International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Priya Palanimurugan, Mr. R. Praveen Kumar, S Kalaiselvan
Abstract: This study examined the representation of folk tradition and cultural practice in the Tamil film Mandaadi (2026), directed by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi. It focused on the depiction of coastal life and competitive boat racing and explored how these elements were connected with community identity, maritime knowledge, collective participation and personal rivalry. The study adopted a qualitative content analysis approach and used publicly available film descriptions, reviews, trailer information and scholarly literature on intangible cultural heritage and fishing communities in Tamil Nadu. UNESCO’s framework for intangible cultural heritage provided the conceptual foundation for interpreting cultural practices as living traditions shaped by community recognition and transmission.The analysis identified boat racing as the central cultural theme in the film’s reported narrative and examined its potential significance as a symbol of community belonging, practical skill and collective pride. It also considered how cinematic storytelling may have connected sporting competition with interpersonal relationships and social identity. The study distinguished the film’s cultural representation from verified ethnographic evidence and avoided treating fictional events as direct records of real-world traditions. The findings suggested that Mandaadi offered a useful context for exploring the relationship between Tamil cinema and coastal cultural representation. However, the historical origins, local terminology and authenticity of the practices depicted required further verification through direct scene analysis, community interviews and independent historical sources. The study concluded that cinema could contribute to the visibility of cultural practices while also reshaping their meanings through dramatic storytelling. It recommended further research involving systematic film analysis and community-based evidence to establish a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the film and living cultural heritage.
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