Zee Telugu is all set to bring one of the year’s most talked-about romantic dramas to television screens with the world television premiere of ‘Thandel’, starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, this Sunday, 29th June at 6 pm. 

The film, which struck an emotional chord with audiences during its theatrical release in February 2025, will now be available for home viewing, promising a blend of love, drama, and patriotism.

According to a report by UNI, ‘Thandel’ is inspired by true events from 2018 involving a group of fishermen from Srikakulam who unknowingly drifted into Pakistani waters. 

The film, directed by Chandoo Mondeti, follows the story of Raju, a courageous fisherman, and Satya, his childhood sweetheart. What begins as a tender love story quickly evolves into a gripping saga when a storm sets Raju adrift, leading to his capture by Pakistani authorities. Naga Chaitanya’s portrayal of Raju has been hailed as one of his most impactful performances to date, while Sai Pallavi brings depth and emotion to her role, reaffirming her place as one of Telugu cinema’s most beloved leading ladies.

In addition to Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, the film also features strong performances by Prithiveeraj, Kalpa Latha, and Karunakaran in pivotal roles. The narrative’s grounding in real incidents, combined with rich emotional texture and high-stakes drama, makes ‘Thandel’ a compelling watch for families this weekend.

To further engage viewers, Zee Telugu has joined hands with Radio City to launch the ‘Zee Telugu–Radio City Thandel Contest’. From June 24 to June 28, Radio City listeners can participate by tuning in between 7pm and 8pm and answering questions related to the movie posed by the RJ. Contestants can send their answers via WhatsApp to 9586060601. Winners will be revealed during the TV premiere on June 29 at 6pm on Zee Telugu and will receive exclusive prizes.

With its stirring story, acclaimed performances, and interactive contest, the television premiere of ‘Thandel’ marks yet another effort by Zee Telugu to bring quality entertainment and community engagement to its viewers.