For Naga Chaitanya, 2025 turned into a breakthrough year that reshaped his position in Telugu cinema.
The strong impact of Thandel pushed him into a new league, proving his ability to carry a film on his shoulders and draw audiences to theatres in large numbers.
What made Thandel special was its consistency. The film directed by Chandoo Mondeti continued to attract viewers week after week.
Strong audience support helped it cross the 100 crore mark globally, making it the biggest commercial success of Chaitanya’s career so far.
The film also earned him praise beyond ticket sales. His performance was noted for its simplicity and emotional control, with many viewers appreciating the natural way he portrayed the character.
Critics described it as one of his most refined roles, showing growth and confidence as an actor.
With this success behind him, Chaitanya has begun preparing for his next major project, Vrusha Karma, expected to release in 2026.
Directed by Karthik Dandu of Virupaksha fame, the film takes him into the mythological thriller genre, offering him a chance to explore a completely different space.
Backed by a larger budget, Vrusha Karma reflects the producer’s confidence in Chaitanya following the success of Thandel.
Early glimpses, including the title reveal and first look, created strong interest by presenting him in a bold new appearance and hinting at a visually rich story.
With Thandel setting a strong foundation and Vrusha Karma raising expectations, Chay’s journey is clearly heading toward an exciting phase.