Thandel Movie Review: Romance, Action, and Real-Life Struggles

Thandel Movie Review – Have you seen any such movie which leaves questions in your mind and you keep remembering the conclusion, climax and story of that movie? A heart touching love and action filled movie which you can compare with real life? In our blog today, we will talk about a South Indian hit movie which has been released recently. This movie was released in theaters on 7 February 2025 during the last Valentine’s Week.  Directed by Chandoo Mondeti and produced by Vasu under the banner of Geetha Arts, the film is more than just a love story, it is based on perseverance, patriotism, and the difficult situations faced by the people of India’s coastal villages. 

Thandel, starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi in ​​the main roles, showcases romance, action, and real-life hardships in a gripping story.

Let’s understand what makes Thandel Telugu special in this article, “Thandel movie review.”

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Thandel Movie Review – Thandel Movie Story

If we talk about the Thandel story, then this story is about a boy (Raju) who truly loves a girl (Satya) from his village. The village in which this boy lives is basically a fishermen’s village which belongs to a peace loving community. The village is situated in a beautiful costal area. The main source of income for the villagers comes from fishing.

A new twist comes in the story when the Raju goes to the sea to catch fish with his fisherman friends and they accidentally enter into the Pakistani cost lines, where they are caught by the Pakistani Army and from there they are taken to jail. It is further shown in the film that in the Pakistani jail this boy does not give up the desire to live and struggles till then back to India for his love and family. The second half of the film focuses on his horrific experience in a Pakistani prison.

Thandel Movie Cast

Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi Acting in Movie

The lead pair of Thandel is one of its biggest strengths. As Raju, Naga Chaitanya delivers a stellar performance that many are calling a career-best. He portrays the anguish, perseverance and hope of a man struggling to survive in a strange land with ease. Raju’s emotional depth and physical transformation for the role will have you rooting for him from start to finish.

Satya, played by Sai Pallavi, is similarly captivating. She is a woman fighting all odds to bring her loved one back home, which lends a quiet strength to her character. Her performance is sensitive and nuanced, bringing every poignant scene to life.

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Chandoo Mondeti’s Direction

Chandoo Mondeti, known for his brilliant storytelling in films like Karthikeya, has once again showcased his brilliant storytelling skills with Thandel. His direction is adept at striking a balance between the romantic and action-packed aspects of the film. He has captured the seaside ambiance of Srikakulam so well that it becomes a character in itself.

Also, Mondeti must be praised for his sensitive treatment of the patriotic themes of the film. Even though the plot is based on real hardships, it never feels preachy or exaggerated. Instead, it strikes a perfect balance between social criticism and entertainment.

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Cinematography and Production Design

S. Manikandan’s cinematography is a visual treat. From the serene beaches of Srikakulam to the dingy interiors of the Pakistani prison, every frame is meticulously designed to take the story forward. Also, the production design deserves special recognition for its realism in capturing the way of life of the fishermen community and the sharp contrast with the prison scenes.

Thandel Box Office Performance

Thandel movie has been a box office success, grossing over ₹100 crore worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of 2025. However, the response of critics to the movie has been mixed. While the lead performances, visuals and soundtrack have been widely praised, some critics have pointed out problems with the pace and some plot elements.

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Take a look at the box office performance of the movie here:

Thandel Movie Ratings: What Do Critics and Audiences Say?

Thandel has garnered attention for its gripping storyline and stellar acting, but how does it perform on popular rating platforms? On IMDb, the film, starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, has a solid rating of 6.2/10. 

On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score is 58%, indicating its strong connection with viewers, while critics have given it a 72% approval rating, appreciating its blend of romance and real-life struggles. 

Meanwhile, Google reviews show an impressive 4.6/5, with fans highlighting the film’s patriotic themes and stunning visuals. Whether you’re a fan of romantic dramas or action-packed thrillers, Thandel has something for everyone!

Our Opinion

The film Thandel will always be remembered. It is a reminder of the hardships faced by ordinary people as well as the power of love and patience in the face of difficulties. Despite its shortcomings, the film is a must-watch because of its engaging story, excellent acting and depth of emotions.

If you like romantic action thrillers with a touch of reality, Thandel is a must-watch. It is a film that apart from entertaining you, also makes you think about the world around you.

Hope you find this review helpful, for more such an articles, reviews and ratings. Keep following OTT Ratings.