Entertainment

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

Published

10 months ago

February 8, 2025

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.

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