Nagarjuna is filled with pride as his son, Naga Chaitanya, delivers a powerful performance in the much-anticipated Telugu film Thandel.
Nagarjuna showers praise on Naga Chaitanya after the release of Thandel, calling it a testament to his dedication and passion.
The highly anticipated Telugu film Thandel, featuring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, finally hit the big screen on February 7, meeting the soaring expectations of fans. Written and directed by Chandoo Mondeti, with a soulful soundtrack by Devi Sri Prasad, the film has already won over audiences with its emotionally charged narrative and gripping performances.
Amid the overwhelming response, Naga Chaitanya’s father, veteran actor Nagarjuna, took to social media to express his immense pride in his son. Sharing a heartfelt note on X (formerly Twitter), Nagarjuna posted a touching picture of himself embracing Naga Chaitanya, alongside the official poster of Thandel. However, it was his words that truly resonated with fans.
“Dear @chay_akkineni, Proud of you my son! ❤️ I have watched you push boundaries, face challenges, and give your heart to the craft. Thandel is not just another film—it is a testament to your relentless passion, your courage to dream big, and your hard work. 💐✨✨❤️.”
Dear @chay_akkineni, Proud of you my son!❤️ I have watched you push boundaries, face challenges, and give your heart to the craft. Thandel is not just another film—it is a testament to your relentless passion, your courage to dream big, and your hard work. 💐 ✨ ✨ ❤️To all… pic.twitter.com/cE9u2EKaTn
— Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) February 9, 2025
He went on to acknowledge the unwavering support of Akkineni fans, saying, “You have stood by us like family, and Thandel’s success is as much yours as it is ours. Thank you for your endless love and support! Gratitude 🙏🙏🙏✨.”
Nagarjuna also extended his appreciation to the entire Thandel team, expressing, “A BIG BIG thank you to #AlluAravind garu and @TheBunnyVas. Congratulations to the amazingly talented @Sai_Pallavi92—you never cease to amaze! The genius @ThisIsDSP—you rock! The rising star director @chandoomondeti and the fabulous #Thandel team for making this moment unforgettable! 🙏🙏.”
Thandel also features Prakash Belawadi, Divya Pillai, Rao Ramesh, and Karunakaran in pivotal roles. The film is inspired by a real-life 2018 incident, in which a group of fishermen from Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, accidentally strayed into Pakistan’s waters and were detained.
News18 Showsha praised Thandel, calling it a career-defining film for Naga Chaitanya, stating, “Thandel becomes the much-needed breakthrough for Naga Chaitanya, who establishes himself as an able actor, something he has been striving for a while now. Playing Raju, a fisherman from a coastal village in Andhra Pradesh, Naga Chaitanya embodies the struggles of a leader navigating treacherous waters both literally and metaphorically. The film is as much a survival drama as it is a moving love story between Raju and Sathya (Sai Pallavi), two characters who elevate the film beyond its blemishes.”
