The pre-release event of Thandel took place in Hyderabad, with the film’s entire core team in attendance, along with a few special guests, including Sandeep Reddy Vanga.
Allu Arjun was initially supposed to attend the event as the chief guest. However, as revealed by his father and producer Allu Aravind, he was suffering from severe gastritis and, unfortunately, could not attend.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga shared his thoughts on the movie, saying he loved the songs, teaser, and trailer. “Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi’s chemistry looks so real.”
He also recalled an incident during the making of Nagarjuna’s Kedi, where he first saw Naga Chaitanya.
"Even without knowing Chaitanya personally, I had a strong inclination towards him. I used to show Chaitanya’s costumes as a reference to my costume designer."
The director of Animal also revealed that he initially wanted to cast Sai Pallavi in his first movie Arjun Reddy, but backed off after the casting director told him that the actress wouldn’t even wear sleeveless costumes.
"It’s so great to see an actress who has so much passion and dedication for her craft. I hope this movie becomes a big hit. I had attended Chaitanya’s Majili promotional event, and it was a sensational success. Likewise, I hope Thandel becomes a big hit too."
Sai Pallavi shared her immediate connection with producer Allu Aravind when they first met.
"He made me feel like his daughter. To have a director like Chandoo is rare. He is so open and cool. It takes something special for a man to have that much clarity. He takes everyone’s inputs and knows exactly how to move forward. Naga Chaitanya completely transformed for this character. I saw a hunger in him. My salute to all the women of Srikakulam."
Naga Chaitanya praised Sandeep Reddy, calling him "the man of the moment."
"I have not seen anyone as honest and original as Sandeep. Not just in his movies, I watch a lot of his interviews, and I see so much transparency and honesty."
Speaking about Thandel, Chaitanya thanked Allu Aravind, saying, "Every actor has a list of filmmakers they want to work with. Geetha Arts is always at the top of that list, because every actor who works with the banner gets great results."
He also spoke highly of director Chandoo, saying, "When Vasu pitched this idea to me, I was very interested. Chandoo has been showing me in a new light with each film. I’m so grateful to him. Sai Pallavi deserves all the praise she’s receiving. DSP is the true rockstar. For a love story, music is crucial. Bujji Thalli changed the tone of the movie."
Naga Chaitanya then called the fishermen and their families onto the stage, referring to them as the "real heroes."
