Thandel Review: Naga Chaitanya, Sai Pallavi Starrer Will Keep You Hooked, Despite Its Flaws

Thandel review: Director Chandoo Mondeti brings a gripping tale to the screen with 'Thandel', starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi in lead roles.

Thandel review: Director Chandoo Mondeti brings a gripping tale to the screen with 'Thandel', starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi in lead roles. Inspired by real events, the film blends patriotism, love, and intense human emotions into a narrative that highlights the struggles of Indian fishermen caught in foreign waters. With music by Devi Sri Prasad, does Thandel live up to expectations? Let’s find out. 

Thandel storyline

Raju (Naga Chaitanya) hails from a small fishing village in Srikakulam and is deeply in love with Satya (Sai Pallavi). His livelihood revolves around deep-sea fishing, requiring him to spend most of the year away from home in Gujarat, while cherishing the remaining months with Satya. However, after a tragic incident at sea, Satya urges him to quit fishing. Defying her wishes, Raju embarks on another expedition, leading to unforeseen consequences. 

A group of 22 fishermen, including Raju, gets caught in a storm and, in a turn of events, drifts into Pakistani waters while trying to rescue a stranded fisherman. They are arrested by Pakistan’s coast guard and imprisoned in Karachi’s Sindh jail. The story then follows their harrowing experiences in captivity, the struggles of their families back home, and the efforts made to bring them back to India. Meanwhile, Satya faces personal dilemmas, including a forced marriage decision. The emotional journey of whether they reunite forms the crux of Thandel. 

How is Thandel

Since the real-life incident of fishermen returning to India is well-known, the challenge for Thandel lies in engaging the audience with a compelling screenplay. While the first half successfully weaves an emotional love story with stunning visuals and heartfelt performances, the second half struggles with familiar patriotic tropes. Director Chandoo Mondeti crafts a few surprises in the romance but doesn’t quite elevate the suspense or emotional depth of the prison sequences. 

Thandel isn’t just a love story, nor is it a full-fledged patriotic drama. It balances both but struggles to maintain a consistent emotional impact. The romance between Raju and Satya is beautifully portrayed, yet it isn’t something we haven’t seen before. What keeps the film engaging, however, is Devi Sri Prasad’s exceptional music. His background score and songs amplify the emotions, adding a layer of depth that the screenplay sometimes lacks. 

Performances 

Sai Pallavi delivers yet another power-packed performance, bringing authenticity and charm to her role. Her chemistry with Naga Chaitanya is endearing, reminiscent of their pairing in ‘Love Story’. While their romantic sequences in the first half shine, Devi Sri Prasad’s music slightly overshadows their performances at times. 

Naga Chaitanya, on the other hand, embraces his role with sincerity. His character is well-crafted, and his portrayal is nuanced, especially in the emotional sequences. His transformation from a carefree fisherman to a man struggling for survival in a foreign prison is commendable. Other supporting actors, including Divya Pillai, Aadukalam Naren, and Mahesh from Rangasthalam, perform well within their roles. 

Technical aspects 

Devi Sri Prasad’s music is the film’s backbone. His songs, although placed back-to-back, are visually and emotionally appealing. The cinematography by Shamdat Sainudeen enhances the film’s appeal, particularly in the oceanic sequences. Production values are high, with detailed set designs bringing authenticity to both the fishing village and the prison environment. However, the second half’s execution lacks freshness, and the climax feels predictable. 

Verdict 

Thandel stands out for its performances, music, and emotionally engaging first half. While the second half falters in originality, the film still offers a few heartfelt moments. If you go in without sky-high expectations, you’re likely to find it an enjoyable watch, especially for its lead pair’s chemistry and DSP’s mesmerising soundtrack.