Film Review: Thandel

Introduction

Geetha Arts’ Thandel (dubbed from Telugu, UA), released on 7 February 2025, blends a conventional love story with patriotic overtones. Featuring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi in lead roles, the film sets up an emotional premise: a fisherman who accidentally drifts into Pakistani waters and is imprisoned, while his fiancée fights relentlessly for his release. Despite its potential for stirring drama and heartfelt performances, the film falters due to its predictable storyline, sluggish pacing, and uninspired direction.

Story, Screenplay & Dialogues

Karthik Theeda’s story echoes Roja in its themes of love tested by borders and politics. This lack of novelty is Thandel’s biggest drawback audiences familiar with similar patriotic dramas will find little freshness here.

Chandoo Mondeti’s screenplay is uneven. The first hour is slow, testing viewers’ patience with laboured set-up and weak emotional hooks. The film only gains some momentum post-interval, when Sathya’s fight for Raju’s freedom intensifies. Even then, the narrative never fully grips. The engagement is patchy a few heartfelt moments, followed by stretches of predictability.

Dialogues are serviceable but fail to elevate the proceedings or leave memorable impact.

Direction

Chandoo Mondeti’s direction is plain. He doesn’t bring urgency or layered emotional weight to a story that demands both. With such high-stakes subject matter, the execution should have been taut and stirring; instead, it feels generic and middling.

Performances

• Naga Chaitanya (Raju): Solid in his role as the fisherman-turned-prisoner. He underplays effectively, conveying dignity in hardship.

• Sai Pallavi (Sathya): Strong as the determined fiancée. Her sincerity and restrained intensity appeal especially to family audiences.

• Prakash Belawadi: Leaves a mark as the Pakistani jailer, adding gravitas.

• Divya Pillai (Chandrakka): Graceful and convincing.

• Rao Ramesh: Impressive in a smaller role, as always.

• Karunakaran, Kalpa Latha, Parvateesam, Mahesh Achanta, Babloo Prithveeraj, Kalyani Natarajan, Kishore Raju Vasishta: Adequate, with moments here and there.

Overall, the cast does justice to their parts, but the writing doesn’t allow for standout arcs.

Music & Lyrics

Devi Sri Prasad delivers a melodious score, though the songs haven’t translated into popularity in Hindi markets. Lyrics are decent, but not memorable. Song picturisations are visually appealing, adding colour if not narrative weight. The background score works better in building mood than the standalone songs.

Technical Aspects

• Cinematography (Shamdat): Polished, with eye-pleasing visuals of sea journeys and landscapes.

• Action & Stunts: Functional but unremarkable, lacking real thrill.

• Editing (Naveen Nooli): Loose, contributing to the dragging pace, particularly in the first half.

• Production & Dubbing: The production values are decent, and the Hindi dubbing has been done well.

Box Office

Released at Sterling (daily one show) in Bombay through PEN Marudhar Cine Entertainment, Thandel had dull publicity and poor opening. Its response elsewhere has also been weak, reflecting the film’s inability to excite audiences despite its patriotic angle.

Final Verdict

Thandel is a non-starter. A derivative story, sluggish first half, and ordinary execution prevent it from delivering the emotional or patriotic punch it promises. Despite committed performances by Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, the film fails to rise above mediocrity.

On the Plus Side:

• Naga Chaitanya’s grounded act

• Sai Pallavi’s sincerity

• Decent cinematography and production values

On the Minus Side:

• Story lacks novelty (Roja hangover)

• Dragging first half

• Uneven screenplay

• Ordinary direction

• Loose editing

• Songs not memorable