Thandel (2025), a Telugu romantic action thriller, has captured the hearts of audiences with its poignant love story set against the backdrop of real-life struggles and patriotism. Directed by Chandoo Mondeti and produced by Bunny Vasu under the prestigious Geetha Arts banner, this film brings together the dynamic duo of Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, whose chemistry has been a talking point since their previous collaboration in Love Story (2021). With a gripping narrative inspired by a true incident, soulful music by Devi Sri Prasad, and stunning visuals, Thandel promises an emotional rollercoaster. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into this comprehensive thandel movie review, covering the plot, performances, technical aspects, audience reactions, box office performance, and more.
thandel movie review details
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Aspect |
Details |
|---|---|
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Title |
Thandel |
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Release Date |
February 7, 2025 |
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Director |
Chandoo Mondeti |
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Producers |
Bunny Vasu, Allu Aravind (Presenter) |
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Cast |
Naga Chaitanya, Sai Pallavi, Kalpalatha, Prakash Belawadi, Karunakaran, Mahesh Achanta, Parvateesam |
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Music |
Devi Sri Prasad |
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Cinematography |
Shamdat Sainudeen |
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Editor |
Naveen Nooli |
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Story |
Karthik Theeda |
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Production House |
Geetha Arts |
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Runtime |
2 hours 32 minutes |
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CBFC Rating |
UA |
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Genre |
Romantic Action Thriller |
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Box Office (as of Day 9) |
₹53.95 crore (India), ₹100 crore+ (Worldwide) |
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IMDb Rating |
6.5/10 |
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Rotten Tomatoes |
72% (Critics), 58% (Audience) |
Spoiler-Free Plot Summary
Thandel tells the story of Raju (Naga Chaitanya), a spirited fisherman from a coastal village in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, who carries forward his family’s legacy of braving the seas. As the newly anointed “thandel movie review” or leader of his fishing community, Raju is deeply committed to his profession, much to the chagrin of his childhood sweetheart, Satya (Sai Pallavi). Satya, torn between her love for Raju and her constant fear of the ocean’s unpredictability, urges him to abandon his dangerous livelihood. Their heartfelt romance forms the crux of the first half, beautifully set against the vibrant backdrop of a fishing hamlet.
However, a sudden twist of fate changes everything when Raju and his crew, during a routine fishing expedition, are swept into Pakistani waters by a fierce storm. Captured by Pakistani authorities and accused of espionage, Raju and his men face grueling challenges in a foreign land. Back home, Satya’s world crumbles as she grapples with uncertainty about Raju’s fate. The narrative weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism, drawing inspiration from a real-life incident in 2018 involving Srikakulam fishermen detained in Pakistan. Without giving away spoilers, thandel movie review balances romance and drama with moments of action and emotional intensity, keeping viewers invested in the couple’s journey.
Cast Performances
Naga Chaitanya as Raju
Naga Chaitanya delivers a career-defining performance as Thandel Raju, showcasing a maturity that marks a significant evolution in his acting prowess. Critics have hailed this as one of his best roles, with his portrayal of a rugged, determined fisherman exuding authenticity. Chaitanya’s subtle expressions, especially in emotionally charged scenes, convey Raju’s vulnerability and strength. His physical transformation, achieved by spending time with real fishermen in Srikakulam, adds depth to his character. While some reviews note that he doesn’t fully embody Raju in every scene, his dedication is undeniable, making this a standout comeback after a string of less successful films like Custody and Thank You.
Sai Pallavi as Satya
Sai Pallavi, often dubbed the queen of natural acting, shines as Satya, bringing emotional depth and grace to the role. Her ability to convey love, fear, and resilience through her expressive eyes and nuanced performance elevates the film. The chemistry between her and Chaitanya is a highlight, with their romantic scenes radiating warmth and sincerity. However, some critics feel that Satya’s character treads familiar territory for Pallavi, reminiscent of her role in Amaran (2024), lacking the novelty that defines her best work. Nonetheless, she carries the emotional weight of the story effortlessly, making Satya a relatable and compelling figure.
Supporting Cast
The supporting ensemble, including Kalpalatha, Prakash Belawadi, Karunakaran, Mahesh Achanta, and Parvateesam, delivers solid performances that enrich the film’s authenticity. Kalpalatha and Prakash Belawadi, in particular, add gravitas to the narrative, grounding the story in the fishing community’s struggles. Karunakaran’s role, however, has drawn criticism for being underdeveloped, with some reviewers noting it feels like a missed opportunity in the film’s dramatic arc.
Direction by Chandoo Mondeti
Chandoo Mondeti, known for Karthikeya 2, showcases his knack for blending real-life events with cinematic storytelling. His direction excels in capturing the rustic charm of Srikakulam’s fishing community, making the setting a character in itself. The first half, with its focus on romance and cultural nuances, is engaging and heartfelt, drawing viewers into Raju and Satya’s world. Mondeti’s sensitive handling of the love story, combined with his attempt to weave in patriotic themes, is ambitious but not without flaws.
The transition to the second half, particularly the Pakistan jail sequences, feels uneven. Critics have pointed out that Mondeti’s reliance on commercial elements, such as overt patriotism and clichéd portrayals of Pakistani authorities, dilutes the emotional core of the story. While he succeeds in crafting visually appealing and emotionally resonant moments, the inconsistent pacing and superficial handling of certain subplots prevent Thandel from reaching its full potential as an epic romance saga.
Screenplay and Writing
The screenplay, co-written by Chandoo Mondeti and Karthik Theeda, is a mixed bag. The first half is well-crafted, with seamless integration of romance, cultural details, and the fishing community’s daily struggles. Dialogues like “Being away from you for nine months is more painful than labor pains” and “We didn’t commit a crime, we just lost our way” add emotional depth and resonance.
However, the second half struggles to maintain momentum. The introduction of patriotic elements, while inspired by real events like Article 370 and India-Pakistan tensions, feels forced and detracts from the love story. The Pakistan jail episodes lack the emotional punch needed to fully engage audiences, with some sequences criticized for being predictable or overly cinematic. Tighter writing and a more nuanced approach to the political themes could have elevated the narrative. Despite these shortcomings, the screenplay’s focus on the couple’s emotional journey keeps the film engaging.
Cinematography by Shamdat Sainudeen
Shamdat Sainudeen’s cinematography is one of Thandel’s biggest strengths, earning widespread praise for its breathtaking visuals. The coastal landscapes of Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam are captured with stunning clarity, with wide shots of the ocean conveying both its beauty and unpredictability. The contrast between the serene village scenes and the claustrophobic Pakistani prison cells enhances the storytelling, immersing viewers in the characters’ emotional states. The dance sequence for “Namo Namah Shivaya,” shot with a ₹4 crore budget and 900 trained dancers, is a visual spectacle that showcases Shamdat’s ability to handle grand set pieces. Critics have lauded his work for being on par with international productions, making the visuals a standout feature.
Music by Devi Sri Prasad
Devi Sri Prasad (DSP) delivers a soul-stirring soundtrack that is unanimously praised as one of Thandel’s pillars. Songs like “Hilesso Hilessa,” “Shiva Shiva,” “Bujji Talli,” and “Namo Namah Shivaya” blend seamlessly with the narrative, enhancing the romantic and emotional moments. The background score elevates key scenes, particularly the interval block and the climax, earning DSP accolades for reaffirming his status as a top music director. Tracks like “Azaadi” incorporate patriotic lyrics that resonate with audiences, though some reviewers note that the score, while excellent, doesn’t surpass DSP’s previous iconic works. Overall, the music is a driving force that amplifies the film’s emotional impact.
Visual Effects (VFX)
The VFX in Thandel are serviceable but not groundbreaking. The ocean sequences and storm scenes are visually impressive, with realistic depictions of the sea’s turbulence. However, some VFX, particularly in the action and prison scenes, have been criticized for feeling substandard or reminiscent of less polished Telugu films like Devara. While the production design by Srinagendra Tangala is commendable for its attention to detail in recreating the fishing village and prison settings, the VFX don’t always match the high production values of Geetha Arts. A more refined approach could have elevated the film’s visual appeal further.
Strengths of thandel movie review
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Lead Performances: Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi’s chemistry and heartfelt performances are the soul of the film, making the love story relatable and engaging.
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Music and Soundtrack: Devi Sri Prasad’s compositions and background score are a highlight, perfectly complementing the narrative’s emotional tone.
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Cinematography: Shamdat Sainudeen’s visuals capture the essence of the seaside setting and enhance the storytelling.
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Cultural Authenticity: The portrayal of the Srikakulam fishing community, complete with its dialect and traditions, adds a fresh perspective to Telugu cinema.
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Emotional Depth: The romance and the real-life-inspired conflict keep audiences invested, especially in the first half.
Weaknesses of thandel movie review
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Uneven Screenplay: The second half’s pacing issues and forced patriotic elements detract from the emotional core of the love story.
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Predictable Subplots: The Pakistan jail sequences feel clichéd and lack the intensity needed to match the film’s ambitious scope.
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Editing Lags: Naveen Nooli’s editing could have been crisper, particularly in the second half, where some scenes drag unnecessarily.
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Underdeveloped Supporting Characters: Roles like Karunakaran’s feel underutilized, missing opportunities to add depth to the narrative.
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VFX Shortcomings: While functional, the VFX in certain scenes don’t match the film’s otherwise high production quality.
Audience and Critics’ Reactions
Audience Feedback
Thandel has resonated strongly with audiences, particularly for its heartfelt romance and patriotic undertones. On X, netizens have praised Naga Chaitanya’s comeback, with comments like, “Went with zero expectations, but Thandel is a pure love story that hits the heart!” and “Naga Chaitanya’s performance is a surprise factor. A great theater experience!” The chemistry between the leads and DSP’s music have been major talking points, with many calling the film a “feast for Akkineni fans.” However, some viewers have pointed out pacing issues and the “logicless” Pakistan jail sequences as drawbacks, with one user noting, “Chandoo’s writing lacks consistency, but the direction and cinematography are decent.”
Critics’ Reviews
Critics have given Thandel mixed but generally positive reviews, with ratings ranging from 2.75 to 3.5 out of 5. Publications like Times of India (3.5/5) and Filmfare (3.5/5) have praised the lead performances, visuals, and music, with OTTPlay calling it “a deeply moving romantic drama” that’s “highly recommended.” However, The Hollywood Reporter India criticized the film for its “contrived, meandering” narrative, and Popcorn Reviewss labeled it a “tepid drama” lacking emotional depth. The consensus is that while Thandel excels in its romantic and technical aspects, the screenplay’s inconsistencies hold it back from being a masterpiece.
Box Office Buzz
Thandel has been a commercial success, grossing over ₹100 crore worldwide and becoming the fifth highest-grossing Telugu film of 2025. In India, it earned ₹47.45 crore by Day 6 and ₹53.95 crore by Day 9, with strong occupancy rates in Telugu-speaking regions (18.26% on Day 6, with night shows at 21.10%). Despite a slight dip during weekdays, positive word-of-mouth has sustained its momentum, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The film’s overseas performance, especially in the USA, has also been notable, with audiences lauding its emotional narrative. The box office success, coupled with the buzz around Naga Chaitanya’s comeback and Sai Pallavi’s star power, suggests Thandel could continue its strong run.
Comparisons with Other Films
Thandel draws parallels with films like Roja (1992) and Amaran (2024) due to its blend of romance, patriotism, and real-life inspiration. Like Roja, it explores a woman’s struggle to reunite with her loved one amidst geopolitical tensions, but critics note that Thandel doesn’t probe deeper societal questions as effectively as Mani Ratnam’s classic. Compared to Amaran, which also features Sai Pallavi in an emotionally heavy role, Thandel feels less impactful due to its uneven second half. However, its coastal setting and focus on a fishing community offer a fresh perspective, setting it apart from typical Telugu romantic dramas.
Final Verdict
Thandel is a heartfelt and visually stunning film that shines in its romantic and technical aspects but stumbles in its execution of patriotic themes and pacing. Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi deliver powerful performances, supported by Devi Sri Prasad’s soulful music and Shamdat Sainudeen’s breathtaking cinematography. While the first half captivates with its authentic portrayal of a fishing community and a tender love story, the second half’s reliance on clichéd subplots and uneven writing prevents it from achieving greatness. Despite its flaws, thandel movie review is a worthwhile watch for fans of emotional dramas, action-packed thrillers, and stories rooted in real-life struggles.
