Akhanda-2 Thaandavam Movie Review
Cast – Nandamuri Balakrishna, Samyuktha, Aadhi Pinisetty, Harshaali Malhotra, Saswata Chatterjee, Ronson Vincent, Achyuth Kumar, Sangay Tsheltrim, Ravi Mariya, Shamna Kasim, Murali Mohan
Directors – Boyapati Sreenu
Producers – Ram Achanta, Gopi Achanta, Ishan Saksena
Banner – 14 Reels Plus Entertainment, IVY Entertainment
Music – Thaman S
Runtime – 2 hrs 45 mins
Genre – Action Drama
Release Date – 12 December 2025
Background
The film arrives as a continuation of the Akhanda franchise, carrying the weight of its predecessor’s success. Balakrishna and Boyapati Sreenu’s collaboration has always been associated with mass appeal and devotional undertones. The first Akhanda was a blockbuster, largely due to timing and sentiment. This sequel was delayed by financial hurdles but eventually hit theatres with high expectations. The backdrop involves a blend of patriotism, spirituality, and science fiction. The narrative attempts to merge divine power with modern-day challenges. The production scale is grand, with Ladakh landscapes and heavy VFX. The director banks on NBK’s charisma to drive the film. The background score aims to recreate the magic of the first part. The film positions itself as a mass entertainer with devotional depth. The anticipation was immense among fans and trade circles.
Plot
Janani, once a child, is now a scientist working on Bio-Shield for the Indian Army. Her research faces hurdles as DRDO tasks her with creating an antidote for a deadly virus. Akhanda Rudra Sikandar Aghora steps in to guide and protect her mission. The story intertwines patriotism with divine intervention. The narrative pits science against evil forces. The film explores themes of faith, resilience, and national pride. The climax builds around Akhanda’s divine strength aiding Janani’s scientific pursuit.
Artists Performances
Balakrishna dominates the screen with his powerful dialogue delivery. His portrayal of Akhanda Rudra Sikandar Aghora is majestic. He balances divinity and mass heroism effectively. Harshaali Malhotra, though sincere, feels miscast as Janani. Samyuktha’s role lacks depth and fails to impress. Aadhi Pinisetty’s character is underdeveloped. Supporting actors deliver exaggerated performances in typical Boyapati style. Saswata Chatterjee and others add little impact. Shamna Kasim and Murali Mohan appear briefly. The ensemble struggles to rise above weak writing.
Technicalities
Thaman’s background score is loud but lacks the magic of the first film. Cinematography captures Ladakh well but overuses green mat visuals. Editing feels compromised by poor direction. Action choreography defies logic, leaning on over-the-top stunts. VFX is inconsistent, sometimes distracting. Production values are strong but misused. Dialogues mix Telugu and English awkwardly. Costume design suits the divine aura of NBK. Sound mixing amplifies drama but overwhelms subtlety. Overall, technical execution is uneven.
Positives
NBK’s commanding performance
Opening sequence with grandeur
Interval block with intensity
Patriotic undertones appealing to fans
Negatives
Weak writing and miscasting
Over-the-top action without logic
Lack of emotional depth
Analysis
The film begins with promise, showcasing NBK’s larger-than-life presence. The opening sequence and interval block are executed with flair. However, the second half falters with repetitive action and preachy dialogues. Boyapati relies heavily on divinity and patriotism, neglecting story depth. Harshaali Malhotra’s casting weakens the emotional core. Samyuktha and Aadhi Pinisetty’s roles are poorly written. The narrative around China’s military and antidote feels laughable. Dialogues in English sound cringeworthy. The film struggles to balance science fiction with spirituality. Action sequences defy gravity, reducing believability. The director misses an opportunity to craft a meaningful sequel. NBK’s efforts are commendable but overshadowed by flawed execution. The producers provide resources, yet the vision lacks clarity. The first half remains watchable, but the second half collapses. Emotional resonance is absent throughout. The film feels like a cash-in on Akhanda’s brand. Boyapati’s blind belief in formula backfires. The devotional factor is overused without fresh perspective. Audience engagement dips after the interval. The climax feels stretched and uninspiring. The film’s grandeur cannot mask its hollow core. NBK’s dialogues on Sanatana Dharma and patriotism appeal to fans but alienate others. The lack of relatable characters hurts the narrative. The sequel fails to replicate the magic of the first part. It ends as a wasted opportunity.
Final verdict :- Akhanda 2 delivers grandeur but misses heart, a watchable yet flawed sequel
Rating :- 2.4/5
