“I’m very proud of how Thandel has turned out, especially after watching the final version,” Chaitanya says, beaming with confidence. “The emotional payoff in the second half of the film is something I’ve never experienced before. The last 30 minutes are absolutely gripping, and the climax hits hard, leaving viewers with an emotional high.”
The journey to bringing this story to life involved a lot of research, with the team heading to Srikakulam to understand the culture and lifestyle of the people there. “We started with a small idea, and to truly embody the character, we knew we had to understand the world the story was set in,” Chay recalls.
This is Chay’s third collaboration with director Chandoo Mondeti, and he couldn’t be more excited about their creative partnership. “Chandoo has always found ways to present me in a new light, and with Thandel, he’s really focused on ensuring the story appeals to a wide audience while still staying true to its roots. He put in a lot of effort to balance that commercial edge with the authenticity of the narrative.”
A key part of Thandel’s success is the chemistry between Chay and his co-star, Sai Pallavi. Chay speaks highly of her work ethic and her ability to bring depth to her role. “Sai Pallavi is an incredible talent. She brings so much energy to set, and her understanding of the character she plays is phenomenal. When you’re working with someone like her, it only elevates your performance too.”
