Akhanda 2: Thaandavam (2025) REVIEW ft. Nandamuri, Samyuktha, and Pragya

Four years back, when Akhanda hit theaters, it connected with fans through its mix of devotion and raw power. Now, Akhanda 2: Thaandavam tries to recapture that magic with Nandamuri Balakrishna returning as the fierce spiritual warrior. Boyapati Sreenu directs this sequel that stars Samyuktha Menon, Aadhi Pinisetty, and Harshaali Malhotra.

The film finally reached cinemas on December 12, 2025, though it faced last-minute legal troubles that pushed back its original December 5 release. 14 Reels Plus produced this ambitious project with S. Thaman handling the music. The movie opened in five languages across India and overseas markets.

The Basic Plot

Years have passed since we last saw our hero. The focus shifts to Janani, a grown-up scientist working on military protection technology. Her research catches unwanted attention when foreign enemies plot an attack on Indian soil. Their plan involves releasing a biological weapon during a massive religious gathering.

When danger closes in, the reclusive Akhanda must step out again. The story follows his journey to safeguard both the young scientist and the nation. Director Boyapati Sreenu blends patriotic themes with spiritual overtones throughout the runtime.

Acting Quality

Balakrishna carries the film on his shoulders with his commanding voice and physical presence. I appreciated his dedication to the character, especially when he delivers speeches about dharma and duty. His energy remains intact, though the character itself doesn’t surprise us anymore like it did the first time around.

Harshaali Malhotra steps into Telugu cinema but struggles with her part. The dubbing creates a disconnect, and I wish the makers had developed her character better. Samyuktha and Aadhi get limited screen time, appearing mainly to support plot points rather than having their own arcs.

Positives Worth Noting

Some sequences truly shine. The segment right before intermission builds tension effectively and gives fans what they want. I was moved during a particular spiritual moment in the latter half where divine intervention comes into play. The climax featuring Shiva’s dance creates an electrifying atmosphere in theaters.

Fight choreography stays true to the mass format. Balakrishna looks fierce during combat, and the technical team captures his intensity well. Certain dialogues about faith and culture land with impact. The film looks expensive with its grand sets and scale.

Where It Falls Short

My biggest issue is the thin storyline. The film repeats beats from its predecessor without adding fresh layers. The opening hour drags because the writing lacks urgency. I kept waiting for the signature Boyapati punch that made his earlier films with Balakrishna so entertaining.

Computer graphics look rushed in multiple scenes, which hurts the viewing experience. At nearly three hours, the film tests patience. Too many side characters crowd the frame without contributing to the main story. The antagonists feel generic and never pose a real threat.

Technical Department

Thaman’s background music elevates several scenes and adds power during action blocks. However, I felt it was mixed too loud at times, drowning out other sounds. His songs don’t stick like the numbers from the first film, which is disappointing given his track record.

Camera work captures the action well, and the visuals maintain a polished look throughout. But those visual effects really needed more work. When computer-generated elements appear on screen, they break the immersion. The editing keeps things moving but tighter cuts would have helped.

Reception From Media

Trade publications gave mixed verdicts. Some pointed out that logic goes out the window but the spectacle compensates for those looking for pure entertainment. Others felt the film depends too much on its lead actor’s charisma and the composer’s music without solid foundation.

Several outlets noted that the devotional angle feels forced this time. The general consensus among critics was that while individual moments work, the overall package lacks cohesion. Ratings hovered around 2 to 3 out of 5 across major platforms.

Audience Verdict

Social media exploded with contrasting opinions right after morning shows. Die-hard Balakrishna supporters celebrated the massy elements, particularly the spiritual climax and powerful interval block. They defended the film’s larger-than-life approach as part of its appeal.

However, regular moviegoers expressed frustration with the repetitive narrative. Many called it an avoidable follow-up that adds nothing substantial to the franchise. The word “cringe” appeared frequently in negative reactions, especially regarding the treatment of serious themes. Some felt the makers played it too safe instead of taking creative risks.

My Take

After watching Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, I see it as a film made specifically for one section of the audience. If you’re a Nandamuri Balakrishna admirer who enjoys his screen dominance and doesn’t mind logic taking a backseat, you’ll find moments to cheer. The devotional-action fusion has its supporters, and those fans will walk away satisfied.

But if you’re hoping for the emotional depth and tighter writing that made successful sequels memorable, this won’t deliver. Boyapati Sreenu plays too safe with his formula, which has started showing age. The lack of a menacing villain really hurts the stakes. Better character work and a fresher story could have made this special.

Rating: 3.5/5