Thandel Movie Review
Rating: 2.5/5
Plot in a Nutshell
Raju, a fisherman from Srikakulam, is more than just a man at sea—he's Thandel, a leader his people trust. But when an ordinary fishing trip goes horribly wrong, he and his crew end up in Pakistani waters, landing them in prison. Stripped of his freedom, Raju now faces the toughest challenge of his life.
Before he left, Satya had a bad feeling. She begged him not to go, fearing something might happen. Now, with Raju lost in an unknown land, her worst fears have come true. But will Raju find a way back, proving once again why his people call him Thandel? And will Satya’s faith in him bring him home?
Performances to Remember
Naga Chaitanya as Raju delivers exactly what the role demands—nothing overdone, nothing underplayed. His Srikakulam accent is spot on, and he brings authenticity to the character with his appearance, expressions, and the small nuances of a fisherman’s life. The effort he put into understanding the role, traveling with real fishermen to observe their lifestyle—something he mentioned in interviews—clearly reflects on screen. This film adds a unique shade to his filmography.
Karunakaran leaves a lasting impression, not just because of his performance but also due to the strength of his character. Despite limited screen time, his presence lingers.
Sai Pallavi, as Satya, shines as always. Her expressions—whether joy or sorrow—come effortlessly, reminding us why she’s so admired.
The supporting cast, including Prakash Belawadi, Aadukalam Naren, and others, do their parts well, adding to the film’s realism.
Moments to Watch For
The first thing to look forward to is DSP’s music. His compositions are the film’s soul, elevating the emotions in Raju and Satya’s love story and deepening the impact of their struggles. The background score enhances every crucial moment, making the journey even more immersive.
Raju standing up for his men is another highlight. His leadership isn’t just about words—it’s about actions that define him as Thandel. These moments showcase his bond with his fellow fishermen and the responsibility he carries.
The interactions between Raju and Satya bring warmth to the narrative. When Raju returns after spending nine months at sea, Satya’s wait speaks volumes about their relationship. Another touching moment is her anticipation of his call, knowing that getting a signal in the middle of the ocean isn’t easy. These little details add emotional weight to their love story.
The pre-climax holds gripping tension, especially when the imprisoned fishermen are about to be released. It’s not a dramatic, over-the-top cinematic twist, but a natural moment that raises real questions—what happens next? Will everything go as expected? This uncertainty keeps the audience engaged till the very end.
Where It Fails
One of the major drawbacks of Thandel is its repetitive scenes. At times, you’re left wondering—why this again? What purpose does it serve? Instead of adding depth, some sequences feel like they are just stretching the runtime.
The film also lacks the emotional weight it should carry. When fishermen are imprisoned, their pain doesn’t fully translate on screen. The same goes for their families—the struggle of losing an earning member for months, even years, is only touched upon but never explored in a way that truly hits hard. The hardship of survival without income is shown briefly but isn’t given enough depth to leave an impact.
There also seems to be hesitation in how Pakistan is portrayed. The film neither fully humanizes nor vilifies the prison authorities, creating an uneven tone. While it’s good that the director didn’t fall into clichés by adding an overtly cruel jailer, the prison scenes still lack intensity. They don’t capture the harsh realities of being locked away in a foreign land.
Another issue is the passage of time. The fishermen are in prison for two years, as mentioned in the film, but the storytelling doesn’t reflect that. They receive letters frequently, families approach politicians and authorities almost scene after scene, making it feel like everything is happening over just a few months. Instead of truly showing the long, agonizing wait, the film rushes through it, choosing to repeat certain scenes and drag others rather than focusing on the depth of the struggle.
Verdict & Rewatch Value
Thandel is driven by strong performances and DSP’s soulful music, making its emotional moments work. Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi shine, but repetitive scenes and a lack of depth in portraying struggle hold it back. The rushed timeline lessens its impact, making it a one-time watch with moderate rewatch value.
