Akhanda 2: Thaandavam

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 to negative reviews from critics.^[12]

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.

• Nandamuri Balakrishna in a dual role as:
  • Akhanda Rudra Sikandar Aghora
  • Murali Krishna
• Samyuktha as Archana Goswami
• Aadhi Pinisetty as Netra
• Harshaali Malhotra as Janani, Murali Krishna's daughter, DRDO scientist
• Viji Chandrasekhar as Dharani, Akhanda and Murali's mother
• Jagapathi Babu as Aghora Baba (cameo, footage from Akhanda)
• Kabir Duhan Singh as Ajit Thakur, Opposition MP
• Saswata Chatterjee as Chang, ex-general of China
• Ronson Vincent as Ajay Thakur, Ajit's brother
• Kriss Venugopal
• Achyuth Kumar
• Sangay Tsheltrim as Xiang Lee, Chinese army general
• Poorna as Padmavathi IAS, Principal Secretary
• Pragya Jaiswal as Saranya Bachupally IAS, Murali's wife (photo presence)
• Sharath Lohitashwa as Krishnamacharya Perumal, an NIA officer
• Ayyappa P. Sharma as Prachanda, an evil Tantrik
• Avinash Yelandur as Ramachandriah; Akhanda and Murali's father (cameo, footage from Akhanda)
• Ravi Prakash as Vishal Trivedi collector of Kadapa
• Sarvadaman D. Banerjee as Aditya Ram Bhagat, Indian Prime Minister
• Anish Kuruvilla as Rao, Defence Minister of India
• Sai Dheena as a goon (Tamilian)
• Tarun Khanna as Lord Shiva

After the massive success of Akhanda (2021), director Boyapati Sreenu confirmed in early 2024 that a sequel was in development.^[13] The film was officially announced as BB4 on the occasion of Nandamuri Balakrishna, as it marks the fourth collaboration between Balakrishna and Boyapati.^[14]

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.^[15][16]

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 in 29 August 2025.^[23]

The film teaser was released on 9 June 2025, on the occasion of Balakrishna's birthday.^[24][25]

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]

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]

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."^[35] 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."^[36]

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."^[37] 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."^[38]

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."^[39]

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).^[40] 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).^[41] In it's first weekend, the film grossed ₹76.5 crore (US$9.0 million).^[42]

• Akhanda 2: Thaandavam at IMDb