Naga Chaitanya’s much-anticipated film Thandel, directed by Chandoo Mondeti and co-starring Sai Pallavi, was released on Friday. Marking the occasion, Chaitanya’s wife, actress Sobhita Dhulipala, took to Instagram Stories to share her excitement. Posting the film’s poster, she expressed her joy over its release and admiration for Chaitanya’s dedication.
“I witnessed how focused and positive you were during the making of this film. Like everyone else, I am eagerly looking forward to experiencing this beautiful love story. And finally, the beard goes—I’ll get to see your face after so long!” she wrote. Responding to her post, Chaitanya commented, “Thank you, Bujjithalli.”
Thandel Inspired by Real Events
The film is based on the true story of fishermen from D. Matsyalesam village in Srikakulam, who were captured by the Pakistan Coast Guard and imprisoned for two years. Naga Chaitanya plays Thandel Raju, while Sai Pallavi essays the role of Bujjithalli. For his transformation, Chaitanya maintained long hair and a beard for nearly nine months, staying committed to the role since the film’s launch in 2023.
Chaitanya and Sobhita’s Bond
Chaitanya and Sobhita, longtime friends, tied the knot in December last year. In recent interviews, Chaitanya spoke about Sobhita’s fluency in Telugu, revealing that he often seeks her help with language nuances. He also mentioned her strong interest in fashion, noting that she even picks outfits for him. Meanwhile, Sobhita, in a separate interview, expressed her admiration for Chaitanya’s deep-rooted family values, which she finds inspiring.
