In the rich landscape of Indian cinema, few films manage to combine sharp political comedy with deep social relevance. One such exception is Mandela (2021), a Tamil-language satire directed by Madonne Ashwin. Set in a deeply divided village, the film looks closely—often hilariously—at caste, politics, and the power of the “last vote.” Through its heartfelt and human approach, Mandela makes us laugh and think, all while telling an engaging story of democracy at its most local and personal.

Let’s dive in with a breakdown of the plot, a look at the characters, an exploration of the film’s messages, its place at the box office, comparisons to other movies, and more.

Detailed Plot Summary

Soorangudi: A Village Divided

The story unfolds in Soorangudi, a tiny village sharply split into two by caste lines: the north and south sides. Each side is home to a dominant caste community, and bitter rivalry reigns—so much so that even the appointment of the village president has become a chess match with deep social undertones.

The ailing president, before slipping into a coma, leaves behind a legacy of division: his two sons, Rathinam and Mathi, represent not only his two marriages (with wives from each side) but also the two fiercely competing community factions. The presidency becomes a contest in which neither side wants to blink first…and both seem locked in a stalemate.

The Tossing of a Coin: A Deciding Vote

After years of mutual distrust, an election is held to choose the next president. Almost every villager’s vote is predetermined by birth and loyalty—which leaves the tallies dead-even. The entire fate of the presidency, with its attendant benefits and power, comes to rest on one vote not yet cast.

The Outsider: Smile aka Mandela

The unlikely kingmaker is Smile, the barber, who occupies the lowest possible place on the social ladder. He’s so ignored that even his given name—Smile—goes unused. Living on scraps, he is often bullied and denied dignity.

A caring postwoman named Thenmozhi encourages him to apply for a voter ID card, and in a poignant moment, gives him a new name: Nelson Mandela. For Smile, this moment is life-changing. Suddenly, both factions start courting him, competing for his vote with odd favors, bribes, and even over-the-top promises. The man who was once invisible is now the most sought-after soul in the village.

Comedy of Power

Much of the film’s humor comes from this absurd reversal. The once-ignored Mandela now finds himself treated like royalty—for the precarious duration of the election. Candidates bend over backward, offer privileges, and even bid for his preference like he’s a prized commodity. At one point, Mandela and his right-hand man, Side Burn, find their lives in danger as the stakes of the vote turn violent.

Asserting Real Change

Instead of merely becoming rich at their expense, Mandela starts to see the power in his hands. He demands that the candidates invest their campaign bribes in the actual welfare of the village: paving roads, building toilets, upgrading schools. Caught in their own trap, both sides begin a frantic race to outdo each other in improving the village—at least on the surface.

The Election and Its Aftermath

When election day arrives, Mandela is pressured and even threatened to either abstain or align with a particular candidate. Despite intimidation, he votes honestly and transparently. In a climactic moment, villagers who benefited from his demands stand by him when party goons arrive to silence him. Unity and gratitude prevail as Mandela’s identity is finally honored—not only for his vote, but for his courage.

Character Study

Smile / Nelson Mandela (Yogi Babu)

Yogi Babu excels as Mandela, infusing the character with both slapstick charm and affecting vulnerability. His journey—from being the village’s joke to demanding dignity for himself and his neighbors—is at the heart of the movie. He moves between comedic deadpan and moments of startling, understated resolve. Mandela’s transformation is credible, powerful, and ultimately inspiring.

Thenmozhi (Sheela Rajkumar)

Thenmozhi is the only fellow villager to treat Mandela as a human being from the beginning. Her faith in him, shown especially in the simple act of renaming, sets everything in motion. Sheela Rajkumar brings warmth, authenticity, and subtle strength to the role.

Rathinam & Mathi

The president’s sons personify the cynical small-town politician. Both characters are less about individual development and more about representing the wider issue of power-seeking over service. Their schemes, threats, and reluctant concessions are both funny and a little tragic.

Side Burn & Other Villagers

Mandela’s assistant and other villagers add local flavor—comic relief, a sense of community, and the pressures that define rural life. This ensemble keeps the energy high and the stakes believable, even as the village setting can sometimes feel oppressively small.

Themes

Caste and Social Hierarchy

At the root of the story is the divide between two groups—a clear metaphor for the ongoing reality of caste in Indian rural life. The film doesn’t trivialize this, but uses humor to highlight its absurdity and danger.

The Power and Responsibility of Voting

More than any sermon or campaign, Mandela drives home the importance of every single vote. The value of democracy is examined not in speeches, but in the lived details of how much—and how little—an ordinary person’s ballot can matter.

Identity and Dignity

Mandela’s journey is a poetic exploration of social identity. His transformation from Smile (nobody) to Mandela (somebody with historical significance) is a testament to the importance of dignity. The film suggests that the right to be seen and heard is as important as any material gain.

Satire as Social Critique

With gentle, pervasive humor, Mandela skewers politicians’ readiness to bribe, manipulate, and ignore real issues until forced to do otherwise. The comedy never undercuts the seriousness—it sharpens it.

Cinematic Elements

Direction & Screenplay

Madonne Ashwin’s debut is confident and measured. The screenplay is clever, full of playful dialogues, and never loses track of the emotional through-line. Humor is used not just for relief but as the sharpest tool in the movie’s arsenal.

Acting

Yogi Babu delivers what may be the finest performance of his career, moving smoothly between comedy and drama. The supporting cast, especially Sheela Rajkumar, GM Sundar, and Kanna Ravi, anchor the film in reality.

Music & Visuals

Bharath Sankar’s folk-inflected score brings the rural landscape to life, while the cinematography captures both the oppressive enclosure and beauty of village life. Editing keeps things tight and engaging.

World-Building

The village is as much a character as its people. The dust, chatter, and small rituals of everyday life are painted vividly, making the allegory all the more grounded.

Box Office & Reception

Mandela had an unconventional release—debuting directly on television before streaming digitally. It didn’t topple record books in terms of theatrical revenue, but it became a massive critical and audience favorite online. It won several awards, including at the National Film Awards, and Yogi Babu was widely praised for his performance. Its success is measured more by influence and acclaim than box office numbers.

Similar Movies

If Mandela captured your imagination, here are a few films and series exploring similar ideas or tones:

• Newton (2017) – Examines democracy and the value of an honest vote, set in rural Chhattisgarh amid Maoist conflict.

• Joker (2016, Tamil) – Another Tamil satire, lampooning bureaucracy and political neglect.

• Peepli Live (2010) – A Hindi satire on rural poverty, media circus, and political opportunism.

• Panchayat (web series) – A light-hearted yet realistic portrayal of rural Indian village administration and caste politics.

• Ee Ma Yau (2018, Malayalam) – A darkly comic take on social rituals in a coastal village.

Why You Should Watch Mandela

• Powerful Satire: It provides sharp, accessible critique of Indian politics and caste—but always makes you laugh first.

• Outstanding Leading Performance: Yogi Babu’s Mandela is unforgettable—equal parts innocent, cunning, and courageous.

• Relevant Message: Whether you’re in a village or a city, the film reminds you: every action and every vote matters.

• Feel-Good Despite the Odds: Even as it addresses hard issues, the message is optimistic and empowering.

• Universal Themes: Anyone, anywhere can relate to stories of dignity, representation, and the fight to be seen.

Conclusion

Mandela is more than just a comedy—it’s a case study in what happens when society’s most disregarded person suddenly controls its destiny. Through a unique blend of slapstick, sharp writing, and thoughtful storytelling, the movie leaves you reflecting on the realities of caste, politics, and empowerment. It is not just a reminder of the power of a single vote but also a call to value every single person. In short, Mandela is essential viewing—funny, moving, and deeply important.

FAQs

Is Mandela based on a true story?

No, the story is fictional, but it draws inspiration from real social and political dynamics in rural India.

What is the central message of Mandela?

That every individual counts, and genuine change is possible when marginalized voices are heard and respected.

Is the film appropriate for all ages?

While it contains some mature themes (caste discrimination, political violence), the film’s treatment is generally family-friendly, though some scenes may be intense for small children.

Who is the main actor in Mandela?

Yogi Babu stars as the lead character (Nelson Mandela), delivering a nuanced and memorable performance.

How does Mandela compare to other political satires?

It stands out through its village setting, wry humor, and focus on caste, making it both specifically Tamil and universally meaningful.

Was the film a box office success?

It had a direct-to-television and digital release, so it’s better measured by critical acclaim and impact rather than ticket sales.

Was there a remake of Mandela?

Yes, it was remade in Telugu as Martin Luther King in 2023, set in a similar village milieu and inspired by the same themes.

What makes Mandela stand out?

Its powerful mix of humor, humanity, and political urgency, all anchored by its underdog-turned-hero protagonist.