Naga Chaitanya is one of the most talented actors in the South film industry. Since debuting in 2009, she has delivered several critically acclaimed and box office hits. Now, with Thandel, he has achieved a new milestone in his career, as the film has joined the 100 crore club.

Interestingly, there is a unique story hidden behind a song in this film, for which practice was done for 8 days before the shooting.

Yes, Naga Chaitanya and the team of Thandel put their heart and soul into making this film. The biggest example of this is the song Namo Namah Shivaya from the film. Naga Chaitanya and female lead Sai Pallavi worked hard for this song. The choreography of this song was a bit different from the usual dance style, due to which it required more hard work and perfection. Both the actors practiced continuously for about 8-9 days, after which the final cut was shot.

Thandel is an emotional film, which depicts the story of a fisherman who is caught by the Pakistani Army in the international maritime border. This film touched the hearts of the audience deeply and many people were seen emotional while leaving the theater. The pairing of Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi in ​​the film was highly appreciated, and their performance received tremendous response from the audience.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one of the finest filmmakers of Indian cinema, whose grand vision and powerful storytelling have given the industry a different height. What makes his films special is not just their grandeur, but the characters that stay in people’s hearts for years to come. What is most special about Bhansali’s films is the strength of his female characters. The women in his films are not just beautiful and graceful, but also strong, courageous and inspiring. Their struggles, their strength, their emotions—Bhansali presents everything in his own unique way, making his characters memorable forever. This Women’s Day, let’s salute the most powerful and iconic female characters from his films, who have left an indelible mark on the big screen!

Padmavati in Padmavat

In Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavat, Rani Padmavati is not just a queen but a living example of honor, courage and sacrifice. She faced every challenge without bowing down, without fear and proved that honour is greater than any fear. Bhansali presented her story with stunning visuals and deep emotions, making her not just a character but an immortal icon forever. Her sacrifice shows the power of unshakable courage, which will always live in history.

Leela in Ram Leela

Leela of Ram-Leela was not just a lover, but an example of passion and rebellion. Bhansali showed her as fearless, bindaas and firm on her principles – who loves wholeheartedly and also knows how to fight. Even amidst traditions and enmity, she listened to her heart, lived love and pain with equal intensity. Leela was not just a lover, but a warrior of the heart, who was ready to stake everything for her love.

Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani

In Bajirao Mastani, Sanjay Leela Bhansali showed Kashibai not just as an unhappy wife, but as a strong, empowered and dignified woman. The deeper her pain, the more true her love. Kashibai’s character is not a story of revenge, but of dedication and self-respect. She loved Bajirao immensely, but never allowed herself to become weak. Her silent strength made her one of Bhansali’s most memorable and heart-touching characters.

Gangubai in Gangubai Kathiawadi

In Gangubai Kathiawadi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali created his strongest and most fearless heroine till date. Gangubai was not just a woman victim of circumstances, but one who turned pain into strength and fought for her rights. Her strong presence and fiery attitude are evident in every scene—whether it is her fiery speeches or her determination to snatch respect and justice from society. Bhansali’s vision made this story not just inspiring but iconic. Gangubai will always be remembered—as the epitome of courage, bravery and rebellion.

Chandramukhi in Devdas

In Devdas, Sanjay Leela Bhansali presented Chandramukhi not just as a courtesan, but as an epitome of selfless love and indomitable dignity. She was radiant, kind and fiercely loyal—someone who lived to give, not to gain in love. Bhansali captured her pain and dignity through his gorgeous visuals and heart-touching dance sequences. She did not need anyone’s approval or recognition, but her love was her greatest strength. Thus, Chandramukhi will remain one of Bhansali’s most beautiful and memorable characters.

Paro in Devdas

In Devdas, Bhansali made Paro not just a woman in love but an example of love and sacrifice. Even after being separated, she could never separate Devdas from her heart. With grand sets, spectacular costumes and deep emotions, Bhansali showed the story of her transformation from an innocent girl to a responsible woman. Circumstances separated them, but their love never diminished, proving that true love does not need to be together. Paro’s silent pain and unwavering love make her one of Bhansali’s most memorable heroines.

Mallikajaan in Heeramandi

In Heeramandi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali showed Mallikajaan not just as a mistress of courtesans but as an example of courage, wisdom and strength. She was the ruler of her world, but more than that, the protector of the women who depended on her. Bhansali has portrayed her as both powerful and emotional—ruling with authority but hiding the pain of her sacrifice. With lavish sets, a powerful story and deep emotions, Mallika Jaan was not just a mistress, but a living warrior who never gave in to circumstances.

Bibojaan in Heeramandi

In Heeramandi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has portrayed Bibojaan as a blend of tenderness, strength and unfulfilled desires. Caught in the game of power, yet standing firm with her dignity and courage. Bhansali has made her a symbol of sacrifice and hidden pain—where love was a dream and emotions a luxury. Her silence also had a deep story, making her one of the most distinctive and impactful characters in Heeramandi.

This shows how Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings his female characters to life on screen – fearless, strong and memorable. He respects and supports women not only in films but also in real life. Associating his mother’s name with his own name is also a symbol of his deep respect and gratitude.

Chennai, March 8: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, actor and politician Kamal Haasan has urged the Centre to implement women’s reservation without linking it to the delimitation exercise.

Taking to his X timeline to pen his thoughts, Kamal wrote, “On this International Women’s Day, we must reaffirm that true nation-building cannot happen without empowering women.”

Stressing on the fact that the contribution of women to the nation’s growth and development was integral, he wrote, “Their leadership, strength, and vision are integral to progress. We must unlock the potential of half our population, ensuring their equitable role in governance.”

The star also went on to add, “In the spirit of this day and on behalf of the daughters of India, I once again urge the government to implement women’s reservation without linking it to the delimitation exercise — an action that risks undermining our federal unity and calls for a longer national conversation.”

He concluded his post saying, “As I have since its introduction, I continue to urge the Union Government to amend the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act. Empower women, empower the nation.”

On the work front, actor Kamal Haasan has just tasted phenomenal success as a producer, with the Sivakarthikeyan-starrer ‘Amaran’ setting the cash registers to ring. As an actor, he will next be seen in director Mani Ratnam’s eagerly awaited action extravaganza ‘Thug Life’. The film, which features a host of stars such as Simbu, Trisha, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Mahesh Manjrekar, Bhagavathi Perumal and Nasser, among others, is scheduled to hit screens on June 5 this year.

Music for the film is by A R Rahman and cinematography is by Ravi K Chandran. Editing for the film is by director Mani Ratnam’s favourite editor Sreekar Prasad. The film is being jointly produced by Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, R Mahendran, Siva Ananth and Udhayanidhi Stalin.