February 1, 2025: As Naga Chaitanya gears up for the release of his upcoming film Thandel, the actor recently shared insights into his role and working experience with co-star Sai Pallavi. Directed by Chandoo Mondeti, Thandel tells the true story of a group of fishermen who are accidentally caught in Pakistani waters and imprisoned by the coast guard.
Chaitanya described his character, Raju, as the “Thandel” or the captain of the group, who leads them through their harrowing journey. “The film is based on a true story, and my character Raju is the leader of the group,” he explained. The story follows the fishermen’s struggles after being imprisoned in Pakistan and their emotional journey to escape, with a beautiful love story woven throughout.
When asked about his working experience with Sai Pallavi, Chaitanya spoke highly of her energy and performance. “Working with Pallavi is always a pleasure. She brings so much energy to the screen and complements my performance in so many ways,” he shared.
In preparation for the role, Chaitanya undertook both physical and mental training. He worked on his physical appearance, including adopting a fisherman’s look with hair, beard, and a tan, and also focused on mastering the Srikakulam dialect and body language. Additionally, Chaitanya trained for a dance sequence with Pallavi, which involved several rehearsals and workshops.
To add depth to his portrayal of Raju, Chaitanya met real-life fishermen who had faced similar challenges. “I went to Srikakulam to meet the real-life heroes and spent time with them. Hearing their experiences and challenges influenced me both as an actor and as a person,” he said.
The film also boasts a strong technical team, with music by National Award-winning composer Devi Sri Prasad, cinematography by Shamdat, and editing by Naveen Nooli.
Chaitanya praised his director, Chandoo Mondeti, for their strong working relationship. “We understand each other very well, and he knows how to present the best version of me on-screen,” he said.
Thandel, produced by Bunny Vasu under the Geetha Arts banner and presented by Allu Aravind, marks Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi’s second collaboration after their successful film Love Story. The film is set to hit theaters on February 7, 2025.