try to win his vote by continuously giving him gifts, fulfilling Mandela's wants. However, after many days when Mandela is still undecided, the MLA suggests that they auction off Mandela's vote. During the auction, Mandela's assistant reveals that the losing side plan to maim him. His assistant tricks the brothers into abandon the auction by falsely claiming that the president has died. When the brothers find out they have been lied to, they brutally thrash them and disallow them from leaving the village.

Both brothers give up hope on gaining Mandela's vote. However, when the MLA reveal the full amount of work contract is worth 30 crore, both the brothers have a renewed enthusiasm to win Mandela's vote and the election. They again try to win the favour of Mandela. However, this time Mandela demands the money they declare during auction be used for various development of the village, and that he will vote for the one who contributed most to the development of the village. Both of the brothers reluctantly yield to his demand, but are annoyed by all the trouble they have to go through for Mandela's vote. Both sides agree that the losing side will kill him.

On election day, the postmaster suggests that Mandela escape the village after casting his vote, but Mandela insists that he must carry on his father's legacy of running the barber shop. Mandela returns to his banyan tree after casting his vote, while thugs sent by the brothers wait for election results, ready to kill Mandela. The president, postmaster, and many villagers come to Mandela's aid on the pretext of getting a haircut. The ending scene shows a standoff between the two brothers, others, and Mandela with the villagers, all while the election result is being declared.

Cast

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  • Yogi Babu as Nelson Mandela (Smile)
  • Sheela Rajkumar as Thenmozhi
  • Sangili Murugan as Periya Ayya
  • Mukesh as Kirudha
  • G. M. Sundar as Rathinam
  • Kanna Ravi as Mathi
  • Shankar Thas as Kaalai
  • Douglas Kumaramoorthy as Bala
  • Kalki as Isakki
  • A. Gunaseelan as Marudhu
  • Aaru Bala as Murugesan
  • Prasanna Balachandran as Sudalai
  • Pandiyammal as Devi
  • Senthi Kumari as Valli
  • Deepa Shankar as Rathinam's wife
  • George Maryan as BDO Officer
  • Saranya Ravichandran as Vairamuthu
  • Subadhini Subramanian as Isakki's wife
  • Semmalar Annam as Murugesan's wife
  • Master Lingesh as Murugesan's son
  • ARK as MLA
  • V. Gopiraam as MLA's PA
  • V. Vignesh as Pragatheesh
  • Yazar as Mookayi's grandson
  • Sai Shankar as Thenmozhi's father
  • Allwin Ramaiah as Bus Conductor
  • Sonaimuthu as Pichamuthu
  • J. S. Manikuzhalan as Pichamuthu's son
  • Panjavarnam as Bakkiyam
  • Kasthuri as Kaalai's wife
  • Balaji Ayya as Siruttu Thatha
  • Oru Kodi Muthamma as Muthupatti
  • Kumki Meenakshi as Mookayi
  • Prakash as MLA's Driver

Production

[edit]

The film was announced by debutant director Madonne Ashwin in July 2019, and principal photography began the very same day.[7] Yogi Babu was chosen to play the lead role as a barber.[8] Director Balaji Mohan came on board as co-producer of the film which also marked his maiden feature film production venture for his Open Window Productions banner. Madonne who was a participant in the reality show Naalaya Iyakunar came up with the script to Balaji who expressed his interest in setting a production venture, but to have a wide reach, he approached S. Sashikanth to jointly produce the film. Talking about the script, Balaji stated, "It is a social satire, set against a rural backdrop. It talks about quite a few things that are relevant in today’s scenario. Though it will have humour, it will be more sensible and meaningful."[9] Principal photography wrapped in November 2019 with just a single schedule.[10]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Mandela
Soundtrack album by
Bharath Sankar
Released28 March 2021 (2021-03-28)
Recorded2020
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length23:20
LanguageTamil
LabelSony Music
ProducerBharath Sankar
Bharath Sankar chronology
Dharala Prabhu
(2020) 		Mandela
(2021) 		Ammu
(2022)
Singles from Mandela
  1. "Oru Needhi Onbadhu Saadhi"
    Released: 19 March 2021

The music is composed by Bharath Sankar of the Oorka band. The soundtrack album featured six tracks with lyrics written by Yugabharathi, Arivu, Mamiliva Randriamihajasoa, Pradeep Kumar and Bharath Sankar. One song "Oru Needhi Onbadhu Saadhi" was released as a single on 19 March 2021,[11] and the remaining tracks were released on 28 March 2021, through Sony Music label.[12]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Oru Needhi Onbadhu Saadhi"YugabharathiAnthakudi Ilayaraja4:42
2."Yela Yelo"ArivuArivu2:50
3."Mic Testing"ArivuMano Eswaran, Dhanush4:24
4."Ela Mandela"ArivuAnthony Daasan, Musa Mashiane4:32
5."Mandela Tribute"Bharath SankarBharath Sankar3:26
6."Iaino – To Live"Mamiliva Randriamihajasoa, Pradeep KumarBharath Sankar, Tsanta Randri, Vololona Randriamihajasoa3:26

Release

[edit]

In March 2021, YNOT Studios decided to release the film as a direct television premiere on Star Vijay on 4 April 2021 and the film would be globally streamed via Netflix from 9 April 2021.[13][14] However, the Netflix release was brought forward to 5 April 2021, as they wanted to release the film before the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Elections.[15][2] The film's theatrical premiere was held at PVR Cinemas, Chennai on 31 March 2021.[16]

Reception

[edit]

The film received critical acclaim.[citation needed]

Thinkal Menon from The Times of India praised the performances of the cast and technical aspects, and wrote that the film is "outright hilarious from the word go, though it deals with umpteen relevant, sensitive topics". Menon further gave three-and-a-half out of five stars for the film.[17] Ranjani Krishnakumar of Firstpost gave 4 stars (out of 5) for the film, further stating it as "Mandela is a film that will remind us of our priorities. It will encourage us to think about our rights as people and our power when we're together, and will also stand as a thoughtful and optimistic view of democracy, for one and all."[18] Giving three out of five stars, Behindwoods further added "A stellar Yogi Babu and some honest, nuanced writing makes Mandela entertaining."[19]

The Indian Express chief critic Manoj Kumar R, wrote "This political satire is direct and obvious in its messaging. And that adds to the movie's strengths and makes the narration more effective", and rated the film three out of five.[20] Srivatsan S of The Hindu wrote "‘Mandela’ is a first-rate political satire that shows how deep-seated caste is, by taking an unflinching yet unsentimental look."[21] Haricharan Pudipeddi of Hindustan Times wrote "The film allows Yogi Babu to truly showcase his potential and he plays the titular character with so much sincerity."[22] Navien Darshan of Cinema Express gave 3.5 stars (out of 5) stating it as "A hilarious and yet, hard hitting entertainer backed by strong writing and performances".[23]

Accolades

[edit]
Award Ceremony Date of Ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Edison Awards 12 March 2022 Best Screenplay Madonne Ashwin Won
68th National Film Awards 22 July 2022 Best Debut Film of a Director Madonne Ashwin Won [24]
Best Screenplay (Dialogue) Won
10th South Indian International Movie Awards 10–11 September 2022 Best Film YNOT Studios Nominated [25]
[26]
Best Debut Director Madonne Ashwin Won
Outstanding Performance of the Year Yogi Babu Won
67th Filmfare Awards South 9 October 2022 Best Film S. Sashikanth
Chakravarthy Ramachandra
Balaji Mohan 		Nominated [27]
Best Director Madonne Ashwin Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Sheela Rajkumar Nominated
Best Playback Singer – Male Bharath Sankar Nominated
Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards December 2022 Best Debut Director Madonne Ashwin Won [28]
[29]
Best Child Artist Mukesh Won
Best Story Madonne Ashwin Nominated
Best Screenplay Madonne Ashwin Nominated
Best Film YNOT Studios Nominated
Best Actor Yogi Babu Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Sheela Rajkumar Nominated
Best Playback Singer – Male Anthakudi Ilaiyaraja Nominated

Controversy

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People from Maruthuvar community and the barber's profession have condemned the film for poor portrayal of their profession and community. SK Raja, the president of Tamil Nadu Barbers Welfare Association, accused the filmmakers of denigrating their community and profession, propagating prejudice and social injustice.[30] A petition was filed by R. Munusamy, the president of the Tamil Nadu Hair Dressers Union, on 21 April, alleging that the film contains several objectionable scenes that speak ill of the barber community.[31]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Here is the trailer of Yogi Babu's 'Mandela'". The Times of India. 25 March 2021. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Mandela: TV, OTT Release date for Yogi Babu's film!". Moviecrow. 1 April 2021. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  3. ^ "Yogi Babu's 'Mandela' makes it to the shortlist of films for India's entry to the Academy Awards". The Times of India. 21 October 2021. Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  4. ^ "Nayattu, Mandela in shortlist of films for India's entry to Academy Awards". The News Minute. 20 October 2021. Archived from the original on 24 October 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  5. ^ "Yogi Babu's Mandela is under consideration for India's entry to the Oscars!". Sify. 22 October 2021. Archived from the original on 22 October 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  6. ^ "Venkatesh Maha's new film titled Martin Luther King". 123Telugu. 19 September 2023. Archived from the original on 7 November 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
  7. ^ "Yogi Babu's next titled 'Mandela', first-look out". The News Minute. 24 July 2019. Archived from the original on 6 June 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  8. ^ "Yogi Babu starts shooting for 'Mandela'". The Times of India. 24 July 2019. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  9. ^ CR, Sharanya (27 July 2019). "Yogi Babu's next is a social satire". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  10. ^ "Yogi Babu's 'Mandela' shooting wrapped up". The Times of India. 19 November 2019. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  11. ^ "Video: கலக்கப்போவது யாரு பிரபலம் பாடியுள்ள யோகிபாபுவின் மண்டேலா பட FirstSingle வெளியீடு!". Behindwoods (in Tamil). 19 March 2021. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  12. ^ "Check Out Latest Tamil Music Audio Songs Jukebox Of 'Mandela' Starring Yogi Babu, Sangili Murugan, G.M. Sundar, Sheela Rajkumar And Kanna Ravi". The Times of India. 31 March 2021. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  13. ^ "Yogi Babu's political satire Mandela to premiere on April 4!". Sify. 26 March 2021. Archived from the original on 26 March 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  14. ^ "Mandela – Vijay TV premiere and Netflix release dates inside, read on!". LetsOTT. 25 March 2021. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  15. ^ "Star Vijay to premiere Mandela on April 4". Exchange4media. 1 April 2021. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  16. ^ Mandela – Red Carpet Event. Y Not Studios. 5 April 2021. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021 – via YouTube.
  17. ^ Menon, Thinkal (2 April 2021). "Mandela Movie Review: The movie, which unarguably has the best performance of Yogi Babu till date, is also aided by beautiful visuals, sensible cuts, captivating music and engaging narration". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  18. ^ Krishnakumar, Ranjani (5 April 2021). "Mandela movie review: Madonne Ashwin's film is a balcony view of the darkly amusing times we live in". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  19. ^ "Mandela Movie Review". Behindwoods. 1 April 2021. Archived from the original on 4 August 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  20. ^ R, Manoj Kumar (7 April 2021). "Mandela review: The timely political satire is a must watch this election season". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  21. ^ S, Srivatsan (3 April 2021). "'Mandela' movie review: Yogi Babu excels in a film that understands caste structure and vote-bank politics". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  22. ^ Pudipeddi, Haricharan (5 April 2021). "Mandela movie review: The only film you need to watch before the next election". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  23. ^ Darshan, Navien (4 April 2021). "Mandela Movie Review: A bold, no-nonsense and funny political satire". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  24. ^ "68th National Film Awards | Updates". The Hindu. 22 July 2022. Archived from the original on 24 May 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  25. ^ "SIIMA 2021 Nominations: Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa', Dhanush's 'Karnan' Get Top Nods". ABP News. 17 August 2022. Archived from the original on 30 August 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  26. ^ "SIIMA Awards 2022 Winners: Silambarasan TR, Tovino Thomas, Sivakarthikeyan, Arya, Kangana Ranaut, Aishwarya Rajesh Win Awards on Day 2 of SIIMA 2022 – Check Full List of Winners". LatestLY. 12 September 2022. Archived from the original on 7 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  27. ^ "Nominations for the 67th Parle Filmfare Awards South 2022 with Kamar Film Factory". Filmfare. 7 October 2022. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  28. ^ "Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards 2020–21 & 2022 is back". Exchange4media. 29 March 2023. Archived from the original on 5 October 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  29. ^ சுப்ரமணியன், நாராயணி (9 May 2023). "Highlights from Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards 2020–21 ft. Suriya, Kamal, Maniratnam & Sivakarthikeyan". Ananda Vikatan (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  30. ^ Red Pix-Mandela Movie Protest by Barbers Association (in Tamil). Red Pix 24x7. 8 April 2021. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2021 – via YouTube.
  31. ^ "Producers of film 'Mandela' issued notice over 'derogatory' references to barber community". The New Indian Express. 21 April 2021. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
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