Story
Raju (Naga Chaitanya) is a fisherman from a village in Srikakulam, deeply in love with Satya (Sai Pallavi), who also belongs to the fishing community. Raju is chosen as the Thandel (leader and boat operator) of his group. Every year, he and his fellow fishermen travel to Gujarat for nine months, where they hire boats and fish in safer waters near the jetties. The long separation is tough for both Raju and Satya. However, during one such fishing trip, Raju’s boat unknowingly drifts into Pakistani waters, leading to his arrest by the Pakistan’s maritime police along with 21 other fishermen. As they are imprisoned, Satya and the women of their village take it upon themselves to fight for their men’s release. The rest of the story unfolds as they struggle for justice and explores how Raju and Satya’s love story withstands these challenges.

Artists Performance

Naga Chaitanya is a treat to watch, fully immersing himself in the role of a fisherman with an authentic dialect. His performance is outstanding, delivering his career-best acting in the emotional Bujji Thalli song’s sad version. Sai Pallavi shines in a pivotal role, bringing depth and brilliance to her character. Divya Pillai excels in a supporting role, while Karunakaran impresses as an innocent yet impactful character. Prakash Belawadi is exceptional as the Pakistani jailer. Aadukalam Naren, Babloo Prithviraj, Kalpalatha, and Parvateesam make their presence felt, adding weight to the narrative. Mahesh Achanta stands out as one of the fishermen, and the child actor accompanying the group delivers a commendable performance.

Story - screenplay - direction: The film’s story brings fresh and engaging elements, offering a sense of novelty compared to other commercial Telugu films. Director Chandu Mondeti, known for his strength in love stories, ensures that the romance is portrayed with depth and sensitivity, further enhanced by exceptional music. He masterfully captures the emotions, especially in the film’s final act.

The first half is well-crafted, with the conflict point making a strong impact at the interval. The second half’s jail sequences, however, lean towards commercial treatment with heavy jingoism and lack freshness. Despite this, Chandu excels in delivering emotionally resonant moments in the climax.

The depth of a love story is truly felt when the audience experiences the pain of the lovers. The director balances both emotions, portraying heartbreak just as effectively as the feel-good moments, making the love story even more impactful.

Writing a screenplay for a film that revolves around a single-point narrative without twists is challenging. The key to making it work lies in highlighting the love story and ensuring emotional depth - something Chandu achieves.

Other departments: From a technical standpoint, Devi Sri Prasad’s music serves as the soul of the film. "Bujji Thalli" and "Hailessa" are standout tracks, with "Bujji Thalli" appearing in three variations (happy, sad, and female versions). The song is seamlessly woven into key moments, including the background score and end credits. The background music is outstanding, elevating the film’s emotional depth.

Shamdat’s cinematography is impressive, though certain shots in the first half feel slightly unconventional due to the subject being centered in the frame rather than following traditional composition techniques. Srinagendra Tangala’s production design is both authentic and visually striking - I particularly liked the aesthetics of the lighthouse and Shiva idol. Dialogues written by Chandu Mondeti are very good. Naveen Nooli’s editing is sharp, while the action sequences are well-executed. VFX work is good. Geetha Arts has delivered top-notch production values, adding to the film’s overall appeal.

Analysis: Thandel boasts a refreshing storyline with a compelling love story at its core. Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi deliver stellar performances that bring the romance to life. Devi Sri Prasad’s music serves as the film’s backbone, enhancing its emotional depth. Although the pacing feels slow due to the nature of the subject, and the jail episodes don't match with the orientation of the film, the heartfelt love sequences and emotionally charged climax leave a lasting impact. Overall, Thandel offers an engaging theatrical experience worth watching.