Thandel movie review: It has been some time since Tollywood presented a romantic narrative that evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. Chandoo Mondeti’s film, featuring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, is a blend of strengths and weaknesses; however, the love story remains commendable. The film begins on a strong note, experiences some setbacks, but ultimately regains its momentum.

Thandel story

Raju (Chaitanya) and his beloved Satya (Pallavi) have been inseparable since childhood, sharing dreams of a life together. However, a significant challenge arises from their origins in Matchilesam, located near Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh. Raju spends nine months of the year working as a fisherman in Gujarat, which keeps him away from home. Their relationship is marked by infrequent phone calls filled with yearning, a flag at the lighthouse symbolizing his absence, and the cherished moments they share when he returns, often falling asleep in each other’s embrace. Despite their efforts to cherish every moment, a broken promise and a disastrous fishing trip threaten to disrupt their bond.

Thandel review

Thandel draws inspiration from a true event involving 22 fishermen from Srikakulam and Vizianagaram, who were held in Pakistan for 13 months after inadvertently entering their territorial waters. Chandoo enhances this narrative by infusing elements of nationalism and romance, thereby crafting a compelling cinematic experience. The film succeeds primarily when it centers on the romantic relationship between the protagonists; however, it loses momentum when it shifts its focus to the fishermen's experiences in Karachi Central Jail. At the outset of the film, a title card states - where drama begins, logic ends. The director effectively delivers on this premise.

Naga Chaitanya’s performance

Chaitanya portrays the titular character of Thandel, the ship’s captain, in the film, allowing him to fully immerse himself in the role. He not only embodies the character's appearance, characterized by tanned skin, disheveled hair, and a beard, but also infuses it with a sense of vulnerability. A particularly poignant moment occurs near the film's conclusion when Raju experiences a profound heartbreak. In this scene, he clutches his chest, weeps openly, and makes a decisive choice, with Chaitanya delivering a performance that renders it entirely credible. His acting captivates the audience even during the film's less compelling moments. Additionally, Devi Sri Prasad’s music, especially the track "Bujji Thalli," enhances his performance.

What doesn’t work

Pallavi's performance contrasts sharply with Chaitanya's, as he convincingly conveys a deep yearning for his beloved, while she tends to exaggerate her expressions of joy. Initially, her portrayal is so theatrical that it resembles the archetype of a manic pixie dream girl. Fortunately, as the narrative progresses and finds its rhythm, her performance becomes more grounded, aligning with the expectations of her audience.

The sequences featuring Raju and his associates in Karachi appear contrived, especially when Pakistani prisoners insult India without any provocation. Additionally, the scenes involving bureaucratic hurdles and Sushila Swaraj (the equivalent of Sushma Swaraj) fail to evoke the necessary sense of urgency. Furthermore, the lead characters' Srikakulam accents require significant refinement, as their struggles with dialogue are particularly noticeable and disruptive, especially when juxtaposed with the effortless delivery of the supporting cast.

In conclusion

This film may not suit your preferences if you are seeking a serious or analytical exploration of its themes, akin to the 2016 Hindi film Sarabjit. Thandel presents itself as a lighthearted romantic drama that resonates primarily with viewers who are willing to engage with the main characters and root for their love story. Could it have been improved? Certainly. However, it may represent the success that Chaitanya has been striving for recently.

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