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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.

Bollywood news

After Shahid, Kareena share stage at IIFA, Imtiaz Ali says people are now asking him about Jab We Met sequel

The event kicked off with a screening of My Melbourne, an anthology created in collaboration with directors like Onir, Rima Das, and Kabir Khan.

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Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali recently expressed his intrigue regarding the public’s interest in a sequel to his beloved 2007 film Jab We Met. This renewed curiosity comes on the heels of actors Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan sharing a stage at the recent 25th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in Jaipur, which many fans eagerly celebrated as a nostalgic reunion of their iconic characters, Aditya and Geet.

During an interaction with PTI, Ali remarked, “It’s fascinating that people are linking Shahid and Kareena’s meeting at IIFA to Jab We Met. Shahid mentioned that he believes I have moved on from the film, but I think everyone has. It’s been a significant amount of time since the film’s release.”

Despite the enduring love for the romantic drama, which tells the story of a heartbroken businessman and a free-spirited woman, Ali doesn’t plan to make a sequel. “We should cherish what we have rather than risk tarnishing it with a sequel,” he stated. While he acknowledges the talent and charm of both actors, he clarified that he is not currently developing a project that involves them together.

Ali, known for a variety of feature films including Love Aaj KalRockstarTamashaHighway, and Amar Singh Chamkila, shared his thoughts while walking the red carpet at the I View World Film Festival on Wednesday. The event kicked off with a screening of My Melbourne, an anthology created in collaboration with directors like Onir, Rima Das, and Kabir Khan.

Additionally, Ali is set to release a new film titled Jules, which explores the unique friendship between a newlywed food blogger and a homeless woman in Melbourne. “This is a film featuring a very diverse cast with numerous voices, genders, nationalities, and languages. I’m excited about its premiere on March 14 during Holi, celebrated across India,” he enthused.

The festival, organized by Engendered—a trans-national arts and human rights organization—will take place at the exquisite Travancore Palace and will continue until March 16.

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Bollywood news

As Alia Bhatt’s 32nd birthday approaches, Ranbir Kapoor, his wife head to Alibaug for celebrations

At the end of their interaction, the couple sincerely requested the paparazzi to respect their wishes regarding Raha’s privacy, reaffirming their dedication to her well-being.

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As Alia Bhatt’s 32nd birthday approaches on March 15, 2025, she and husband Ranbir Kapoor were spotted heading to Alibaug for a relaxing getaway. The couple appears to be eager to celebrate this special occasion with each other.

In a viral video, Alia looked radiant in a peach kurti, white trousers, and beige jootis with heels while walking toward the port. Her effortless style was complemented by Ranbir, who donned a chic beige co-ord set and accessorized with brown sunglasses. Together, they exuded a casual yet fashionable vibe as they made their way to their destination.

Before their Alibaug trip, Alia and Ranbir were seen celebrating her upcoming birthday with the paparazzi. They took the time to engage with photographers, discussing their ongoing and upcoming projects, including “Love and War” and the highly anticipated “Brahmastra 2.” Their cheerful demeanor showed how they enjoy their interactions with the media.

During the conversation, the couple expressed their desire to maintain privacy for their daughter, Raha, emphasizing their commitment to protecting her from public attention. They articulated the importance of keeping her life away from the spotlight, prioritizing her well-being above all.

On the day of her birthday celebration, Alia shared a heartwarming moment with the paparazzi by cutting a two-tier cake. Her face lit up with joy as she celebrated with those around her. After enjoying the first slice, she sweetly shared it with Ranbir, who responded with a tender kiss on her forehead. In a playful moment, he dabbed some frosting on her nose, prompting Alia to giggle in delight.

Discussing her current work, Alia shared that she, Ranbir, and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali are currently shooting at night for Bhansali’s latest film. She explained, “We shoot at night and are mum and dad during the day. It’s an interesting combination. There’s no distraction, no noise, and we can focus on our scenes.” Working with Sanjay again has brought her joy, and she noted, “He makes you feel great; this is just the beginning.”

At the end of their interaction, the couple sincerely requested the paparazzi to respect their wishes regarding Raha’s privacy, reaffirming their dedication to her well-being.

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Bollywood news

Deewaniyat: Sonam Bajwa joins Harshvardhan Rane in Milap Milan Zaveri’s directorial

Deewaniyat is penned by Mustaq Sheikh in collaboration with Milap Milan Zaveri and is scheduled to commence filming soon, with a release planned for late 2025. This film looks to capture the essence of love and romance, drawing fans’ attention in anticipation.

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In the upcoming romantic drama Deewaniyat, actor Sonam Bajwa will star alongside Harshvardhan Rane. The film, directed by Milap Milan Zaveri, promises to be a passionate love story enriched by a “soul-stirring” soundtrack. Sonam has established herself as a well-known figure in Punjabi cinema and is also set to appear in major Hindi franchise films such as Housefull 5 and Baaghi 4.

Deewaniyat is penned by Mustaq Sheikh in collaboration with Milap Milan Zaveri and is scheduled to commence filming soon, with a release planned for late 2025. This film looks to capture the essence of love and romance, drawing fans’ attention in anticipation.

The film follows the recent wave of re-releases in Indian cinema, including hits like Sairat and Highway, which are making their way back to the big screen this March and April. One film that has recently stirred considerable buzz in the box office arena is Sanam Teri Kasam, originally released in 2016, which features Harshvardhan Rane alongside Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane.

The romantic drama saw a remarkable resurgence and became a sensation upon its re-release, outperforming other contemporary films such as Loveyapa and Badass Ravi Kumar. It even made its way back to screenings in the UK, showcasing its enduring appeal.

Harshvardhan Rane expressed his gratitude towards audiences for the love and support received for Sanam Teri Kasam, emphasizing the timeless nature of love stories. In discussing Deewaniyat, he conveyed his excitement, stating, “The power of a love story is eternal, and when I heard the madness, passion, and craziness of the role and script of Deewaniyat, I immediately chose it to be my next film.” This quote illustrates the actor’s commitment to exploring deep emotional narratives, which audiences are sure to appreciate in this new project.

As Deewaniyat progresses toward production, fans eagerly await what promises to be an engaging cinematic experience.

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