Sai Pallavi’s Absence from Thandel Promotions Raises Questions

The recently released film Thandel, starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, has received a positive response from audiences. Directed by Chandoo Mondeti and produced under the Geetha Arts banner by Allu Aravind and Bunny Vas, the film has been praised for its performances. Sai Pallavi played a role equal in prominence to that of the lead actor, and her performance has been widely appreciated, particularly among younger audiences.
Despite the positive reviews, industry sources indicate that the film's box office collections have not met expectations. In response, the production team has intensified promotional efforts even after the film’s release. However, Sai Pallavi has been notably absent from all promotional activities, including the Andhra and Ceded region tours, success celebrations, press meets, and interviews.
The film's team has attributed her absence to a busy schedule. However, reports suggest that another reason might be behind her decision to stay away from promotions. According to sources, several key scenes featuring Sai Pallavi—some of which she was particularly fond of—were removed from the final version of the film by director Chandoo Mondeti. It is speculated that she strongly objected to these edits, leading her to distance herself from the film’s publicity after its release.
Meanwhile, Chandoo Mondeti is reportedly attempting to persuade Sai Pallavi to participate in the promotions, but her stance on the matter remains uncertain.