Peksha Nahata
Sai Pallavi and Naga Chaitanya Elevate ‘Thandel’ with Their Stirring Romance
10th February, 2025
Thandel is the latest Telugu feature by Chandoo Mondeti, presenting a sweet romance embellished with a real-life incident involving fishermen from Andhra Pradesh who unknowingly entered Pakistani waterways. While the screenplay balances between several characters of the fishing community it caters to, the focus remains on the love story between Raju (Naga Chaitanya) and Satya (Sai Pallavi). While Thandel works excellently in non-promotional emotional involvement and performances, some sections dealing with trouble on the high seas disappoint.
It is right from the start that the strong bond between Raju and Satya is established. The narration anticipates Sai Pallavi’s previous role in Amaran, however Thandel tugs at the heartstrings a little more differently. The love story has moments of high drama and low drama and depicts the fisherman families’ common trials and silent acceptances. The emotional intensity is backed very well by Devi Sri Prasad’s marvelous music, particularly through the melodies of Bujji Thalli, Hilesso, and Siva Shakti.
Their on-screen chemistry is a standout and certainly adds to making this romance feel true and involving with Chaitanya laying the heart of the matter forthrightly, while Sai Pallavi again showcases how she pulls through with soul-stirring acts. Their romance developed through letter exchanges and bad mobile signals appears raw and grounded.
However, when the film veers away from romance, there are a few slips. The outstanding special effects required for these sequences take a little away from the expected great drama. Raju’s hiding of his actual rescue operations does come across as an overdoing. Although dramatic, the portions filmed within a Pakistani prison take creative liberties that seem more cinematic than realistic. Coupling that with climax parts seems rather concocted, losing most of the tension they build up.
For all its flaws, Thandel is still a gripping film, predominantly due to great performances. The supporting cast, comprising Prakash Belawadi as a Pakistani jailer and Parvateesam as a fellow fisherman, adds weight to the narrative; the film acknowledges the contribution of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who had worked for the stranded fishermen, featuring her daughter, Bansuri Swaraj.
In spite of these shortcomings, Thandel remains a movie that is a joy to watch primarily for its convincing enactments. With production by Nagendra Tangala and cinematography by Shamdat Sainudeen, the film bathes stills in warm natural hues, fixating it tightly with the story in real life.
If the second half had its writing sealed, Thandel might have found itself at a peak of epic romanticism. Nevertheless, the emotional love drama, backed by skillful performances by Sai Pallavi and Naga Chaitanya, keeps it as an engaging and touching cinematic treat.
Also Read: Dr. K.A. Paul criticizes Election Commission over Delhi polls
NI Bureau
Prateeksha Thakur
