Thandel Movie Review: Naga Chaitanya Shines in Thandel’s Love Story, But the Film Falls Short Elsewhere

It’s been a while since Tollywood has delivered a love story that tugs at the heartstrings. Thandel, directed by Chandoo Mondeti and starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, is a bit of a mixed bag, but the love story at its core is undeniably engaging. While the film begins strong, it stumbles midway before ultimately regaining its rhythm.

Thandel Movie Story:

Raju (Chaitanya) and Satya (Pallavi), childhood sweethearts from the coastal town of Matchilesam near Srikakulam, dream of a life together. The challenge they face, however, is Raju’s job as a fisherman, which keeps him away for nine months each year, working off the coast of Gujarat. Despite the distance, their bond remains strong through heartfelt phone calls, the symbolic flag at the lighthouse marking his absence, and precious moments spent in each other’s arms when he returns home. But when a promise is broken and a fishing trip goes awry, the love they share is put to the ultimate test.

Analysis:

Thandel is inspired by a real-life incident where 22 fishermen from Srikakulam and Vizianagaram were detained in Pakistan for 13 months after accidentally drifting into their waters. Director Chandoo Mondeti takes this event and blends in elements of nationalism and romance to craft a compelling narrative. The film shines when it focuses on the heartfelt love story between the lead couple, but it loses its momentum when shifting to the fishermen’s struggles in Karachi Central Jail. At the start, a title card states, “Where drama begins, logic ends,” and the director fully embraces this, leading to moments where the plot veers away from realism.

Performances:

Chaitanya portrays the titular Thandel (ship’s captain) with depth and conviction, fully embodying the role. Not only does he physically fit the character—complete with weathered skin, tousled hair, and a rugged beard—but he also infuses the role with a layer of vulnerability. A standout moment comes toward the end of the film when Raju faces a heartbreaking revelation. In a powerful scene, he clutches his chest, breaks down in tears, and makes a tough decision, with Chaitanya delivering the emotion in a way that feels genuine. His performance helps carry the film, even through its weaker moments. Adding to the impact is Devi Sri Prasad’s evocative music, especially the poignant track Bujji Thalli, which enhances the emotional depth of the film.

Interestingly, while Chaitanya excels in his portrayal, Pallavi’s performance doesn’t always match his level of restraint. In moments where he conveys longing and emotion convincingly, she tends to go overboard, especially in scenes of happiness, where her expressions feel overly dramatic. At the beginning, she almost seems like a manic pixie dream girl. However, as the story picks up its pace, her performance becomes more grounded, and she delivers the heartfelt, natural portrayal that audiences expect from her.

The sequences depicting Raju and his crew’s hardships in Karachi feel contrived, especially when Pakistani prisoners gratuitously mock India without any provocation. The plotlines involving red tape and Sushila Swaraj (a stand-in for Sushma Swaraj) also fail to convey the urgency they should. Additionally, the couple’s Srikakulam accent feels inconsistent and forced, with the lead characters stumbling over dialogue, while the supporting cast speaks with far more ease and authenticity, making the accents jarring in comparison.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a film that offers a serious or deeply analytical take on the issue, like the 2016 Hindi film Sarabjit, Thandel isn’t for you. Instead, it’s a lighthearted romantic drama that succeeds primarily if you’re invested in the lead characters and rooting for their love to triumph. Could it have been better? Absolutely. But for Chaitanya, this might just be the win he’s been waiting for.

HashtagU Rating: 2.75