Naga Chaitanya’s massive fee hike for Thandel, four times more than Sai Pallavi

Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi

The upcoming film Thandel has generated buzz not only for its storyline but also for the hefty fees charged by its lead actors, Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi. The movie is inspired by a true story and is directed by Chandoo Mondeti. It has a reported production budget of Rs 90 crore, with high expectations riding on its release.

Naga Chaitanya has reportedly hiked his remuneration for this film to an impressive Rs 15-20 crore. This is a significant jump from his earlier fee of Rs 10 crore for previous projects.

His increased fee reflects his rising stardom and demand in the film industry. On the other hand, Sai Pallavi, who plays the lead alongside him, has been paid Rs 5 crore for her role. While her fee is much lower than Naga Chaitanya’s, Sai Pallavi’s talent and strong fan base are expected to add immense value to the film.

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The movie’s storyline is based on a real-life incident involving Indian fishermen from Andhra Pradesh. These fishermen were mistakenly captured by Pakistani authorities after unknowingly crossing the international border due to bad weather.

They were imprisoned for 22 years, and the story focuses on their struggles and the efforts of their families to bring them back.

This emotional and impactful narrative has raised the stakes for the filmmakers, who are banking on both the star power and the gripping plot to ensure success at the box office.

With such high production values and a star-studded cast, Thandel is one of the most-awaited films of the year. The film also features Sundip R Ved as the antagonist and has music composed by the acclaimed Devi Sri Prasad. The makers are leaving no stone unturned in promoting the movie across India, as its box-office performance is crucial for recovering the significant investment.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the film’s release, set to hit theaters on February 7. The combination of a compelling storyline, talented cast, and high expectations makes Thandel a project to watch out for in 2025.