Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Feb 7: Actor Naga Chaitanya on Saturday marked the first anniversary of his blockbuster film Thandel by sharing a heartfelt message of gratitude, celebrating the journey and the love the film continues to receive.

Taking to social media platform X, the actor wrote, “1 year for #Thandel — thank you all for making this special, sending out love to the entire team :) #Dhullakotteyala,” expressing appreciation for both fans and the film’s crew.

Production house Geetha Arts also joined the celebrations, calling the film an “epic win” and reflecting on its emotional core. In their message, they highlighted the freedom of Raju, the struggle of Satya, and the powerful love story at the heart of the narrative, thanking audiences for turning Thandel into a blockbuster success.

Producer Bunny Vas echoed similar sentiments, recalling the overwhelming response to the characters Raju and Satya. Describing Thandel as a truly special project, he said the team had fulfilled its promise of delivering a blockbuster for Naga Chaitanya. He extended his thanks to director Chandoo Mondeti, co-star Sai Pallavi, and music director Devi Sri Prasad for their contributions.

Directed by Chandoo Mondeti, Thandel starred Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi in lead roles and was inspired by a real-life incident. The film tells the story of Indian fishermen from Andhra Pradesh who accidentally crossed international waters and were captured by Pakistani authorities, spending 22 years in prison before their eventual return.

Producer Allu Aravind had earlier revealed that the story was drawn from events that occurred near Visakhapatnam, where fishermen who had travelled to Gujarat for work were caught in a storm and unknowingly crossed the border. He said the film not only focuses on their incarceration but also on the prolonged suffering and resilience of their families back home, who fought relentlessly for their release.

Aravind had also shared that the idea stemmed from a brief account of the incident, which later evolved into a full-fledged screenplay after months of development and interactions with the fishermen who had lived through the ordeal.

One year on, Thandel continues to be remembered for its emotional depth, powerful performances, and its portrayal of love, sacrifice, and endurance rooted in a true story.