Netflix acquires post-theatrical streaming rights for 'Thandel'
Netflix has added yet another South Indian film to its growing catalog. Per reports, it has secured the post-theatrical streaming rights for the Telugu film Thandel, starring Naga Chaitanya. The acquisition was made at an unprecedented price of ₹40 crore. This deal marks a significant career milestone for Chaitanya as none of his previous films have fetched such high OTT right deals.
Chaitanya's most expensive project to date
Thandel, directed by Chandoo Mondeti and produced by GA2 Pictures, is still several months away and will be released in December 2024. The film is billed as Chaitanya's most expensive project so far and underlines the life of a group of Andhra Pradesh fishermen, led by his character. The plot thickens when they unintentionally cross into Pakistani waters and are imprisoned for violating maritime borders.
The teaser suggests a thrilling cross-border adventure with patriotic undertones
The teaser of Thandel—released in January—suggested a thrilling cross-border adventure with patriotic undertones. It features Chaitanya's character steering a ship with the Indian flag in the background, transitioning to scenes of him enduring torture in Central Jail, Karachi. Despite his ordeal, he remains defiant, shouting, "Bharat Mata Ki Jai! (Hail, Mother India!)" Earlier, in 2023, Chaitanya was seen in Dhootha and Custody.
Chaitanya's 23rd lead role, third collaboration with director
Thandel is Chaitanya's 23rd lead role and his third collaboration with director Mondeti, following Premam in 2016 and Savyasachi in 2018. The film was officially announced in November 2023. Sai Pallavi co-stars as Chaitanya's love interest, adding another layer of intrigue to the storyline. The film draws inspiration from real-life incidents involving fishermen from Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh.
'Love story inspired by real live events'
In an interview with News18, Chaitanya described the film as a "once-in-a-lifetime role." He shared, "It's an interesting story. It is based on true events that occurred in Andhra Pradesh in 2018." "It's a love story but inspired by real live events that happened to some Srikakulam fishermen. It's an inspiring story, which also questions the politics of the time."
