Thandel's advance bookings update: Will Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi get a strong opening?

Thandel pre booking open

Thandel, starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, is all set to release tomorrow, February 7th.

The advance bookings for the film were opened recently, and the early response from the audiences will shock you.

Thandel is set to be the biggest release from Telugu cinema since the Sankranti 2025 lineup.

Given the strong performances of the lead actors and the hype surrounding the storyline, Thandel is expected to draw significant attention at the box office. Fans of both Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi are particularly excited about their on-screen pairing, which has further fueled anticipation.

With just hours left until the premiere of Naga Chaitanya’s most expensive film to date, Thandel, the advance bookings have been relatively slow. While the inclusion of Sai Pallavi adds significant star power to the project, and director Chandoo Mondeti’s proven success further boosts expectations, the film’s advance sales haven’t lived up to its potential.

Thandel tells the story of Thandel Raju and his team of fishermen, who, during a routine fishing trip, accidentally drift into Pakistani waters. The film beautifully portrays the love story between Raju and Bujji Thalli, highlighting their courage and resilience as they navigate the challenges leading up to their reunion. The narrative unfolds with heartfelt romance, complemented by captivating music and breathtaking visuals, making it an emotionally charged journey.

By 4 PM on February 6, Thandel had sold only 80,000 tickets across three languages, generating approximately ₹1.5 Crore in advance bookings—a relatively low figure for a film of this scale and with such prominent stars.

This lackluster response can likely be attributed to a combination of Naga Chaitanya's recent track record and the increase in ticket prices, which may have impacted the early sales. However, there is still hope for the film’s box office performance. If Thandel receives positive feedback following its premiere on February 7, word-of-mouth could significantly boost its prospects, turning the situation around and leading to a more promising opening day. The film’s eventual success will depend on audience reactions and how quickly the buzz spreads.

In addition to Naga Chaitanya as Raju and Sai Pallavi as Satya, also known as Bujji Thalli, Thandel features a talented ensemble cast, including Kalpalatha, Karunakaran, Prakash Belawadi, Mahesh Achanta, Parvateesam, and several others in key roles. Their performances add depth and richness to the narrative, enhancing the film’s emotional impact.

In a recent development, Andhra Pradesh government have allowed to hike the ticket price for the film.

Ticket prices for single screens have been raised by ₹50, while multiplexes will experience an increase of ₹75. Geetha Arts, the official production house behind Thandel, along with Naga Chaitanya, took to their X handle to thank the government for this decision.