Naga Chaitanya Interview: Thandel is all set to hit the screens on February 7, 2025, and the star hero speaks to us about his performance and the outcome of the romantic drama.
Naga Chaitanya on Thandel
Last Updated: 08.13 PM, Feb 05, 2025
Thandel is all set to hit the screens on February 7, 2025. Naga Chaitanya plays the main lead, and he speaks to us about his role, getting a mass makeover, performing alongside Sai Pallavi, the film going over budget, and much more. Here is the transcript.
Yes, the entire team, my father, Allu Aravind Garu, and a few industry bigwigs watched the film, and the response has been unanimous. Everyone loved the film, and the second half, in particular, has won the hearts of many. I am super confident that Thandel will open with flying colors, and I can feel the vibe already.
While I was shooting for my OTT debut, Dhootha, my director Vikram Kumar told me about the story and revealed that the script was with Geetha Arts. I approached the producer, Bunny Vas, and told him I was very interested in the film. I asked if there was any chance they would cast me in it. Finally, the script came through, and it was like a documentary. Then, Chandoo Mondeti, my director, came into the picture, changed the screenplay, and turned it into a cinematic version.
For every actor to reach the next level, they need a script that challenges their acting skills. I saw that in Thandel and went all out as it questioned me being an actor in the first place. The script, my name, and my character everything was outside my comfort zone. I worked hard, and made sure I got into the skin of my character as a fisherman, and only when I was sure did we take the film to the floors. Thandel is based on a real-life story, and that motivated me even more to give my best performance.
Ever since I entered the industry, my goal has been to play a deeply rooted character from the masses. But due to my image, I never got the chance. So when Thandel came my way, I grabbed it with both hands. Raju is a fisherman from Vizag who is tested both in love and for his country. How he gets arrested by the Pakistani navy and faces challenges in love is the core journey of Raju in Thandel.
Chandoo and I go way back. He always tries to showcase me in a new avatar. In my previous two films with him, he explored different aspects of my performance. But with Thandel, he has taken things to the next level. He has crafted my role in such a way that it highlights my action skills and presents me in a heroic manner, which will be loved by the masses.
Thandel is a Gujarati word that means "leader." Fishermen who go to Gujarat lease boats for fishing, and the person who oversees everything is called a Thandel—which is my role in the film. More than 60% of the movie has been shot at sea, and the emotions showcased are both realistic and gripping.
For a Telugu film, especially one set against an ocean backdrop, this is something new. Also, the way the love story intertwines with the Pakistani soldiers' subplot is very interesting and has been presented in a powerful way. The jail sequences will be impactful but not dragged out unnecessarily. The essence of the film is more about the romantic drama and the emotional depth of the lead pair.
There’s nothing new to say about Pallavi—she is one of the top stars in Indian cinema and owns her characters like a boss. When you see such brilliant performers in front of you, your own performance naturally improves. Our chemistry in Thandel is one of the major highlights of the film.
Thandel is my biggest film to date in terms of budget, casting, story, and scale. Yes, we went over budget, but I am happy that more than 70% of it has already been recovered through the film's OTT rights. With stunning visuals, engaging narration, and super hit songs by DSP, Thandel will be a complete cinematic experience for everyone.
Allu Aravind has produced this film, and I share a great bond with him. I hope to do more films with him in the future. I also have a few films lined up with big banners, and I will announce them after the release of Thandel. Something very exciting is coming up for my fans.