Movie: Thandel
Rating: 2.75/5
Banner: Geetha Arts
Cast: Naga Chaitanya, Sai Pallavi, Kalpalatha, Prithiveeraj, Sundip Ved, Prakash Balwadi, Naren, Karunakaran, Divya Pillai and others
Story: Kartheek Theeda
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
DOP: Shamdat
Editor: Navin Nooli
Production Designer: Sri Nagendra Tangala
Fights: Supreme Sundar, V Venkat, Vikram Mor
Producer: Bunny Vas
Screenplay and Directed by: Chandoo Mondeti
Release Date: Feb 07, 2025
"Thandel" marks the second collaboration between Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, as well as between Naga Chaitanya and director Chandoo Mondeti. The highly anticipated love and action saga has generated immense excitement, thanks to the sensational response to its music. Today, the film has finally hit theaters.
Let's find out whether it lives up to expectations.
Story:
Raju (Naga Chaitanya) is a fisherman living in a coastal village in Andhra Pradesh. Along with his deep connection to the sea, he is also deeply in love with Satya, also known as Bujji Thalli (Sai Pallavi). Their love story takes a dramatic turn when Raju and his fellow fishermen venture beyond Indian territorial waters from a port in Gujarat.
Their journey leads to their capture by the Pakistani Coast Guard.
Will Raju rise to become a true Thandel, a leader, in the face of adversity? Will Bujji Thalli patiently wait for his return, or will she choose to marry someone else?
Artistes’ Performances:
During promotional interviews, Naga Chaitanya revealed the extensive preparation he undertook to portray Raju, the fisherman, and to understand their lifestyle and behavior. His dedication to honing his craft is evident in his portrayal of a rugged fisherman. His body language and dialogue delivery reflect the hard work he has put into the role.
Sai Pallavi, known for her effortless performances, breathes life into the character of Bujji. Her chemistry with Naga Chaitanya further enhances the storytelling.
Among the supporting cast, Karunakaran leaves a strong impression.
Technical Excellence:
Besides delivering catchy and viral songs like "Bujji Thalli," Devi Sri Prasad has also composed a background score that perfectly complements the film’s core. He skillfully integrates different versions of the "Bujji Thalli" song throughout the score, enhancing several key moments.
The cinematography, led by Shamdat, is well-executed. The production values of Geetha Arts and the rich production design are impressive.
While the editing is decent in the first half, the pacing slows down significantly in the second half. The writing remains crisp and effective.
Highlights:
Naga Chaitanya’s sincere portrayal
Sai Pallavi
The first half love scenes
Devi Sri Prasad’s Songs and BG score
Drawback:
Pakistan episodes
Weak emotions at many places
Sai Pallavi’s efforts in the second half
Analysis
"Thandel" begins with Sai Pallavi narrating her story with Raju. The first half features numerous romantic moments between them, interwoven with visually captivating song sequences.
Chandoo Mondeti skillfully builds the drama by blending Sai Pallavi's concern for the fishermen's lives with Naga Chaitanya's role as Thandel, the leader of the fishermen’s group. This establishes a strong conflict between the lead pair, setting up the emotional core for the second half.
The first half takes its time unfolding, following Andhra fishermen as they travel from the Gujarat port to the sea for months, while their wives pray for their safety back home.
While the first half works well, the film loses momentum when the drama shifts to the Pakistani jail, and Sai Pallavi refuses to speak to Naga Chaitanya for not honoring his promise to her.
Chandoo Mondeti seems to lack clarity in portraying the Pakistani officials—whether as outright villains or as regular officers. This creates confusion in Prakash Balwadi’s character, who plays the Pakistani jailer.
The jingoistic elements in the Pakistan jail scenes feel forced, particularly the unrealistic inclusion of an Indian flag. The letter-reading sequences among the prisoners seem exaggerated, giving the impression that they receive letters almost daily, which disrupts the film's realism.
Additionally, the entire subplot involving Sushma Swaraj's daughter defies logic. Bansuri Swaraj’s scenes feel forcibly inserted and lack authenticity.
Sai Pallavi’s mouna poratam (silent protest) in Gujarat is another underwhelming sequence. Even Devi Sri Prasad’s music fails to elevate many dull stretches in the second half.
While the love story remains engaging, the film’s attempt to depict the struggle to secure the release of the fishermen from Pakistan falls flat. The climax, where Pakistani officials reveal that one fisherman lacks an Aadhar card, inadvertently portrays Indian foreign service officials as incompetent, failing to complete basic paperwork. Instead of creating tension, this moment undermines the emotional impact.
Overall, Thandel is a mixed bag. The love story and the first half work well, but the jingoistic elements and weak writing in the second half drag the film down. Despite these flaws, Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi’s sincere performance and hard work, along with Devi Sri Prasad’s songs, help mitigate some of the shortcomings.
Bottom-line: Turbulent Waves
