Thandel is scheduled to premiere on February 7, 2025. Naga Chaitanya stars in the lead role and shares insights regarding his character, his significant transformation, his collaboration with Sai Pallavi, the film's budgetary challenges, and various other topics. Below is the transcript of the interview.

Naga Chaitanya discusses Thandel

Have you seen the film?

Indeed, the entire cast and crew, including my father, Allu Aravind Garu, and several prominent figures in the industry, have viewed the film, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Everyone has expressed their admiration for the film, particularly praising the second half, which has resonated with many viewers. I am extremely confident that Thandel will debut successfully, and I can already sense the excitement surrounding it.

How did you secure this role?

During the filming of my OTT debut, Dhootha, my director Vikram Kumar shared the story with me and mentioned that the script was with Geetha Arts. I reached out to the producer, Bunny Vas, to express my keen interest in the project and inquired about the possibility of being cast. Ultimately, the script was finalized, resembling a documentary initially. Subsequently, Chandoo Mondeti, my director, revised the screenplay and transformed it into a cinematic narrative.

You have been enthusiastic about Thandel for quite some time. What makes this film unique?

For an actor to progress to the next level, it is essential to encounter a script that tests their acting abilities. I recognized that challenge in Thandel and fully committed myself, as it fundamentally questioned my identity as an actor. The script, my name, and my character were all beyond my usual comfort zone. I dedicated significant effort to embody my character as a fisherman, and only when I felt fully prepared did we commence filming. Thandel is inspired by a true story, which further motivated me to deliver my utmost performance.

Tell us more about your character, Raju, in Thandel

Since my entry into the industry, I have aspired to portray a character that resonates deeply with the common people. However, my public persona has often hindered such opportunities. Therefore, when the role in Thandel presented itself, I seized it eagerly. Raju, a fisherman from Vizag, faces trials in both love and his duty to his country. The narrative centres around his arrest by the Pakistani navy and the subsequent challenges he encounters in his romantic life.

This marks your third collaboration with Chandoo Mondeti. What distinguishes this project from the previous ones?  

Chandoo and I share a long-standing professional relationship. He consistently endeavours to present me in a fresh light. In our earlier films together, he delved into various facets of my acting abilities. However, with Thandel, he has elevated the portrayal to new heights. He has meticulously designed my character to emphasize my action capabilities and depict me as a heroic figure, which I believe will resonate well with the audience.

What is the significance of the term Thandel, and how does it connect to the film's narrative?  

Thandel is a term from Gujarati that translates to "leader." In the context of fishing in Gujarat, the individual who manages the operations and oversees the fishermen is referred to as a Thandel, which is the role I embody in the film. Notably, over 60% of the movie was filmed at sea, capturing emotions that are both authentic and compelling.

The Pakistani backdrop has been used in many films before. What's new in Thandel?

For a Telugu film, particularly one set against an oceanic backdrop, this represents a novel approach. Additionally, the integration of the love story with the subplot involving Pakistani soldiers is quite intriguing and has been executed with great strength. The sequences set in prison are expected to leave a significant impact without being unnecessarily prolonged. The core of the film revolves around the romantic drama and the emotional richness of the central characters.

What was your experience working with Sai Pallavi?  

There is little left to say about Sai Pallavi—she stands as one of the leading stars in Indian cinema and embodies her roles with remarkable authority. Observing such exceptional talent enhances one's own performance. The chemistry we share in Thandel is among the film's standout features.

The film has exceeded its budget. What are your thoughts on this?  

Thandel represents my most ambitious project to date in terms of budget, casting, narrative, and overall scale. While we did exceed the budget, I am pleased to report that over 70% of it has already been recouped through the film's OTT rights. With breathtaking visuals, captivating storytelling, and chart-topping music by DSP, Thandel promises to deliver a comprehensive cinematic experience for all audiences.

Future projects?

Allu Aravind has produced this film, and I share a great bond with him. I hope to do more films with him in the future. I also have a few films lined up with big banners, and I will announce them after the release of Thandel. Something very exciting is coming up for my fans. 

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