Veteran filmmaker Raghavendra Rao has praised Naga Chaitanya’s latest film Thandel, commending its storytelling and performances. Taking to social media, he stated, “After a long time, I have witnessed such a remarkable love story. Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi have delivered outstanding performances. The story and its backdrop are compelling, and the director’s craftsmanship in shot-making stands out. Congratulations to Geetha Arts. In one word—this is a filmmaker’s movie!”
In response, Naga Chaitanya expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is a great honor to receive appreciation from you, sir. Thank you so much!”
Thandel, a romantic action thriller, has marked a significant success for Naga Chaitanya. During a recent media interaction, the actor acknowledged the film’s impact, stating that it had been a long time since he had heard the word ‘hit’ associated with his work.
The film revolves around fishermen from Srikakulam district who are captured by the Pakistan Navy during a deep-sea fishing expedition. The narrative follows their two-year imprisonment in a Pakistani jail and the struggles their families face during this period. Naga Chaitanya portrays the role of Raju, the Thandel who leads his fellow fishermen, while Sai Pallavi plays Sathya, his love interest.
Several emotional moments in the film have resonated with audiences, with videos of teary-eyed viewers in theaters gaining traction on social media.