In this video, we look at Save the Cat beat sheet of the movie Mandela.
The movie follows the beat sheet structure exactly, so let's examine how it is used
to great effect.
Opening Image
We observe the welcome board of Soorangudi village, which is covered in dirt and
appears quite shabby.
Theme Stated
The story introduces key characters such as Rathinam, Madhi, the village president
Periya Ayya, and the central character, Smile, also known as Mandela. The theme
revolves around the significant role caste differences play in the village.
Set-up
The title song depicts Smile's normal world, portraying him as a local hairstylist
and illustrating how he is treated within the community.
Catalyst
Mandela's money is stolen by Esakki. When confronted, Esakki denies the accusation.
Determined to safeguard his funds, Mandela decides to visit the post office to open
an account.
Debate
Smile is asked about his real name by Thenmoli, but no one seems to know what it
is. A comical sequence is depicted, showing his amusing journey in discovering his
actual name.
Break into Two
President Periya Ayya is bedridden, and the MLA urges him to appoint a new
president so they can bring a factory to their village.
Periya Ayya's two sons, Rathinam and Madhi, scheme to become the president in order
to attain the corrupt funds. Meanwhile, Smile gets renamed to Mandela.
B story
A break from the tension in the story occurs when Mandela and Thenmoli form a bond
through a song.
Fun and Games
The rising action begins as both Madhi and Rathinam intensify their political
campaigns, striving to secure the presidency. They employ every means to win the
post. Eventually, they realize the vote count is tied.
They agree to settle the deadlock between themselves until Mandela's newly issued
voter ID arrives.
Midpoint
Both the northerners and the southerners offer gifts in an attempt to sway
Mandela's vote in their favor. The midpoint of the story arrives when Mandela's
vote becomes the decisive factor in determining the outcome of the election.
Bad Guys Close In
Rathinam and Madhi's supporters lavish Mandela with the best treatment he could
ever have imagined. He receives everything he needs, from food to the construction
of a brand-new salon for him. In an effort to resolve the issue, they agree to hold
an auction, leading to a fierce bidding war.
All is lost
Disaster strikes when Mandela is beaten to death because he refuses to decide whom
to vote for. He witnesses his gifts and newly built salon being destroyed. All hope
seems lost as his close confidant, Chintu, faces a grave situation.
Darkest night of the Soul
Mandela faces rejection for work within the village, and Thenmoli harbors hatred
toward him, viewing him as corrupt and characterless. Mandela reaches the brink of
suicide until a village girl implores him for help in constructing a toilet.
Upon requesting assistance from Madhi, Mandela endures severe beating. The MLA
intervenes, urging Mandela to resolve the matter, as the actual stakes involve 30
crores. Overhearing this, Mandela takes charge and commands what he truly desires.
Break into Three
Act Two concludes as Mandela embarks on his newfound mission of transforming the
village.
Finale
Mandela cleverly exploits Madhi and Rathinam's greed, compelling them to fund the
construction of vital infrastructure such as toilets, schools, new roads, and
street lamps for the village. This earns him the respect of Chintu, Thenmoli, and
the other villagers. Mandela undergoes a personal transformation, refusing to
accept freebies from anyone. As the elections commence, the villagers also undergo
a transformation, returning the money they received for their votes. While Madhi
and Rathinam await the election results, Mandela becomes the target of
assassination planned by goons sent by Madhi.
However, the villagers help him and save from the goons, and make him one of their
own.
Final Image
The final image depicts a completely transformed village, showcasing the profound
impact of a single vote and highlighting the power of democracy.
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Thanks for watching!!
