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Thandel Review: Naga Chaitanya, Sai Pallavi’s chemistry shines amidst a struggling plot

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Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi in a romantic scene from the movie "Thandel."

The much-anticipated romantic action thriller Thandel, starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, finally graced the big screen on February 7, 2025. Directed by Chandoo Mondeti, the film sets out to deliver a compelling story of love and survival but ends up leaving much to be desired, particularly in its latter half.

The plot:

Set against the backdrop of a fishing community from Srikakulam, Thandel follows the lives of Raju (Naga Chaitanya) and Satya (Sai Pallavi), who come from a group of fishermen working in the waters of Gujarat for most of the year. With only three months to spend with their families, their lives are dictated by the rhythms of the sea. The film starts as a tender romance, focusing on the emotional connection between Raju and Satya despite their separation.

However, the plot takes a sharp turn when Raju, during one of his voyages, is accidentally captured after straying into Pakistani waters. What follows is a blend of action, survival, and patriotism, as Raju’s quest to escape captivity becomes the core of the story. The suspense around whether Raju will ever reunite with Satya is what propels the movie forward.

The good:

Where Thandel truly excels is in its portrayal of the romance between Raju and Satya. Their love story, though set in a world of hardship, remains sincere and emotionally powerful. Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi’s performances are undoubtedly the highlight of the film. Chaitanya’s portrayal of Raju, a man deeply tied to his roots and his love for Satya, is heartfelt and authentic. Sai Pallavi, as always, brings her charm and depth to the character of Satya, making their on-screen chemistry palpable.

The first half of the film offers a breezy and refreshing take on love, with the cinematography by Shamdat Sainudeen bringing a lush and evocative quality to the visuals. The romantic sequences are enhanced by the music of Devi Sri Prasad, whose melodies complement the emotional tone of the film beautifully.

The bad:

Unfortunately, the film’s potential begins to unravel in the second half. What starts as a nuanced exploration of love and sacrifice turns into a generic survival story drenched in patriotism. The transition from romance to action feels forced, and the overly dramatic narration detracts from the emotional core established earlier. The introduction of unnecessary characters, like Karunakaran and Divya Pillai, further dilutes the impact, leaving the viewer detached from the story.

The pacing slows down considerably in the latter part of the film, with the plot getting bogged down by cliché heroism and uninspired drama. What could have been an intriguing exploration of survival in hostile conditions becomes a tedious exercise in formulaic storytelling.

The performances:

While the film falters in many areas, the performances of Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi continue to elevate it. Chaitanya is convincing as Raju, a man torn between his love and the dangers of his profession, while Sai Pallavi brings her characteristic warmth and sincerity to Satya. Together, they form the emotional core of the movie, making it easy for the audience to invest in their journey.

On the other hand, the performances of the supporting cast, particularly Karunakaran and Divya Pillai, fail to leave any lasting impact. Their characters feel like unnecessary additions to the narrative, and their performances do little to advance the story.

Watch the Thandel trailer here:

Thandel Trailer

The verdict:

Thandel starts with great promise, offering a fresh take on love and the sacrifices it demands. However, the film loses its way when it pivots to a more conventional action-thriller plot. While the lead performances are strong, the second half’s lackluster storytelling and the film’s over-reliance on patriotism and heroism make it a difficult watch for anyone hoping for a more cohesive narrative.

If you’re a fan of Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, or if you’re in the mood for a romantic tale with a touch of action, Thandel might still be worth a visit to the theater. But for those seeking a tightly written, engaging story from start to finish, this film may not be the one to satisfy your cinematic cravings.

Entertainment

Dhurandhar box office collection crosses Rs 1,000 crore worldwide in 21 days

Dhurandhar has crossed Rs 1,000 crore worldwide within 21 days, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 so far.

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Dhurandhar

Dhurandhar continues its strong theatrical run, achieving a major milestone at the global box office. The Ranveer Singh-led film has crossed the Rs 1,000 crore mark worldwide within 21 days of its release, reinforcing its position as the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 so far.

Released on December 5, the film has shown sustained momentum both in India and overseas, outperforming other major releases of the year and entering the elite Rs 1,000 crore club.

Strong worldwide and domestic performance

According to figures shared by the makers, Dhurandhar has earned Rs 1006.7 crore globally in just three weeks. With this, it has gone past earlier big releases of the year, including Kantara Chapter 1 and Chhaava, to set a new benchmark in worldwide collections.

In the domestic market, the film has posted equally impressive numbers. Over its first 21 days, Dhurandhar collected more than Rs 650 crore in India. The film earned Rs 28.60 crore on Day 21, which coincided with Christmas, further boosting its overall tally.

A closer look at the India collections shows a strong week-wise performance. The film opened with Rs 218 crore in its first week, followed by Rs 261.50 crore in the second week. Between Days 15 and 20, it added Rs 160.70 crore. With the Day 21 earnings included, the total net domestic collection stands at Rs 668.80 crore, placing it among the biggest box office successes of the year and pushing it closer to the Rs 700 crore mark in India.

Entry into top domestic earners list

With its current numbers, Dhurandhar has also secured a spot among the top ten highest-grossing Indian films based on domestic net collections. The film has overtaken Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal to claim the ninth position on the list, underlining its exceptional run in theatres.

Cast, direction and sequel announcement

Headlined by Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar features an ensemble cast that includes Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi. The film is directed by Aditya Dhar, whose storytelling and the performances of the cast have been key factors behind its box office success.

The makers have already confirmed a sequel, which was hinted at in the post-credit scene. The follow-up film is scheduled to release on March 19, 2026, and will hit theatres in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.

With its record-breaking global earnings and continued strong performance in India, Dhurandhar is set to close 2025 as one of the most successful Indian films in recent years.

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Govinda’s Avatar: Fire and Ash cameo clips go viral, truth behind the AI-generated videos

AI-generated videos claiming Govinda’s cameo in Avatar: Fire and Ash have gone viral, but the actor does not appear in the film.

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Govinda’s ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ cameo clips go viral, truth behind the AI-generated videos

Social media users were left amused and confused after several viral clips claimed that Bollywood actor Govinda had made a surprise cameo in Avatar: Fire and Ash. The videos, which surfaced days after the film’s global release, showed Govinda as a blue-skinned Na’vi on Pandora, delivering dialogues in his trademark style or appearing on screen alongside Jake Sully.

The clips spread rapidly across platforms, with many viewers enjoying the humour, while others questioned whether the filmmaker had actually pulled off an unexpected crossover. Comments ranged from jokes asking where the “full movie” could be watched to disbelief over the possibility of such a casting choice.

No real cameo, clips are entirely AI-generated

Despite their convincing visuals, the viral videos are not authentic. Govinda does not appear in Avatar: Fire and Ash in any form. All the circulating clips and images have been created using artificial intelligence and fan edits, meant purely as memes and satire.

The buzz grew partly because of an old interview where Govinda had claimed he was once offered a role in Avatar but declined it. In that interaction, the actor spoke about being approached for a long shooting schedule and even claimed to have suggested the film’s title. However, this account was later questioned by his wife, Sunita Ahuja, who publicly said she was unaware of any such offer and distanced herself from the claim.

How old claims added fuel to the viral joke

Sunita Ahuja, speaking in a recent podcast, said she had no knowledge of the filmmaker visiting or offering Govinda a role, adding that she did not support false narratives. Her remarks resurfaced as the AI-generated clips went viral, reinforcing that the current buzz has no factual basis.

Avatar, directed by James Cameron, released in 2009, followed by The Way of Water in 2022. Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third instalment of the franchise, is currently running in cinemas worldwide, featuring Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana in lead roles.

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The Odyssey trailer: Christopher Nolan unveils first look of epic journey led by Matt Damon

Christopher Nolan has released the first trailer of The Odyssey, offering a glimpse into Matt Damon’s epic journey home after the Trojan War.

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The oddyssey

Christopher Nolan’s much-awaited film The Odyssey has officially stepped into the spotlight with the release of its first trailer. The ambitious project adapts Homer’s legendary epic and promises a large-scale cinematic experience rooted in myth, war and survival.

A glimpse into Odysseus’ long journey home

The trailer introduces Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek hero trying to make his way back home after the Trojan War. The visuals open in the immediate aftermath of the war, showing Odysseus leading his men away from Troy with the hope of returning to their families. However, the journey ahead appears long and dangerous.

Scenes highlight harsh landscapes, turbulent seas and repeated shipwrecks, underlining the physical and emotional toll of the voyage. The focus remains on endurance and survival rather than dialogue, with visuals driving the narrative forward.

One notable sequence shows Odysseus and his soldiers hidden inside the Trojan Horse, confirming that the fall of Troy forms part of the film’s early chapters. Another moment set in a dark cave, with an ominous moving shadow, hints at mythical threats without revealing them fully.

Family ties at the heart of the story

Alongside the action, the trailer places emphasis on family and emotional bonds. Tom Holland appears as Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, while Anne Hathaway plays Penelope, his wife waiting for his return. Their presence adds a personal dimension to the otherwise grand scale of the story.

Ensemble cast and technical scale

The film features an extensive cast that includes Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Mia Goth, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel and Corey Hawkins, alongside Damon, Hathaway and Holland.

Christopher Nolan has written and directed The Odyssey and is producing it with Emma Thomas. Backed by a major studio, the film has been shot using new IMAX technology and is described as the first feature made entirely using IMAX’s largest film format.

The Odyssey is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 17, 2026.

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