Thandel

Went with flat expectations and was pleasantly surprised, although not completely satisfied.

Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi's chemistry is the major asset of the film, it's what keeps you engaged despite the routine stuff on offer. But introducing the patriotism angle in the 2nd half is a major letdown, neither it's fresh nor it engages, climax wrapped up conveniently.

Naga Chaitanya has shown good improvement in terms of acting and screen presence, Sai Pallavi continues where she left from Amaran, but it feels repetitive. Others have got nothing.

Technically, DSP's work deserves huge applause, shows he's still the best in the business, Shamdat's camera work is superb, editing by Navin Nooli could have been better, 2nd half feels so long and dragged, production values by Geetha Arts are fine.

Coming to Director Chandoo Mondeti, has done a good job when it comes to love story, but the patriotism parts felt unnecessary and forced.

BOTTOMLINE: Not a long lasting, but fairly enjoyable love story.

"Thandel" delivers a poignant narrative rooted in true events, much like "Mathe Mungaru," with both films sharing strikingly similar perspectives that resonate deeply with audiences. The movie strikes an emotional chord while incorporating elements of action, offering a balanced mix of sentiment and intensity.

Naga Chaitanya's performance stands out as one of the film's strongest aspects. His portrayal of the lead character is engaging, capturing both the emotional depth and action-driven elements with remarkable authenticity. The actor fully immerses himself in the role, giving a 100% commitment to the performance.

However, it's Sai Pallavi who truly owns the screen. Her portrayal is nothing short of legendary, further cementing her status as one of the industry's most talented actresses. Sai Pallavi is, without a doubt, the highlight of the movie, bringing an emotional gravity to each scene, making her presence feel like the heartbeat of the film. She elevates "Thandel" in every way, ensuring that viewers remain glued to the screen.

On the music front, Devi Sri Prasad's score is decent, though it doesn't entirely stand out in comparison to his previous works. The soundtrack serves its purpose but doesn't elevate the emotional experience as one might expect.

Overall, "Thandel" is a one-time watch for those seeking a movie filled with sentiment and action. While the music may not leave a lasting impression, the strong performances from Naga Chaitanya and especially Sai Pallavi make it worthwhile.

Rating: 3/5 stars.

A love story that pulls at the strings of your heart. The lead pair of Naga Chaitanya & Sai Pallavi get into the skins of their respective characters with such finesse. A word for Naga Chaitanya - his transformation into Thandel Raju can easily be a case study for other actors who wish to play such layered & complex characters. This is quite simply his best performance by far in his career. DSP's songs & BGM elevate the movie by leaps & bounds, coming at the right places and in the right format. Director Chandoo dis hos best in turning this real-life story into a magnificent celluloid creation with the right amount of drama and emotion. Overall, for movie lovers across the world, Thandel is a must-watch. Period.

Beyond a point you cannot rely on Sai Pallavi to rescue a movie every time. This is a true story which has been dramatised for superior cinematic viewing, however the duration of the movie has lasted longer than necessary with certain repetitive sequences around the emotional scenes thereby diluting the impact of the natural chemistry between the lead actors. It's like making a larger Dosa with the same cup of batter. Must watch but not more than once. DSP's thematic tune is lilting and positively haunting. Casting is excellent. I wish there was a more outdoor shoot, especially on the coastlines, instead of showing the same fishing harbour five times.

This film is supposedly based on real incidents, but the way it's narrated makes it feel more like a cinematic exaggeration than a grounded story. While a few moments grab your attention, most of the film struggles to keep you hooked. The screenplay does have a handful of well-executed scenes, but beyond that, it's just a routine ride. Patriotism is unnecessarily forced into the screenplay for commercial appeal.

Naga Chaitanya clearly puts in a lot of effort, and his dedication is visible. However, he doesn't quite become the character he's playing. While this might be one of his better performances, he still needs to pick scripts that truly suit his strengths.

Sai Pallavi, as always, delivers a solid performance. But here's the thing-she's so consistently good that this role feels like just another day at work for her. Nothing groundbreaking, just her usual excellence.

The rest of the cast does their job well-no complaints, but no surprises either.

On the technical side, the production values are respectable. The locations, sets, costumes, and makeup all fit the mood of the film. The cinematography is pleasing, and the music adds some flavor, though it doesn't particularly elevate the experience.

In the end, the film is neither great nor terrible-it just sits in the safe zone of mediocrity. Watch it if you're a fan of the lead actors, otherwise, you might not miss much.