By Nagarjuna Akkineni on Seeing Naga Chaitanya’s Joy at Thandel Success Meet: ‘He Reminded Me of My Father’
Veteran actor Nagarjuna Akkineni recently expressed his heartfelt admiration for his son, Naga Chaitanya, for delivering a stellar performance in his latest film, Thandel, co-starring Sai Pallavi. However, it was Nagarjuna’s emotional and candid speech at the film’s success meet that captured everyone’s attention. During the event, he drew a striking comparison between Naga Chaitanya’s screen presence and that of his legendary father, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, evoking nostalgia and admiration among fans.
Nagarjuna began his speech by reminiscing about how long it had been since he last attended a success meet. His joy was evident as he celebrated the occasion, expressing immense pride in Thandel’s triumph. He extended his gratitude to producer Allu Aravind and Bunny Vas, recognizing their significant role in ensuring the film’s success and contributing to the Akkineni family’s cinematic legacy.
Sharing a personal anecdote, Nagarjuna revealed that he was at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office with his family on the day Thandel was released. Since he had not carried his phone, he was unaware of the film’s reception until after the meeting. Upon checking his phone, he was overwhelmed with a flood of calls and messages from well-wishers and fans. This outpouring of love reaffirmed his faith in the enduring admiration for the Akkineni family, as the audience embraced the film as their own.
Nagarjuna also took the opportunity to applaud Thandel’s director, Chandoo Mondeti, for bringing out the best in Naga Chaitanya. He emphasized how the filmmaker’s vision and guidance helped shape his son’s portrayal of Raju, a character deeply rooted in the struggles of fisherfolk. His praise extended to composer Devi Sri Prasad, whose music played a vital role in enhancing the film’s emotional depth. Additionally, he expressed his admiration for Sai Pallavi, acknowledging her powerful performance and the value she brought to the film.
The veteran actor was particularly moved by Naga Chaitanya’s dedication to his role. He shared how his son was profoundly affected by the real-life struggles of the fishing community. Immersing himself in their way of life, Chaitanya gained a newfound appreciation for their hardships, which translated into an authentic and emotionally charged performance on screen. Nagarjuna commended this level of commitment, highlighting how such dedication is essential for delivering impactful performances.
Reflecting on Naga Chaitanya’s journey, Nagarjuna drew a heartfelt comparison between his son and his father, Akkineni Nageswara Rao. He recounted how his father had delivered several remarkable performances throughout his illustrious career, and watching Chaitanya in Thandel reminded him of those legendary moments. “I am so happy for Chaitanya. Seeing the smile on his face fills me with pride. Throughout the film, he maintained the essence of his character, and there were many scenes where he truly excelled. It took me back to the times I watched my father perform with such intensity,” he shared emotionally.
His speech resonated deeply with the audience, as it was evident how much the success of Thandel meant to him on both a professional and personal level. The film not only marked a significant achievement in Naga Chaitanya’s career but also strengthened the Akkineni legacy in Indian cinema. Nagarjuna’s words reflected not just a father’s pride but also a seasoned actor’s appreciation for a well-crafted performance.
As Thandel continues to receive praise from critics and audiences alike, Nagarjuna’s heartfelt speech stands as a testament to the deep bond within the Akkineni family and their shared passion for cinema. His acknowledgment of the entire team’s efforts and his emotional tribute to his father added a special touch to the success celebration, making it a moment to remember in Telugu cinema.
