As Thandel completed one year since its theatrical release, lead actor Naga Chaitanya marked the milestone by thanking audiences and the film’s team for making the project memorable. Sharing a message on social media, the actor expressed gratitude to fans for their continued support and acknowledged the collective effort behind the film.
Directed by Chandoo Mondeti and starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, Thandel released in theatres on 7 February 2025. The film drew inspiration from a real-life 2018 incident involving fishermen from Srikakulam who inadvertently crossed international waters. Extensive research and interactions with fishing communities shaped the film’s narrative, with several sequences filmed in real coastal locations.
For the role, Naga Chaitanya underwent a massive physical and emotional transformation, modifying his appearance and body language to portray the life of a fisherman. The film marked a significant phase in his career. Sai Pallavi played Satya, a character centred on emotional resilience and domestic responsibility.
At the box office, Thandel crossed the Rs. 100 crore mark worldwide. Following its theatrical run, the film premiered on Netflix and later recorded strong viewership during its satellite premieres, emerging as one of the most watched Telugu films on television.
