Mumbai, Feb 4 (PTI) – Telugu cinema star Naga Chaitanya is gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated film Thandel on February 7. However, the actor, known for hits like Majili, Custody, and Love Story, asserts that he is not interested in projects that are forcefully packaged as “pan-Indian” films. Instead, he believes in the organic reach of authentic storytelling.
"I want to be part of honest stories. As long as a film is genuine in its approach, it will naturally travel to audiences across regions," Chaitanya said in an interview. "This whole pan-India trend—making films for a specific section of the audience, casting a certain way, and packaging it as such—is not something I would deliberately pursue. I would rather choose emotions, stories, and characters that are universal, rooted, and real."
The narrative follows a fisherman who, after getting lost at sea, drifts into Pakistani waters, leading to his capture and imprisonment in a foreign jail.
"The film is inspired by real incidents that are deeply moving. I believe people will connect with the love story and its multiple layers, making for a compelling cinematic experience," he added.
"I lived with this character for the longest time. Physically and emotionally, I had to transform to portray the nuances of a fisherman. We conducted several workshops to perfect these details. This film has been my longest commitment so far," he explained.
With Thandel being the biggest production of his career, Chaitanya admitted to feeling both excitement and anxiety about its release. "Anxiety is good because it shows how much this film means to me. I hope it brings a new direction to my career."
"I’ve grown up watching Bollywood films that have inspired me—films like Dangal and 12th Fail moved me. While our Telugu films are also gaining nationwide recognition, I am always open to collaborations, provided the story excites me," he said.
On the possibility of sharing the screen with his actor-wife Sobhita Dhulipala, Chaitanya stated they are waiting for the "right" script.
"If we find something we both resonate with, then why not?" he added.
Produced by Bunny Vasu under Geetha Arts and presented by veteran filmmaker Allu Aravind, Thandel is set to hit theaters on February 7.
"I want to be part of honest stories. As long as a film is genuine in its approach, it will naturally travel to audiences across regions," Chaitanya said in an interview. "This whole pan-India trend—making films for a specific section of the audience, casting a certain way, and packaging it as such—is not something I would deliberately pursue. I would rather choose emotions, stories, and characters that are universal, rooted, and real."
Thandel
Directed by Chandoo Mondeti of Karthikeya 2 fame, Thandel is a romance drama inspired by true events. The film reunites Chaitanya with actress Sai Pallavi, his co-star from Prematheeram and Love Story.The narrative follows a fisherman who, after getting lost at sea, drifts into Pakistani waters, leading to his capture and imprisonment in a foreign jail.
"The film is inspired by real incidents that are deeply moving. I believe people will connect with the love story and its multiple layers, making for a compelling cinematic experience," he added.
A Role Demanding Dedication
Chaitanya revealed that he spent two years preparing for the role of the fisherman, Raju."I lived with this character for the longest time. Physically and emotionally, I had to transform to portray the nuances of a fisherman. We conducted several workshops to perfect these details. This film has been my longest commitment so far," he explained.
With Thandel being the biggest production of his career, Chaitanya admitted to feeling both excitement and anxiety about its release. "Anxiety is good because it shows how much this film means to me. I hope it brings a new direction to my career."
Open to Bollywood, Waiting for the Right Story
After making his Bollywood debut with Laal Singh Chaddha alongside Aamir Khan, Chaitanya remains open to more Hindi projects."I’ve grown up watching Bollywood films that have inspired me—films like Dangal and 12th Fail moved me. While our Telugu films are also gaining nationwide recognition, I am always open to collaborations, provided the story excites me," he said.
On the possibility of sharing the screen with his actor-wife Sobhita Dhulipala, Chaitanya stated they are waiting for the "right" script.
"If we find something we both resonate with, then why not?" he added.
Produced by Bunny Vasu under Geetha Arts and presented by veteran filmmaker Allu Aravind, Thandel is set to hit theaters on February 7.
