Thandel

Hearing a lot of reviews I happened to watch this movie. It was good in parts. As it was based on a real incident, those parts were good. The visual effects were definitely good. Music and cinematography was also good. Naga chaitanya and other actors deliver a great performance while Sai Pallavi's acting was top notch. However the things that didn't work well for me was certain jail scenes were disturbing, why it has to be shown that way whenever Indian movie makers take movies about Pakistan. Why can't they make movies like Bajrang bhaijaan?., also the climax of the movie was too clichéd and predictable.. Good movie but definetly not that great.

Story lineup drives everything .As, the movie is based on true event . Average performance by Naga Chaitanya and Over action by Sai pallavi , One time Watcher , not so necessary dance bits planned for Sai pallavi just to elevate , but didn't work . Andhra Film makers now realized the pain for the ill treating the dialecs of any region . Till Telangana achieved statehood every Andhra Film maker criticized Telangana dialect , now when Andhra dialecs are treated small or neglected they are feeling the pain .

Felt like it could be directed even better . Any other female lead other than Sai Pallavi would have been better inplace of this role .

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.

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.