We had recently announced that Thandel, Naga Chaitanya's upcoming film directed by Chandoo Mondeti, has commenced principal production. The makers of the film released a promotional video titled Essence of Thandel on Saturday.

The video was initially supposed to be released on Friday, but it came out a day later. We are first introduced to Naga Chaitanya's character in the glimpse video. He is seen fishing in the middle of the ocean and delivering massy dialogues. The story immediately shifts to Karachi, Pakistan, as we see Chaitanya imprisoned, due to him entering the waters of the neighbouring country accidentally. After an exchange of jingoistic dialogues between Chaitanya's character and a Pakistani police officer, the video closes with a few glimpses of the film's female lead Sai Pallavi. She plays Bujji, the love interest to Chaitanya's Raju. 

Naga Chaitanya has undergone a physical makeover for the film, sporting a rugged look. He will also be speaking in the Srikakulam dialect in the film. Thandel is written and directed by Kartikeya 2-fame director Chandoo Mondeti. Thandel is reportedly inspired by a set of real-life events that took place in the late 2010s. Allu Aravind and Bunny Vasu produce the film under the Geetha Arts banner. Devi Sri Prasad is the film's music director, with cinematography by Shamdat, editing by Navin Nooli and production design by Srinagendra Tangala.