Geetha Arts’ Thandel (dubbed from the Telugu film of the same name; UA) is a love story mixed with the patriotic fervour.
Raju (Naga Chaitanya) is a fisherman whose profession becomes a source of fear for his fiancée, Sathya (Sai Pallavi). In one of Raju’s final fishing ventures with his Thandel team, they accidentally cross over into Pakistani waters. They are captured by Pakistani forces and imprisoned. How Sathya relentlessly works to secure Raju’s release from the Pakistani jail is what the rest of the drama is all about.
Karthik Theeda’s story reminds of Roja. The story, therefore, doesn’t offer much novelty. Chandoo Mondeti’s screenplay is good in parts only. The first about one hour of the drama is slow-paced and quite boring. The post-interval part is better and even more fast-paced. However, the drama overall doesn’t engage the viewers — at least, not completely. Dialogues are alright.
Naga Chaitanya does well as fisherman Raju. Sai Pallavi acts ably as Sathya. She will appeal to the family audience. Prakash Belawadi makes a fine impression as the Pakistani jailer. Divya Pillai is nice as Chandrakka. Rao Ramesh makes his presence felt. Karunakaran has his moments. Kalpa Latha is okay. Parvateesam, Mahesh Achanta, Babloo Prithveeraj, Kalyani Natarajan, Kishore Raju Vasishta, and the others are adequate.
Chandoo Mondeti’s direction is ordinary. Devi Sri Prasad’s music is melodious but none of the songs have become popular in Hindi. Lyrics are fair. Song picturisations are eye-filling. Shamdat’s cinematography is of a good standard. Action and stunt scenes are functional. Naveen Nooli’s editing is loose. Dubbing is quite nice.
On the whole, Thandel is a non-starter.
Released on 7-2-’25 at Sterling (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru PEN Marudhar Cine Entertainment. Publicity & opening: dull. …….Also released all over. Opening was poor everywhere.
