| 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 | 166 minutes [1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
| Budget | ₹150 crore [2] [3] [4] |
| Box office | ₹102 crore [5] |
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam (transl. Undivided 2: Thaandavam ) is a 2025 Indian Telugu-language fantasy action thriller film written and directed by Boyapati Sreenu. [6] [7] [8] The film stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Samyuktha Menon, Aadhi Pinisetty and Harshaali Malhotra in important roles. [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 on 12 December 2025 in 3D and 2D formats and received mixed reviews from critics.
After the events of first film, peace is once again threatened by powerful forces seeking to destabilize the nation through spiritual and biological warfare. When a deadly bioweapon attack is launched targeting the massive crowds at the Maha Kumbh Mela, panic spreads across India. Scientists race against time to develop an antidote that can save millions of lives, with Dr. Janani — a brilliant young scientist — taking the lead and successfully creating a vaccine.
However, enemies intent on exploiting this discovery begin to target Janani and her work, forcing her into danger. At this critical juncture, Akhanda Rudra Sikandar Aghora, a powerful Aghori warrior with divine strength, re-emerges to protect her and confront these threats. Simultaneously, his 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 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. He must thwart plans to unleash 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, defending Janani and her vaccine, and restores a measure of peace. 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.
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]
The film was officially launched with a muhurtham shot on 16 October 2024 in Hyderabad. [16] Principal photography began in 2024 with major schedules shot in Hyderabad, Himalayas and Kumbh Mela. [17] [18] [19] In mid-2025, the team filmed key sequences in Georgia. [20]
The film shooting wrapped up on August first week in Thiruvannamalai. [21] and Balakrishna completed dubbing for his role in 29 August 2025. [22]
The film teaser was released on 9 June 2025, on the occasion of Balakrishna's birthday. [23] [24]
| Akhanda 2 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | |||||
| Released | 30 November 2025 | ||||
| Recorded | 2024–25 | ||||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | ||||
| Length | 31:22 | ||||
| Language | Telugu | ||||
| Label | Aditya Music | ||||
| Thaman S chronology | |||||
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The soundtrack album and background score were composed by Thaman S. [25] [26]
The first single titled "The Thaandavam" was released on 14 November 2025 in Mumbai. [27] The second single titled "Jajikaaya Jajikaaya" was released on 18 November 2025. [28]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Akhanda Thandavam" | Kalyan Chakravarthy | Sarvepalli Sisters | 2:30 |
| 2. | "Gangadhara Shankara" | Adviteeya Vojjala | S. Aishwarya, S. Soundarya, Sruthi Ranjani | 3:42 |
| 3. | "Shiva Shiva" | Kalyan Chakravarthy | Gotte Kanakavva, Sruthi Ranjani | 4:04 |
| 4. | "Hara Hara" | Kalyan Chakravarthy | S. P. Charan, Sri Krishna | 4:29 |
| 5. | "Shankara Shankara" | Kalyan Chakravarthy | V. M. Mahalingam, Divya Kumar, Deepak Blue, Arun Kaundinya | 3:46 |
| 6. | "Shambho" | Adviteeya Vojjala | Adviteeya Vojjala, S. Aishwarya, S. Soundarya | 2:52 |
| 7. | "Akhanda Haindhavam" | Naga Gurunaatha Sharma | Sarvepalli Sisters | 2:48 |
| 8. | "The Thaandavam" | Kalyan Chakravarthy | Shankar Mahadevan, Kailash Kher, Deepak Blue | 4:03 |
| 9. | "Jajikaaya Jajikaaya" | Kasarla Shyam | Brijesh Shandilya, Shreya Ghoshal | 3:07 |
| Total length: | 31:22 | |||
Akhanda 2 was released on 12 December 2025. [29] It was initially set for release on 5 December 2025 but was postponed due to a stay order from the Madras High Court, [30] following a petition filed by Eros International against 14 Reels Plus Entertainment over a financial dispute. [31] [32] The Madras High Court has granted permission for its release since the dues have been cleared. [33]
The digital streaming rights of the film are acquired by Netflix for five languages.
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." [34] 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." [35]
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." [36] 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." [37]
A critic from Telugu Vaadi TV, Mandava Sai Kumar, rated the film 4/5 stars and wrote, "Akhanda 2 delivers a strong mass-action experience with intense elevation scenes powerful performances and a dominating screen presence from Balakrishna. The background score and visuals elevate the movie, making it a highly satisfying entertainer for mass audiences." [38]
Box Office
Akhanda 2 grossed ₹ 32.75 crore (US$3.9 million) domestically, inclusive of ₹ 9 crore (US$1.1 million) from paid previews and ₹ 7.5 crore (US$890,000) overseas on it's first day for a total of ₹ 40.25 crore (US$4.8 million). [39] On it's 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). [40] In it's first weekend, the film grossed ₹ 76.5 crore (US$9.0 million). [41]