- Title of Film: Akhanda 2 Thaandavam
- Date of Release: December 12, 2025 businessconnectindia.in Score: 3/5
- Nandamuri Balakrishna, Samyuktha, Aadhi Pinisetty, Harshaali Malhotra, Saswata Chatterjee, and others are in the lead roles.
- Boyapati Sreenu is the director.
- Producers: Gopi Achanta and Raam Achanta
- Director of Music: Thaman S.
- Filmmakers: Santoshh D. Detakae and C. Ramprasad
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, Nandamuri Balakrishna’s most recent Telugu film, is a direct follow-up to Boyapati Sreenu’s 2021 hit Akhanda. Due to last-minute financial difficulties, the movie’s original release date of last Friday, December 5, was postponed. Now that the issues have been fixed, the film has finally been released in theaters in a number of languages in both 2D and 3D. This is our analysis of the movie’s development on the big screen.
The Story:
The Maha Kumbh Mela is chosen as the launching point for the Tibetan army’s biowarfare operation against India, which aims to destabilize the entire country. The Prime Minister gives DRDO swift instructions to create an antidote as the situation deteriorates. After Janani (Harshaali Malhotra), the scientist, creates it, the adversary starts to pursue her. At this time, Akhanda (Balakrishna), who had previously vowed to come back whenever she was in danger, makes a reappearance. The plot is around how he defends Janani, stops the biowar, and reinstates dharma in the nation.
Benefits:
As Akhanda, Balakrishna rules the screen. The film’s strongest pillar is his conviction, on-screen persona, and delivery of language.
In her pivotal role, Harshaali Malhotra gives a respectable effort. Samyuktha tries something a little different from her usual representations, but her breadth is limited.
The action scenes are intended to appeal to large audiences, and they are successful in doing so. Even in situations where reasoning is secondary, they provide exuberant moments. Lord Shiva makes an appearance during a particularly poignant scene in the second half, which gives the story more spiritual weight.
One of the most important parts of the movie is Thaman’s background score. Moments that would otherwise seem ordinary are frequently enhanced by his compositions, which elevate action and emotional scenes. Within the allotted space, supporting performers do their roles.
Minus Points:
The plot of Akhanda 2 is weak. Boyapati Sreenu mostly concentrates on portraying Balakrishna in a noble aspect, and the plot is straightforward. This method underdevelops a number of story components.
The antagonist is given more screen time than Balakrishna’s Bala Murali Krishna. Only a small number of the numerous characters who are introduced are utilized well. While Samyuktha’s arc is unimpressive and often nonsensical, Aadhi Pinisetty amuses in his brief visit.
The character played by Harshaali Malhotra has unrealized promise, and her dubbing seems uneven. It would have been possible to delve deeper into Akhanda’s emotional bond with her. A number of characters make appearances without making significant contributions to the narrative.
The script of Akhanda was comparatively better, and the main plot is similar to that of the first movie.
Technical Aspects
Boyapati once again leans into his signature filmmaking style—one that favours high-voltage entertainment over strict logic. While some sequences are crafted with precision, others feel a bit inconsistent. Even so, the narrative moves at a steady pace, ensuring there are no significant dull stretches.
Cinematography by C. Ramprasad and Santosh Detake is effective, especially during the action sequences. Tammiraju’s editing remains sharp and well-timed, keeping the film’s momentum intact. The standout on the technical front is Thaman, whose powerful background score elevates several key moments. With impressive production values, the film maintains a visually grand appearance throughout.
Verdict
Overall, Akhanda 2 is a decent devotional action drama, driven largely by Balakrishna’s commanding portrayal of Akhanda. The plot is predictable, and some characters lack meaningful development, but the music, action sequences, and select emotional moments help keep the audience invested. Though not as impactful as the first installment, the film still functions as a satisfying mass entertainer with enough moments to please Balayya’s fans.
