The highly acclaimed film ‘Thandel’, starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, captivated audiences upon its theatrical release on February 7, 2025. Directed by Chandoo Mondeti, this gripping drama has now set its sights on the OTT space, with fans eagerly awaiting its digital premiere. The makers have finally confirmed its OTT release date and platform, making the announcement much to the delight of fans worldwide.
When and Where to Watch ‘Thandel’ on OTT?
After a successful box office run, ‘Thandel’ is set to release on Netflix on March 7, 2025. The film will be available in multiple languages, including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, ensuring a wide audience reach.
Announcing the digital premiere, Netflix India shared, “A journey across borders, a story beyond limits. Watch ‘Thandel’ on Netflix on March 7 in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.”
This announcement has sparked excitement among fans who missed watching the film in theaters and those eager to relive the emotionally charged narrative once again.
Plot Overview: A Tale of Love, Survival, and Struggle
‘Thandel’ follows the gripping story of Raju (played by Naga Chaitanya), a courageous fisherman who falls in love with Bujji (played by Sai Pallavi). Their love story takes a dramatic turn when, before their wedding, Bujji fears for Raju’s safety and pleads with him to quit fishing. However, bound by his profession and passion, Raju sets out to sea despite her concerns.
Tragedy strikes when a violent storm throws Raju and his crew off course, inadvertently pushing them into Pakistani waters. Captured by Pakistani authorities, they find themselves imprisoned in a foreign land, battling harsh conditions, diplomatic complexities, and personal turmoil. The film masterfully portrays Raju’s relentless fight for survival and his quest to return home to his loved ones.
Inspired by a True Story
What makes ‘Thandel’ even more compelling is its real-life inspiration. The film is based on true events involving fishermen from Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, who unintentionally crossed into Pakistani territory.
In 2000, a young fisherman named Chodipilli Musalayya migrated to Gujarat in search of work. Due to the absence of GPS technology at the time, many fishermen inadvertently crossed maritime borders. One fateful night, Pakistani coast guards seized their boats and detained them, leading to a harrowing battle for freedom.
Cast and Crew: The Talent Behind the Film
Lead Actors
- Naga Chaitanya as Raju, the brave fisherman.
- Sai Pallavi as Satya, Raju’s love interest.
Supporting Cast
- Prakash Belavadi as a Pakistani jailor.
- Aadukalam Naren as Chitta.
- Divya Pillai as Chandra.
- Karunakaran as Murali.
- Bablu Prithviraj as Satya’s father.
- Kalpalatha as Raju’s mother.
Direction and Story
- Directed by: Chandoo Mondeti.
- Screenplay by: Chandoo Mondeti.
- Story by: Karthik Theda.
Box Office Success and Critical Reception
Upon its theatrical release, ‘Thandel’ was met with overwhelming praise from both audiences and critics. The film’s powerful performances, gripping storytelling, and intense emotional depth contributed to its box office success.
The cinematography, handled by Shamdat Sainudeen, vividly captures the harsh realities of life at sea and the brutality of imprisonment in a foreign land. The music, composed by Devi Sri Prasad, adds another layer of intensity to the highly emotional narrative.
Why You Should Watch ‘Thandel’ on Netflix?
If you missed ‘Thandel’ in theaters, its OTT release on Netflix provides a perfect opportunity to experience this gripping tale from the comfort of your home. Here’s why you should add it to your watchlist:
- Inspired by True Events – The film presents a real-life struggle that resonates deeply with audiences.
- Stellar Performances – Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi deliver some of their best performances to date.
- Emotional Depth – The film beautifully portrays love, separation, survival, and the longing for home.
- Cinematic Excellence – Breathtaking visuals and a powerful background score enhance the immersive experience.
Multi-language Availability – Viewers can watch it in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
