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IMDbPro

Thandel

  • 2025
  • 2h 32m
IMDb RATING
6.6/10
4.5K
YOUR RATING
Sai Pallavi in Thandel (2025)
Watch Trailer [OV]
Play trailer2:16
2 Videos
11 Photos
Sea AdventureActionAdventureRomanceThriller

An action drama about a fisherman in Srikakulam who gets caught by the Pakistan forces in international waters.An action drama about a fisherman in Srikakulam who gets caught by the Pakistan forces in international waters.An action drama about a fisherman in Srikakulam who gets caught by the Pakistan forces in international waters.

  • Director
    • Chandoo Mondeti
  • Writers
    • Chandoo Mondeti
    • Karthik Theeda
  • Stars
    • Naga Chaitanya Akkineni
    • Sai Pallavi
    • Shiva Alapati
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.6/10
    4.5K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Chandoo Mondeti
    • Writers
      • Chandoo Mondeti
      • Karthik Theeda
    • Stars
      • Naga Chaitanya Akkineni
      • Sai Pallavi
      • Shiva Alapati
    • 25User reviews
    • 4Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos2

    Trailer [OV]
    Trailer 2:16
    Trailer [OV]
    Thandel
    Trailer 2:23
    Thandel
    Thandel
    Trailer 2:23
    Thandel

    Photos10

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    Top cast10

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    Naga Chaitanya Akkineni
    Naga Chaitanya Akkineni
    • Raju
    Sai Pallavi
    Sai Pallavi
    • Satya
    Shiva Alapati
    • Fisherman
    Sundip Ved
    Sundip Ved
    • Rakeem
    Kishore Raju Vasistha
    • Soldier
    Rajiv Kumar Aneja
    • AP Chief Secretary
    Shaan Kakkar
    • Shoheb
    Abhinav Singh Raghav
    • PA to Foreign Minister
    Sandeep Sandilya
    • Contractor assistant
    • (credit only)
    Charu Shankar
    • Bansuri Swaraj
    • Director
      • Chandoo Mondeti
    • Writers
      • Chandoo Mondeti
      • Karthik Theeda
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews25

    6.64.5K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say 'Thandel' is an emotionally charged film with a strong focus on romance, patriotism, and real-life struggles. Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi's performances are praised for their chemistry and emotional depth. The music by Devi Sri Prasad and Shamdat's cinematography are noted for enhancing the film's impact. However, some criticize the pacing, predictability, and certain unrealistic scenes. The portrayal of the Pakistani jailer and political elements receive mixed reactions. Despite these issues, many find the film engaging and worth watching.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    8TheOG_DarkFang

    Really Great!

    A Real Story of Pride of Our Country to Bring Our Citizens from Other Countries Who Were Mistakenly Travelling in a Seastorm.

    This film wasn't just telling reality but even a 2nd story, which focuses on love between the couple shown in this film, as this movie was really one of a kind, as at one place in the village the girl is the protagonist, and in the sea the male character is the protagonist, like both are equally shown in this film.

    This movie shows how, with the help of the girl, his soulmate, his whole crew is brought back to India from a foreign country.

    Thandel, meaning the Leader, is shown as the boy who was stuck with his crew in another country, and the girl is further addressed as thandel rani - queen leader, as she saves many families from starvation and financial problems.

    Really good music throughout the whole film, which bound it so compactly really great acting natural and cool.

    The CGI/VFX from Sea were tolerable as a small-budget film but still were impressive, I say.
    6shravan_chatla

    So So Performances by the Actors ..

    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 .
    9sgchakravarthi

    A Fantastic comeback for Naga Chaitanya

    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.
    6maestromanohar

    Love clicks, Patriotism fails

    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.
    7Proximity_Ninja

    Identical to "Mathe Mungaru" Kannada movie

    "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.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Alternate versions
      The UK release was cut, the distributor chose to make cuts to one sequence of violence in order to obtain a 12A classification. An uncut 15 classification was available.

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • February 7, 2025 (India)
    • Country of origin
      • India
    • Language
      • Telugu
    • Also known as
      • 船长
    • Production companies
      • GA2 Pictures
      • Geetha Arts
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Gross worldwide
      • $229,885
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      2 hours 32 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Atmos
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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