Akhanda 2: Thaandavam
| Akhanda 2 | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Boyapati Sreenu |
| Written by | Boyapati Sreenu |
| Produced by | Ram Achanta Gopi Achanta Ishan Saksena |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | C. Ramprasad Santosh Detake |
| Edited by | Tammiraju |
| Music by | Thaman S. |
Production companies | 14 Reels Plus Entertainment IVY Entertainment |
| Distributed by | Zee Studios |
Release date |
|
Running time | 165 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
| Budget | ₹120 crore[2][3] |
| Box office | est. ₹90 crore[4] |
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam (transl. Undivided 2: Thaandavam) is a 2025 Indian Telugu-language fantasy supernatural action drama film[5] written and directed by Boyapati Sreenu.[6][7][8] The film stars Nandamuri Balakrishna in dual role, alongside Aadhi Pinisetty, Samyuktha Menon, and Harshaali Malhotra.[9][10] It is a sequel to the 2021 film Akhanda.[11]
The film has music composed by Thaman S, cinematography handled by C Ramprasad and editing by Tammiraju. It was released theatrically on 12 December 2025. Its a box-office bomb.
Plot
After the events of first film NIA officer Perumal submits reports to NIA head (jhansi) and explains about Akhanda (Balakrishna) fight process but NIA head mention him as a criminal and asks to take action on Akhanda but parumal refuses and decides to submit his resignation but NIA head mentions that they will stop at nothing to catch Akhanda but Perumal mentions no one has ever caught Akhanda, when they where questioning the whereabouts of Akhanda, Perumal shows up. Meanwhile Akhanda continues the process of restoring temples and reaches his native place and meets his teacher (Murali Mohan). There his teacher talks about a rare and extremly powerful sadhana called "Ashta Siddhi" Sadhana. Akhanda moves on to go for this sadhana at the same place where Arjuna had done sadhana in the Dwapar Yuga to attain Pashupatastra. At Tibet, after losing a war with the Indian Army, the Chinese Army plans to attack India by trying destroying the spirituality of the Indian people. For that, the army launches a deadly bioweapon attack, which targets the massive crowds at the Maha Kumbh Mela, panic spreads across India, with the help of a greedy minister named Ajit Thakur. Scientists race against time to develop an antidote that can save millions of lives, with Dr. Janani — a brilliant young scientist working under DRDO officer Archana Goswami — taking the lead and successfully creating a vaccine.
However, Ajit intent on exploiting this discovery begin to target Janani and her work, forcing her into danger. Ajit's brother Ajay chases and catches Janani after killing all her fellow scientists including Archana. At this critical juncture, Akhanda Rudra Sikandar Ghora, a powerful avatar of Lord Shiva with divine strength, re-emerges to protect Janani and kills Ajay and his men. Simultaneously, Janani's father and Akhanda's twin brother, Murali Krishna, becomes involved in the escalating conflict. Together, they face both human and mystical adversaries who seek to harness occult power and utilizing biological warfare for their own gain .
As the threat grows, Akhanda navigates battlefields, spiritual arenas, and border conflicts, combining intense combat with ritualistic and mystical elements, including killing his rival Netra, a wizard who has deeply mastered black magic. He must thwart the plans for unleashing further destruction upon the nation while upholding the ideals of faith and righteousness. Throughout the struggle, Akhanda's divine resolve and martial prowess emerge as pivotal forces in countering both external aggression and internal decay.
In the climax, Akhanda confronts the masterminds behind the chaos by going into the India-China border and confronting the Chinese Army and Ajit, in order to restore a measure of justice. His victory symbolizes the endurance of spiritual strength and national unity against overwhelming odds, reinforcing the bond between humanity's physical survival and its metaphysical faith. The film ends with Akhanda going to Shambala.
Cast
- Nandamuri Balakrishna in a dual role as:
- Akhanda Rudra Sikandar Ghora
- MLA Bala Murali Krishna
- Aadhi Pinisetty as Netra, an evil Tantrik
- Samyuktha as Archana Goswami, DRDO Officer
- Harshaali Malhotra as Janani, Murali Krishna and Saranya's daughter, DRDO scientist
- Viji Chandrasekhar as Dharani, Akhanda and Murali's mother
- Saswata Chatterjee as Chang, ex-general of China
- Sangay Tsheltrim as Xiang Lee, Chinese army general
- Sarvadaman D. Banerjee as Aditya Ram Bhagat, Indian Prime Minister
- Kabir Duhan Singh as Ajit Thakur, Opposition MP
- Ronson Vincent as Ajay Thakur, Ajit's brother
- Poorna as Padmavathi IAS, Principal Secretary
- Sharath Lohitashwa as Krishnamacharya Perumal, an NIA officer
- Jhansi as NIA Chief
- Ayyappa P. Sharma as Prachanda, Netra’s assistant
- Ravi Prakash as Vishal Trivedi, collector of Kadapa
- Anish Kuruvilla as Rao, Defence Minister of India
- Sai Dheena as Tamil goon
- Bharani Shankar as Kannada goon
- Raccha Ravi as Ravi, Murali’s assistant
- Mathew Varghese as PM’s advisor
- Kriss Venugopal as Ajith’s father
- Cameo appearance
- Tarun Khanna as Lord Shiva
- Pragya Jaiswal as Sharanya Murali Krishna, Murali's wife and Janani's mother (Photo achieve)
- Jagapathi Babu as Aghora Baba (archive footage from Akhanda)
- Avinash Yelandur as Ramachandriah; Akhanda and Murali's father (archive footage from Akhanda)
Production
Development
After the massive success of Akhanda (2021), director Boyapati Sreenu confirmed in early 2024 that a sequel was in development.[12] The film was officially announced as BB4 on the occasion of Nandamuri Balakrishna, as it marks the fourth collaboration between Balakrishna and Boyapati.[13]
On 25 January 2025, the team officially announced Samyuktha as the female lead. On 2 February 2025, makers announced Aadhi Pinisetty as Antagonist opposite Balakrishna. On 2 July 2025, Harshaali Malhotra were announced to be on board, marking her debut in Telugu cinema.[14][15] A.S. Prakash worked as the production designer of the film marking his fifth collaboration with Boyapati Srinu after Simha (film), Legend (2014 film), Vinaya Vidheya Rama and Skanda (film).[16]
Filming
The film was officially launched with a muhurtham shot on 16 October 2024 in Hyderabad.[17] Principal photography began in 2024 with major schedules shot in Hyderabad, Himalayas and Kumbh Mela.[18][19][20] In mid-2025, the team filmed key sequences in Georgia.[21]
The film shooting wrapped up on August first week in Thiruvannamalai.[22] and Balakrishna completed dubbing for his role on 29 August 2025.[23]
Marketing
The film teaser was released on 9 June 2025, on the occasion of Balakrishna's birthday.[24][25]
Music
The soundtrack album and background score were composed by Thaman S.[26][27]
The first single titled "The Thaandavam" was released on 14 November 2025 in Mumbai.[28] The second single titled "Jajikaaya Jajikaaya" was released on 18 November 2025.[29]
Release
Theatrical
Akhanda 2 was released on 12 December 2025.[30] It was initially set for release on 5 December 2025 but was postponed due to a stay order from the Madras High Court,[31] following a petition filed by Eros International against 14 Reels Plus Entertainment over a financial dispute.[32][33] The Madras High Court has granted permission for its release since the dues have been cleared.[34]
Home media
The film began streaming on Netflix from 9 January 2026 in Telugu and dubbed versions of Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam languages.[35]
Reception
Critical Reception
T. Maruthi Acharya of India Today rated the film 2.5/5 stars and wrote, "If you walk in expecting logic, you will leave disappointed. If you walk in expecting loudness, divinity, explosions, and a man fighting an entire army with a trishul — then Boyapati has delivered exactly what he promised."[36] Jalapathy Gudelli of Telugucinema.com wrote, "Apart from a couple of moments in the second half and Balakrishna’s riveting performance, “Akhanda 2” struggles to make an impact. Is it anywhere close to the first Akhanda? Not at all. It has devotional elements but lacks emotional connect."[37]
A critic from Sakshi Post rated the film 2/5 stars and wrote, "Akhanda 2: Thaandavam is a disappointing sequel that leans heavily on Balakrishna’s performance and Thaman’s music to stay afloat. The weak writing, predictable narrative, and underdeveloped characters make it a loud but hollow experience."[38] Suresh Kavirayani of Cinema Express wrote, "It wants to be devotional, patriotic, mythological, and mass-heavy all at once. In trying to achieve everything, it spreads itself thin and ends up offering very little that feels cohesive, original, or emotionally gripping."[39]
Box Office
Akhanda 2 grossed ₹2.75 crore (US$330,000) domestically, inclusive of ₹9 crore (US$1.1 million) from paid previews and ₹7.5 crore (US$890,000) overseas on its first day for a total of ₹0.25 crore (US$30,000).[40] On its second day the collections dropped by 50% to ₹20.5 crore (US$2.4 million) for a two-day total of ₹59.75 crore (US$7.1 million).[41] In its first weekend, the film grossed ₹76.5 crore (US$9.0 million).[42]
References
- ^ "Censor Board clears Nandamuri Balakrishna's 'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam' with U/A certificate". Times of India. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
- ^ "Nandamuri Balakrishna's 'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam' collects Rs 37 lakh in advance booking in USA". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
- ^ "Akhanda 2 box office: Collections remain disappointing for Balakrishna starrer in first 10 days". 9 January 2026.
- ^ "The Raja Saab worldwide box office collection day 3: Prabhas film earns ₹158 crore despite dip, beats Akhanda 2 lifetime". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 12 January 2026.
- ^ "Akhanda 2". British Board of Film Classification.
- ^ Biswas, Sneha (10 June 2025). "Akhanda 2 teaser: Nandamuri Balakrishna's 'cringe' scenes leaves internet divided: 'Even Bhojpuri cinema is ashamed'". mint.
- ^ Prakash, B. V. S. (12 October 2025). "Dil Raju Sets Sights on Akhanda 2 Nizam Rights, Offers Rs 30 Crore?". www.deccanchronicle.com.
- ^ Sistu, Suhas (17 January 2025). "Boyapati planning something big for 'Akhanda 2'". www.thehansindia.com.
- ^ Rao, Anisha (21 August 2025). "Nandamuri Balakrishna is a grounded man, says Akhanda 2 co-star Aadhi Pinisetty". India Today.
- ^ Devulapally, Aditya (2 July 2025). "Bajrangi Bhaijaan fame Harshaali Malhotra plays Janani in Akhanda 2". Cinema Express.
- ^ "Nandamuri Balakrishna reunites with Boyapati Srinu for Akhanda 2". 17 October 2024.
- ^ "Boyapati Srinu confirms the sequel to the blockbuster 'Akhanda' starring Nandamuri Balakrishna; shoot to begin post elections". 22 April 2024 – via The Economic Times - The Times of India.
- ^ "'BB4': Balakrishna's new film announced on birthday, reunites with Boyapati Sreenu". India Today. 10 June 2024.
- ^ Service, Statesman News (3 July 2025). "Harshaali Malhotra, 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' star, makes comeback with 'Akhanda 2'".
- ^ "Harshaali Malhotra, who played Munni in 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan', set to make her Telugu debut". Telegraph India. 3 July 2025.
- ^ "'Akhanda 2' first review: Balakrishna shines in mass action film as box office expectations peak". The Times of India. 5 December 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 February 2026.
- ^ "Akhanda 2: Balakrishna and Boyapati Srinu reunite for a grand sequel". India Today. 16 October 2024.
- ^ Keval, Varun (16 June 2025). "Akhanda 2 Shooting at Ramoji Film City: Latest Updates". www.thehansindia.com.
- ^ Prakash, B. V. S. (15 January 2025). "Akhanda 2 Makes History with MahaKumbh Mela Shoot". www.deccanchronicle.com.
- ^ Jaffer, Askari (2 March 2025). "'Akhanda 2: Tandavam' – Boyapati Srinu Scouts Himalayas". www.thehansindia.com.
- ^ "'Akhanda 2' heads to Georgia: Nandamuri Balakrishna's team to shoot key sequences in scenic locations". The Times of India. 10 June 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
- ^ Britto, Anita (28 July 2025). "Exclusive: Nandamuri Balakrishna's Akhanda 2 to be wrapped by August first week". India Today.
- ^ Devulapally, Aditya (8 August 2025). "Balakrishna wraps Akhanda 2 dubbing on schedule". Cinema Express. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
- ^ Nimjeurl, Sonika Nitin (10 June 2025). "Akhanda 2 teaser out: Balayya returns with divine fury, but fans split". Business Standard.
- ^ "'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam' teaser: Balakrishna returns as Lord Shiva's ferocious, trishul-slinging soldier". 10 June 2025 – via www.thehindu.com.
- ^ "SS Thaman begins composing the score for Nandamuri Balakrishna's Akhanda 2: Thaandavam". Cinema Express. 12 October 2025.
- ^ Prakash, B. V. S. (13 October 2025). "In a First, Vedic Scholars to Chant Sanskrit Shlokas in Akhanda 2: Thandavam". www.deccanchronicle.com.
- ^ B, Satya (14 November 2025). "Akhanda 2 Tells Greatness Of Sanathana Dharma: NBK". Gulte.
- ^ "'Jajikaya' from Akhanda 2 is a quintessential Balayya mass number". Cinema Express. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
- ^ "Akhanda 2 release: Nandamuri Balakrishna film to finally hit theatres on this date, confirm makers". Hindustan Times. 9 December 2025.
- ^ S, Mohamed Imranullah (5 December 2025). "Madras High Court restrains release of Nandamuri Balakrishna-starrer Akhanda 2". The Hindu.
- ^ "Madras High Court Puts Balakrishna's Akhanda 2 Release on Hold | Filmfare.com". www.filmfare.com. Retrieved 4 December 2025.
- ^ "When will Akhanda 2 release? Makers apologise to Balakrishna fans in new update: 'We've tried our best'". Hindustan Times. 6 December 2025.
- ^ Jha, Subhash K (9 December 2025). "'Akhanda 2' Clears All Dues". Deccan Chronicle.
- ^ "'Akhanda 2' OTT release: When and where to watch Nandamuri Balakrishna's fantasy action film". Telegraph India. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
- ^ Acharya, T. Maruthi (12 December 2025). "Akhanda 2 review: When logic leaves theatre and Boyapati, Balakrishna take over". India Today.
- ^ "Akhanda 2 Review: A sequel that fumbles". Telugucinema.com. 12 December 2025.
- ^ "Akhanda 2 Review: Balakrishna and Boyapati's Loud, Overstuffed Sequel That Struggles To Core". Sakshi Post. 12 December 2025.
- ^ Kavirayani, Suresh (12 December 2025). "Akhanda 2 Movie Review: Boyapati Srinu's spectacle loses steam amid a chaotic, illogical narrative". Cinema Express.
- ^ "Akhanda 2 Box Office Collections: NBK starrer opens well with 4cr worldwide first day". PINKVILLA. 13 December 2025. Retrieved 14 December 2025.
- ^ "Akhanda Box Office Collections: NBK starrer holds surprisingly well on Saturday, 60cr worldwide in 2 days". PINKVILLA. 14 December 2025. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
- ^ "Akhanda 2 Box Office Collections: NBK starrer has a 76 crore opening weekend worldwide". PINKVILLA. 15 December 2025. Retrieved 15 December 2025.