Naga Chaitanya, Sai Pallavi shine, while patriotic touch mars the show

Sai Pallavi is back with a bang and comes up with a splendid performance as lover girl. Their onscreen chemistry rocks and they are nicely supported by romantic melodies like ‘Bujji Thalli’ and ‘Hilesso Hilessa’ and sustain the romantic mood till the first part. Slowly, things slip out of hand and reach the jails of Pakistan and the hero is pitted against terrorists who hate India and its people.

Director Chandoo Mondeti tries to blend in two elements-love and patriotism- which is a risky mix-up since the second part doesn’t evoke necessary emotions, unlike the first one. However, the director deserves a pat on his back for bringing out the trials and anguish of fisherwomen who are worried about their husbands who go on seas fishing to make a living.

Following an incident, Sai Pallavi urges Naga Chaitanya against fishing, which he declines saying he is now the leader (Thandel) who has to lead a team and ship. Naga Chaitanya sticks to his mission while Sai Pallavi is shattered and avoids him and both suffer due to their chosen stance.

Coming to the story, Sai Pallavi is seen sitting in a railway station despite being waiting for her lover (Naga Chaitanya) while her father (Prithvi) takes her home. She decides to marry (Karunakaran), her father’s choice and the wedding arrangement is in full swing.

Meanwhile, she informs her would-be husband that she has to talk to her ex-lover before getting married. Sai Pallavi discloses her love for Naga Chaitanya and how they spend quality time together for three months after he spends nine months on sea.

They are inseparable and care a damn about the world. But things go awry as Naga Chaitanya leads a 22 member team and gets stuck in Pakistan. What happens to their love, forms the rest of the story.

Naga Chaitanya fits into the role of a fisherman with ease and even his rugged and muscled look complements the character. He showcases his patriotism in a rival country and indulges in heroics amidst sea storms. Thandel is a tailor-made role for Sai Pallavi who plays a lover girl with a lot of sincerity and also fights hard for the release of their ilk. Prakash Belawadi has a better role, while Prithvi, Karunakaran fit the bill

Music director Devisriprasad shows his caliber and comes up with catchy melodies and his background score is laudable. Cinematography of Shamdat is commendable.

Young director Chandoo Modeti who tasted success with the socio-fantasy ‘ Karthikeya 2’, returns with a story inspired by real-life incidents revolving around fishermen in Srikakulam. Thandel has some heart-touching moments, but fishermen-turning-patriots is a bit unrealistic.