Kelashi123: Started Article!

2026-05-07T15:09:16Z

Started Article!

New page

{{Short description|2025 Indian Telugu film by Chandoo Mondeti}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox film
| image = Thandel film.JPG
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Chandoo Mondeti]]
| starring = {{Plain list|
* [[Naga Chaitanya]]
* [[Sai Pallavi]]
}}
| screenplay = Chandoo Mondeti
| story = Kartheek Theeda
| producer = [[Bunny Vasu]]
| studio = [[Geetha Arts]]
| cinematography = [[Shamdat]]
| editing = [[Naveen Nooli]]
| music = [[Devi Sri Prasad]]
| distributor =
| released = {{Film date|2025|02|07|df=yes}}
| runtime = 151 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thandel |url=https://cbfcindia.gov.in/cbfcAdmin/search-result.php?recid=Q0EwNzIyMDEyMDI1MDAwNDM= |website=[[Central Board of Film Certification]]}}</ref>
| country = India
| language = Telugu
| budget = {{INR|75–90 crore}}<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mouli |first=Chandra |date=2 February 2025 |title=What is Naga Chaitanya's remuneration for Thandel? |url=https://www.siasat.com/what-is-naga-chaitanyas-remuneration-for-thandel-3174115/ |work=[[The Siasat Daily]]}}</ref>
| gross = {{INR|100 crore}}<ref name="bo1">{{Cite web |last=Sistu |first=Suhas |date=16 February 2025 |title=Naga Chaitanya's 'Thandel' joins 100 Cr club, becomes career-best hit |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/naga-chaitanyas-thandel-joins-100-cr-club-becomes-career-best-hit-946235 |access-date=18 March 2025 |website=[[The Hans India]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="bo2">{{Cite web |date=17 February 2025 |title=Naga Chaitanya's 'Thandel' enters Rs 100 crore club worldwide |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2529110/naga-chaitanyas-thandel-enters-international-200-crore-club |access-date=18 March 2025 |website=[[The Express Tribune]] |language=en}}</ref>
}}

'''''Thandel''''' ({{Literal translation|[[Sea captain|Captain]] of the boat}})<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wondering what the title of Naga Chaitanya's next 'Thandel' mean? Let's find out... |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/wondering-what-the-title-of-naga-chaitanyas-next-thandel-mean-lets-find-out/7600403b2c298 |access-date=21 January 2025 |website=[[OTTPlay]]}}</ref> is a 2025 Indian [[Telugu-language|Telugu]]-language [[Romance film|romantic]] [[action thriller film]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thandel |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/thandel-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdi3nzg1 |website=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |quote=When a brutal storm sends their ship drifting into Pakistani waters, a group of Indian fishermen are taken prisoner on suspicion of spying in this Telugu-language romantic action thriller.}}</ref> written and directed by [[Chandoo Mondeti]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 November 2023 |title=Naga Chaitanya's next with Chandoo Mondeti titled 'Thandel' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/naga-chaitanyas-next-with-chandoo-mondeti-titled-thandel/article67561699.ece |access-date=18 November 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Produced by [[Bunny Vasu]] under [[Geetha Arts]], and starring [[Naga Chaitanya]] and [[Sai Pallavi]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 November 2024 |title=Naga Chaitanya, Sai Pallavi starrer 'Thandel' gets a release date |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/naga-chaitanya-sai-pallavi-starrer-thandel-gets-a-release-date/article68835546.ece#:~:text=Thandel%20will%20hit%20the%20screens,against%20a%20picturesque%20ocean%20backdrop. |access-date=18 November 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The film is based on a real-life incident that occurred in 2018, depicting how Pakistani forces captured a fisherman from [[Srikakulam]] in international waters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harsh |first=B. H. |date=6 February 2025 |title=Thandel is not about Indo-Pak conflict |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2025/Feb/06/thandel-is-not-about-indo-pak-conflict |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 February 2025 |title=Thandel: Real Story Of Indian Fishermen Who Strayed Into Territorial Waters Of Pakistan, Got Caught And Tortured; Did They Survive? |url=https://www.thedailyjagran.com/entertainment/thandel-real-story-of-indian-fishermen-who-strayed-into-territorial-waters-of-pakistan-got-caught-and-tortured-did-they-survive-10216840 |website=[[Dainik Jagran]] |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Arabia Kadali]]'', a television series created by [[Krish Jagarlamudi]] is also based on the same story but was released in August 2025.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=123telugu |date=2025-08-08 |title=Satyadev comments on overlapping plots of Thandel & Arabia Kadali |url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/satyadev-comments-on-overlapping-plots-of-thandel-arabia-kadali-ott-prp.html |access-date=2025-08-08 |language=en-US}}</ref>

''Thandel'' was initially scheduled to be released in January 2025, on the occasion of [[Sankranthi]], but was postponed. The film was released in theatres on 7 February 2025 to mixed reviews from critics, who praised the lead cast's performance, visuals and soundtrack, while the narration received criticism. The film has grossed over {{INR|100 crores}} worldwide and is the fifth [[List of Telugu films of 2025|highest-grossing Telugu film of 2025]].

== Plot ==
{{Expand section|March 2025|date=March 2025}}
Raju is a brave fisherman from a small village near Srikakulam. Fishing isn't just his job; it's his life and what his family has always done. He's a natural leader and eventually becomes the "Thandel," which means the captain of his fishing boat. Now, Raju has a sweetheart named Satya (played by Sai Pallavi). They've been in love since they were kids, and she's his "bujji thalli," his loved one. Satya, though, worries a lot about Raju's dangerous life at sea. She dreams of him finding a safer job so they can have a peaceful future together. But the sea is in Raju's blood, and he feels he can't just leave it behind. One day, after a bit of a disagreement with Satya about him going to sea, Raju sets sail with his fellow fishermen. Unfortunately, a terrible storm comes out of nowhere and pushes their boat into Pakistani waters. Suddenly, their fishing trip turns into a nightmare! Raju and the other fishermen are captured by the Pakistani authorities. They are accused of being spies, even though they just got lost due to the bad weather. The movie then follows Raju and his men as they face the hardships of being prisoners in a foreign land. It shows their struggle to survive and their longing to return home to their families. Meanwhile, back in India, Satya is heartbroken and desperate. She doesn't know if Raju is even alive. The movie also shows her efforts and the efforts of others to try and get the fishermen released and brought back home. Thandel is not just about the difficulties the fishermen face. It's also a beautiful love story about Raju and Satya. Even when they are far apart and facing tough times, their love for each other keeps them going. It makes you wonder if they will ever be able to reunite after all the challenges they face. The movie also touches on themes of patriotism and the resilience of ordinary people in the face of extraordinary circumstances. It shows the deep connection the fishermen have to their homeland and their unwavering hope of returning. So, it's a mix of a sweet love story, a gripping survival tale, and a touch of patriotism, all inspired by a real incident.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 March 2024 |title=Naga Chaitanya shares inspiration behind the upcoming film 'Thandel' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/naga-chaitanya-reveals-inspiration-behind-thandel-film-based-on-real-life-fishermens-story/articleshow/108810404.cms#:~:text='Thandel'%20is%20based%20on%20the,their%20eventual%20return%20to%20India. |access-date=18 November 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

== Cast ==
{{cast listing|
* [[Naga Chaitanya]] as “Thandel” guldu khaan Raju
** Aakash Srinivas as Young Thandel
* [[Sai Pallavi]] as Koracha Sathya "Bujji Thalli"
** Baby Sridevi as Young Sathya
* [[Aadukalam Naren]] as Lingayya
* [[Divya Pillai]] as Chandra
* [[Karunakaran (actor)|Karunakaran]] as Manapuram Murali
* [[Kalpa Latha]] as Gowramma, Raju's mother
* [[Babloo Prithiveeraj]] as Koracha Somayya, Sathya's father
* [[Harsha Chemudu]] as Rambabu
* [[Prakash Belawadi]] as Jailer
* [[Charandeep]] as Suribabu
* [[:simple:Parvateesam|Parvateesam]] as Eswar
* Mahesh Achanta as Lakshman
* Nithin Prasanna as Sub-jailer
* Reddi Bhanu Prasad as Sentri
* Kishore Raju Vasistha as Indian Soldier
* Chitram Basha as Senior Sentri
* Vadlamani Srinivas as Minister
* Naga Mahesh as Local Contractor
* Abhinav Singh Raghav as PA to External Foreign Minister
}}

== Production ==
Post the release of the TV show ''[[Arabia Kadali]]'', in August 2025, [[Satyadev (actor)|Satyadev]] issued a clarification related to the similarity of story with the film. The pre-production work of the series began in 2023 and it took time for the team to get approval from Amazon Prime Video and to design the screenplay in an episode-wise format.<ref name=":1" />

The filming of ''Thandel'' started in December 2023 with the lead cast Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi. The duo earlier acted in the 2021 romantic drama, ''[[Love Story (2021 film)|Love Story]]''. Major portions of the film were shot in [[Visakhapatnam]], [[Srikakulam]], and [[Udupi]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 June 2024 |title='Thandel' vizag shooting wrapped up! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/thandel-vizag-shooting-wrapped-up/articleshow/111223708.cms |access-date=7 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=24 June 2024 |title='Thandel' vizag shooting wrapped up! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/thandel-vizag-shooting-wrapped-up/articleshow/111223708.cms#:~:text=The%20Naga%20Chaitanya%20and%20Sai,schedule%20in%20Visakhapatnam%20and%20Srikakulam. |access-date=18 November 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

A dance sequence in the film on [[Shiva|Lord Shiva]], "Namo Namah Shivaya", was shot with a budget of {{INR|4}} crores where 900 trained dancers worked for the song.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 September 2024 |title=Thandel: Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi's grand Maha Shivaratri dance sequence made with a budget of Rs. 4 crore |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/thandel-naga-chaitanya-and-sai-pallavis-grand-mahashivratri-dance-sequence-made-with-a-budget-of-rs-4-crore/articleshow/113806561.cms |access-date=7 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Naga Chaitanya, Sai Pallavi shoot for a Shivaratri song with 1000 dancers for Thandel |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/naga-chaitanya-sai-pallavi-shoot-for-a-shivaratri-song-with-1000-dancers-for-thandel-101727677388773.html |work=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=28 August 2024 |title=Naga Chaitanya's 'Thandel' to have a massive dance sequence, featuring 900 performers |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/naga-chaitanyas-thandel-to-have-a-massive-dance-sequence-featuring-900-performers/articleshow/112852401.cms |access-date=7 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

==Soundtrack==
{{Main|Thandel (soundtrack)}}
The music of the film is composed by [[Devi Sri Prasad]]. The main soundtrack has four songs and additional two songs in the extended soundtrack.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sistu |first=Suhas |date=22 January 2025 |title=Naga Chaitanya's 'Thandel' music promotions heat up |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/tollywood/naga-chaitanyas-thandel-music-promotions-heat-up-939013 |access-date=18 February 2025 |website=[[The Hans India]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Release ==

===Theatrical===
Initially the film was planned for a [[Makar Sankranti|Sankranthi]] festival release in January 2025. Due to some difficulties in shooting permissions and also for uncompromised quality of making, the makers have opted for 7 February 2025 in original [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and also dubbed in [[Tamil-language|Tamil]] and [[Hindi-language|Hindi]] languages.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 November 2024 |title=Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi's Thandel to release early next year |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/naga-chaitanya-thandel-release-date-sai-pallavi-february-2025-geetha-arts-2628577-2024-11-05 |access-date=3 December 2024 |website=[[India Today]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Bhavana |date=5 November 2024 |title=Thandel Theatrical Release Date Locked |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/naga-chaitanya-sai-pallavis-thandel-arriving-in-theatres-on-feb-7-1835661 |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=6 November 2024 |title=Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi starrer 'Thandel' to release in February 2025 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/naga-chaitanya-and-sai-pallavi-starrer-thandel-to-release-in-february-2025/articleshow/114988201.cms |access-date=7 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 November 2024 |title=Naga Chaitanya, Sai Pallavi-starrer Thandel gets release date |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/naga-chaitanya-sai-pallavi-starrer-thandel-gets-release-date-9655101/ |access-date=18 November 2024 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref>

The Tamil dubbed version for [[Tamil Nadu]] distributed by S. R. Prakashbabu and [[S. R. Prabhu]] under [[Dream Warrior Pictures]]. The Hindi dubbed version for [[North India]] distributed by [[Jayantilal Gada]] under [[Pen Studios|Pen Marudhar]].

===Home media===
The satellite rights were acquired by [[Zee Telugu]], while the post-theatrical streaming rights were acquired by [[Netflix]] for {{INR}}40–45 crore.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sistu |first=Suhas |date=29 April 2024 |title=Netflix acquires digital rights for Naga Chaitanya's 'Thandel' in record-breaking deal |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/ott-web-series/netflix-acquires-digital-rights-for-naga-chaitanyas-thandel-in-record-breaking-deal-875522 |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=[[The Hans India]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=2025-04-04 |title=Digital platforms and Telugu cinema: Has the bubble burst? |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/digital-platforms-and-telugu-cinema-has-the-bubble-burst/article69396060.ece |access-date=2025-04-04 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The film began streaming on Netflix from 7 March 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 December 2024 |title=THIS channel seals the satellite rights for Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi's 'Thandel' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/this-channel-seals-the-satellite-rights-for-naga-chaitanya-and-sai-pallavis-thandel/articleshow/115445964.cms |access-date=7 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

==Reception==
=== Critical response ===
Thandel met with generally mixed reviews from critics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2025 |title='Thandel' movie review: Sai Pallavi, Naga Chaitanya elevate a partly-choppy romance saga |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/thandel-movie-review-sai-pallavi-naga-chaitanya-elevate-a-partly-choppy-romance-saga/article69191414.ece |access-date=7 February 2025 |website=[[The Hindu]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2025 |title=Thandel Movie Review: Netizens Rave About Naga Chaitanya And Sai Pallavi's Chemistry, Hail THIS Scene |url=https://zeenews.india.com/regional/thandel-movie-review-netizens-rave-about-naga-chaitanya-and-sai-pallavis-chemistry-hail-this-scene-2854981.html |access-date=7 February 2025 |website=[[Zee News]] |language=en}}</ref>

Paul Nicodemus of ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "Thandel is an engaging romantic action drama that delivers on its promise. While there are moments where the narrative could have been tighter, the film’s decent storytelling, moving music, stunning visuals and brilliant lead performances ensure it leaves an impact. If you’re looking for an intense love story with drama, action, and a touch of patriotism, Thandel is worth a watch".<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2025 |title=Thandel Movie Review: Naga Chaitanya & Sai Pallavi power this emotional action drama |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/thandel/movie-review/118007518.cms |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Avad Mohammad of ''[[OTTPlay]]'' gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "On the whole, Thandel is a deeply moving romantic drama, elevated by outstanding performances from Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi. The emotionally gripping narrative keeps you engaged until the very end, making it a must-watch this weekend. Highly recommended".<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2025 |title=Thandel Review: A moving romantic drama with breakthrough performances by Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi |url=https://www.ottplay.com/review/thandel-review-a-moving-romantic-drama-with-breakthrough-performances-by-naga-chaitanya-and-sai-pallavi/751f2f7f7d699 |website=[[OTTplay]]}}</ref> Rachit Gupta of ''[[Filmfare]]'' gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "DSP's music and Shamdat Sainudeen's cinematography are highlights of Thandel. Together the music and visuals of this film are at par with any international production one may have seen. But director Chandoo Mondeti's direction and the screenplay don't always convince you of the epic that's unfolding on screen".<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2025 |title=Thandel Review - Epic romance in a not so epic film |url=https://www.filmfare.com/reviews/south-movies/thandel-review-epic-romance-in-a-not-so-epic-film-71333.amp |website=[[Filmfare]]}}</ref>

Arjun Menon of [[Rediff.com]] gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote, "The reluctance to own the romantic tragedy at the heart for superficial thrills prevents Thandel from truly rising".<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2025 |title=Thandel Review: Patriotic Love Story |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/review/thandel-review/20250207.htm |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> Avinash Ramachandran of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote, "But the fact that there was space for just one love story to bloom rather than 22 life stories to come to life is why Thandel is a lovely romance that doesn’t go all the way because it falls short of becoming an effective drama".<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2025 |title=Thandel Movie Review: Sai Pallavi, Naga Chaitanya shoulder a layered romance but get bogged down by superficial drama |url=https://www.indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/thandel-movie-review-sai-pallavi-naga-chaitanya-shoulder-a-layered-romance-9822886/lite/ |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref>

=== Box office ===
''Thandel'' reportedly grossed over {{INRconvert|21.27|c}} worldwide in its opening day.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2025 |title=Naga Chaitanya, Sai Pallavi's chemistry sees surge on Saturday, earns Rs 24.14 cr |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/thandel-box-office-collection-day-2-naga-chaitanya-sai-pallavi-starrer-sees-surge-on-saturday-earns-rs-24-14-cr-9825868/ |access-date=9 February 2025 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref> It concluded its theatrical run with worldwide gross estimated to be ₹100 crore.<ref name="bo1" /><ref name="bo2" />

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{IMDb title|27907811}}
*{{Twitter|ThandelTheMovie}}
{{Chandoo Mondeti}}

[[Category:2025 action thriller films]]
[[Category:2020s romantic action films]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic action films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic thriller films]]
[[Category:Films set in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Films shot in Visakhapatnam]]
[[Category:Films shot in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Films shot in Karnataka]]
[[Category:2025 films]]
[[Category:2025 Indian films]]
[[Category:2025 Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Devi Sri Prasad]]
[[Category:Geetha Arts films]]
[[Category:2025 romance films]]
[[Category:2020s romantic thriller films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Chandoo Mondeti]]
[[Category:Indian films based on actual events]]
[[Category:Films set on oceans]]
[[Category:Films about fishing]]
[[Category:Films about fishermen]]
[[Category:Films set in 2019]]
[[Category:Films set in 2018]]

Thandel - Revision history

Kelashi123: Started Article!