Since its announcement, Naga Chaitanya's 23rd film, tentatively titled NC23, has been generating considerable excitement. The project, directed by Chandoo Mondeti, marks the duo's third collaboration, following their successful ventures with Premam in 2016 and Savyasachi in 2018.

Adding to the anticipation, the makers recently unveiled that Sai Pallavi, following their successful pairing in the 2021 film Love Story, would be sharing the lead role with the versatile actor. The latest update, unveiled as part of the celebrations for Naga Chaitanya's birthday, includes the official title of the film, Thandel, which coincidentally is also the name of Chaitanya's character in the movie. Accompanying this revelation was the release of the first look poster, featuring Naga Chaitanya in a striking pose aboard a rugged boat, seemingly navigating a tumultuous storm. Clad in a simple brown vest and pants, the actor exudes a captivating intensity.

The caption accompanying the poster hints at Naga Chaitanya portraying a leader within the fishermen community, setting the tone for a narrative that revolves around riding against the tide for his people. The post, shared on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the film's makers, reads, A leader is born to ride against the tide and time for his people; @chay_akkineni in and as #Thandel; The Birthday Celebrations of Yuvasamrat begin early.

Thandel reportedly draws inspiration from true events, emphasizing authenticity in its portrayal of the narrative. As part of their meticulous preparations, both Chandoo Mondeti and Naga Chaitanya immersed themselves in the K Matchilesam village in Srikakulam earlier this year, engaging with and learning from the fishermen to capture the essence of their land, lifestyle, and culture.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Naga Chaitanya had previously highlighted his excitement upon reading the script. He emphasized that the film's preparations offered valuable insights into the lifestyle, body language, and nuances of the fishing community, as well as a deep understanding of the village's texture.

Notably, Naga Chaitanya is set to make his mark in the digital realm with the upcoming web series, Dhootha. This supernatural horror series also marks his debut in the shorter format, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Parvathy Thiruvothu, Prachi Desai, Priya Bhavani Shankar, and more in prominent roles. As the actor ventures into diverse roles and platforms, Thandel stands poised to be a significant chapter in his cinematic journey.