Mandaadi Director Reveals Mahima Nambiar Returned to Set Days After Major Accident

• Mandaadi*, starring Soori and Mahima Nambiar, has been receiving strong attention following its theatrical release on September 10. At a recent success event, director Mathimaran revealed a difficult behind-the-scenes episode involving Mahima, who reportedly suffered a serious accident shortly before filming one of the movie’s songs.

According to the filmmaker, Mahima sustained significant facial injuries and required more than 20 stitches. Despite the setback, he said the actress returned to the sets just days later and completed the shoot.

Mathimaran Recalls Mahima Nambiar’s Accident

Speaking at the Mandaadi success event, Mathimaran praised Mahima for the commitment she showed toward the project.

The director recalled that the accident happened approximately five days before the scheduled shoot for a song. He said Mahima’s face had suffered extensive injuries and that she had received more than 20 stitches.

Mathimaran also remembered receiving a selfie from the actress following the accident. He admitted that he nevertheless asked whether she would be able to make it to the shoot because the production had limited options at that stage.

“I saw in a couple of interviews where you mentioned crying after performing. Thank you so much for the effort you put into the movie. I don’t think many people know about her accident. About five days before the shoot of this song, she had a major accident. Her face was completely collapsed and injured, leaving over 20 stitches,” Mathimaran said.

Mahima Returned to the Mandaadi Set on Day Six

Mathimaran said Mahima returned to the production on the sixth day following plastic surgery.

The filmmaker described her decision to return as an important example of the dedication she brought to the role. He said her contribution was an integral part of the film’s journey and that he would not forget the effort she made under difficult circumstances.

“Yet I shamelessly asked if she could come to the shooting. I had no other way. She returned to the set on the sixth day after her plastic surgery. Behind our success is her immense hard work and dedication. I will never forget it,” he added.

His account has offered audiences a glimpse into the challenges that can remain unseen behind a film’s final presentation.

Mahima Nambiar Previously Spoke About Mandaadi’s Emotional Demands

Mahima had earlier shared her own reflections on making Mandaadi through an Instagram post featuring behind-the-scenes photographs.

The actress revealed that certain scenes became emotionally overwhelming and that she sometimes broke down after filming. She described spending months in the same location and gradually developing a strong connection with the fictional world and people around her.

Mahima also expressed gratitude to Mathimaran for trusting her with the character of Angel and for working patiently with her through individual scenes and emotions.

“I still remember calling my people and breaking down after doing certain scenes. The emotional baggage that this character carried felt too heavy on some days, yet somehow, I enjoyed every bit of it,” Mahima wrote.

She added that after spending months in the same house and location, Thondi began to feel like home and the people there like family.

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A post shared by Mahima Nambiar (@mahima_nambiar)

Mandaadi Continues Its Theatrical Run

Mandaadi arrived in theatres on September 10 and, according to the figures cited around the film’s success event, has crossed the ₹100 crore mark worldwide.

The film features Soori in the lead, with Mahima playing an important role. Sathyaraj and Mithun Jai Shankar are also part of the cast, with the film combining its sports-drama setting with an emotional narrative.

A review cited in the supplied material highlighted Mahima’s character arc and described her role as an important emotional link between several characters. Sathyaraj was also noted for adding weight to the proceedings, while Mithun Jai Shankar was singled out for his performance.

Mahima Nambiar’s Journey Across Tamil and Malayalam Cinema

Mahima Nambiar has established herself across both Tamil and Malayalam cinema, taking on roles in commercial as well as performance-driven films.

She made her mark in Tamil cinema with Saattai and subsequently appeared in films including Kuttram 23 and Magamuni. In Malayalam, she gained wider recognition through Madura Raja, which starred Mammootty, and later appeared in films such as RDX: Robert Dony Xavier.

Her filmography also includes Jai Ganesh, Little Hearts, Bromance and Ratham, reflecting the range of projects she has taken on across the two industries.

With Mathimaran’s revelation, Mahima’s contribution to Mandaadi has gained another layer of context, highlighting the physical and emotional demands that can accompany a film production.