Thandel

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.

An overdramatic true story and far from reality, dragged love story.

First half could have been completed in one song aka 5 minutes, the director dragged it so much that the whole crowd in mid town theatre were waiting to go for a break looking at each other's face.

The chemistry between Sai Pallavi and Chay is good, the only saving part in first half. By the way music is good., three stars are for just music.

The second half has unnecessary patriotic scenes that do not gel with story line, though it is true story, the way it was directed is half baked, does not look five percent realistic. Made a mockery of Jails. The waghah border scene could have 10x better but director satisfied with poor acting and storyline.

Overall people felt sleepy in first half and dozed off in theatre in second half.

Thandel is more than just a film; it's an emotional rollercoaster that blends romance, patriotism, and real-life struggles into a compelling narrative. Inspired by true events, the film follows the heart-wrenching journey of Indian fishermen who accidentally cross into Pakistani waters and find themselves imprisoned, while their loved ones fight for their release.

Naga Chaitanya delivers one of his most intense performances, portraying the pain, resilience, and hope of a man caught in an unimaginable situation. Sai Pallavi shines as the woman who refuses to give up on love, making every emotional beat of the story hit even harder. Their chemistry adds depth to the story, making it even more powerful.

The cinematography beautifully captures the contrast between the vast, unpredictable ocean and the claustrophobic prison cells, enhancing the film's immersive experience. Devi Sri Prasad's soul-stirring background score amplifies the emotions, ensuring that every scene resonates deeply.

With a well-paced narrative, gripping second half, and a touching climax, Thandel is a must-watch for those who love emotionally charged dramas based on real-life incidents. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.

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.