Entertainment

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

Published

2 years 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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CID creator BP Singh dies of heart attack, film industry pays tribute

B.P. Singh, the creator and producer-director of CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His contribution to Indian television has prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry.

Published

1 week ago

October 27, 2026

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Veteran television producer-director B.P. Singh, best known for creating the popular crime investigation series CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His death on Tuesday, October 27, prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry, who remembered his contribution to Indian television.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit shared the news of Singh’s death in a social media post, remembering him as an accomplished filmmaker whose work had captivated audiences through shows such as CID and Aahat.

Pandit also recalled his association with Singh during the latter’s tenure as president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association. Expressing grief over the loss, he described Singh as a close friend and a person whose work would continue to inspire future generations.

The last rites are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 28, according to Pandit’s post.

BP Singh’s contribution to Indian television

Born Brijendra Pal Singh, B.P. Singh established himself as a prominent figure in Indian television through his work as a producer and director. He created CID, one of the country’s longest-running crime investigation shows, which premiered in 1998 and followed a team of Mumbai crime branch officers investigating cases.

The series became widely recognised among television audiences and ran for around two decades. Singh also occasionally appeared on the show as DCP Shamsher Singh Chitrole.

One of the show’s notable milestones came in October 2004, when a special episode was filmed in a single continuous take lasting 111 minutes. The achievement received recognition in the Limca Book of Records and the Guinness World Records.

Singh’s work was not limited to crime dramas. He was also associated with Aahat, a popular horror television series that aired from 1995 to 2015. His other projects included Khaaki, Abhay and SuperCops Vs Super Villains.

Ashoke Pandit remembers the veteran filmmaker

In his tribute, Pandit recalled Singh’s professional achievements and their personal association. He praised the filmmaker’s work on CID and Aahat and expressed condolences to his family and loved ones.

Singh’s death marks the loss of a veteran television professional whose productions helped shape crime and horror programming in India.

His work on CID and Aahat remains a significant part of his legacy in Indian television.

Entertainment

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for Welcome and Hera Pheri, dies at 56

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Published

1 month ago

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Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.

Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.

Mushtaq Khan’s film career

Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.

He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.

In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.

Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.

Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.

Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.

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Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

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Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.