Finally, Akhanda 2 Shows Begin With a Solid Response

Akhanda 2 marks the fourth collaboration between Nandamuri Balakrishna and Boyapati Sreenu, but getting the film to theatres wasn’t as smooth as expected. The sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Akhanda was originally produced by Miryala Ravinder Reddy under Dwaraka Creations. The sequel later moved to the hands of Ram Achanta and Gopi Achanta under 14 Reels Plus.

The team shot Akhanda 2 across Georgia, the Himalayas, and the Kumbh Mela. The production pushed through difficult terrains and harsh weather, with Balakrishna performing in the Aghora getup, often barefoot, for some of the film’s most demanding sequences. The film was first announced for a Dussehra release on September 25, but incomplete work forced a postponement to December 5. That’s where the real trouble started.

Just a day before the new date, on December 4, the release hit an unexpected roadblock. Eros International, along with a few local financiers, raised objections over pending financial settlements. A court order halted the release, leaving fans stunned. Many had already decorated theatres and prepared for celebrations, only to face disappointment hours before the first show.

The makers took a week to resolve the legal and financial disputes and locked December 12 as the new release date. This time, everything looked clear. Special permissions were approved for premiere shows and ticket-price hikes. But six hours before the scheduled premieres, another twist arrived. The Telangana High Court rejected the requests for special shows and price hikes, causing fresh anxiety among the team and Balakrishna’s fans.

To calm the situation, the producers issued a statement asking everyone not to believe the circulating rumours, assuring that the release was on track. That message brought some relief, and finally, the shows began across India and overseas after a challenging week for the makers.

Now comes the real challenge with the film itself. With fans waiting this long and the team overcoming multiple hurdles, Akhanda 2 has a lot of expectations riding on its theatrical experience. The team needs to deliver to that extent.

Akhanda 2 Thaandavam stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Samyukta Menon, and Aadhi Pinisetty. The film is written and directed by Boyapati Sreenu, produced by Ram Achanta and Gopi Achanta under 14 Reels Plus, and presented by M. Tejaswini Nandamuri. Music is composed by Thaman S.