Thandel (2025)

<em>'Thandel'</em> has its issues, though to be honest I enjoyed it for the majority - largely thanks to a stronger second part. The pre-interval stuff is solid but doesn't feel as well constructed or as interesting as what follows. As for the story, the thriller outdoes the romance. How loud is this film, by the way? Too loud, in fact. I thought it was the cinema's 'fault', though based on a quick browse online it's a thing with some releases (e.g. Tamil's <em>'Kanguva'</em>) from this part of the world. I don't overall mind the loudness, my ears disagree though! Nice that I got to see my first Telugu-language movie on the big screen, surprised I haven't seen one before. Naga Chaitanya stars in it and has good screen presence, he is the standout; his character is fun to watch. Other pluses include Sai Pallavi, the dance chorography and the action.