Thandel Movie Review

The film ‘Thandel’ features Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi in the lead roles with Chandu Moleti as the director. Devi Sri Prasad has composed music for this film.

The story revolves around a fisherman Raju (Naga Chaitanya) from the backdrops of Srikakulam. He is in love with Sathya (Sai Pallavi), and who in turn loves him unconditionally. When he becomes the Thandel (Leader), as acknowledged by the people around him, he often embarks on hazardous journey across the seas. Despite the severe warning of his soulmate Sathya, he relentlessly indulges in the risky sailing, which on an unexpected turn, takes him into the Pakistani border followed by imprisonment. What unfolds next is the time and fate testing the bond and relationship between Raju and Sathya.

Love stories when presented with simple yet emotional qualities never miss stealing the attention of audiences. This is yet again proved 100% perfect through ‘Thandel’. The film doesn’t letdown in any point, and keeps us engaged with its emotional and engrossing moments throughout the show. Naga Chaitanya’s career as a performer has always gone through ups and downs, and with this movie, he strongly registers himself as a high-quality actor. Sai Pallavi effortlessly wins our heart with her riveting performance. The way, she has done justice to her character is appreciable. Both the lead actors have excelled delivering the Srikakulam accent with flamboyance.

On the technical side, it’s a surprise package from Devi Sri Prasad, whose recent works have been under strict criticisms. He has taken up the project so seriously, and has delivered impactful music. With songs being added as an integral part of the screenplay, it gives more scope for Devi Sri Prasad to add embellishment through songs as well.

If you’re looking out for the flip side, it is all about few scenes that look repeated over and again. The portions set in Pakistani prison also look slightly devoid of emotions and grip. If both these aspects were properly monitored and handled efficiently, the film would have become much more engrossing. Besides, few scenes could have been avoided to make sure that the film’s entire presentation is more crisp.

Director Chandoo Mondeti has come up with a commendable story that will significantly work across the universal audiences. The way, he has developed the characterisation and added emotional aspects to them is pretty laudable. Still, few more improvisations in the screenplay would have made it more appreciable. Apart from DSP’s BGM, what adds more emblazonment to the story is Shamdat’s cinematography.

Overall, Thandel has a decent presentation that evokes the right emotions of love, and patriotism. Sparring few moments of not-so riveting elements, the film still stands out to be a good one.