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For Naga Chaitanya, 2025 turned out to be a breakthrough year that significantly reshaped his standing in Telugu cinema. The massive success of Thandel pushed him into a new league, firmly establishing his ability to shoulder a film and draw audiences to theatres in large numbers.

What made Thandel truly special was its consistency at the box office. Directed by Chandoo Mondeti, the film continued to attract viewers week after week, backed by strong word of mouth. This sustained audience support helped the film cross the ₹100-crore mark globally, making it the biggest commercial success of Chaitanya’s career so far.

Beyond the numbers, Thandel also earned Chaitanya widespread appreciation for his performance. His portrayal was praised for its simplicity and emotional restraint, with many viewers applauding the natural ease he brought to the character. Critics described it as one of his most refined roles, highlighting his growth and growing confidence as an actor.

Riding high on this success, Chaitanya has already begun preparations for his next major project, Vrusha Karma, slated for release in 2026. Directed by Karthik Dandu of Virupaksha fame, the film marks his entry into the mythological thriller genre, offering him an opportunity to explore an entirely new space.

Backed by a significantly higher budget, Vrusha Karma reflects the producer’s confidence in Chaitanya following the success of Thandel. Early promotional material, including the title reveal and first-look posters, has generated strong buzz by presenting him in a bold new avatar and teasing a visually rich narrative. With Thandel laying a solid foundation and Vrusha Karma raising expectations, Naga Chaitanya’s journey appears to be heading toward an exciting new phase.