Nandamuri Balakrishna's highly anticipated film, "Akhanda 2: Thaandavam," is generating significant buzz as it gears up for its theatrical release on December 5, 2025. Early reviews and social media reactions are painting a picture of a high-energy, mass action entertainer, particularly appealing to Balakrishna's dedicated fan base.
Directed by Boyapati Sreenu, "Akhanda 2: Thaandavam" is a sequel to the 2021 blockbuster "Akhanda". The film sees Nandamuri Balakrishna reprising his dual roles as Akhanda Rudra Sikandar Aghora and Murali Krishna. Alongside Balakrishna, the film features Samyuktha Menon as the female lead, Aadhi Pinisetty as the antagonist, and Harshaali Malhotra, making her Telugu cinema debut. Other cast members include Pragya Jaiswal, Kabir Duhan Singh, Saswata Chatterjee, and Poorna.
Initial reactions highlight Balakrishna's "awe-inspiring" entry scene, filmed in a dramatic Aaghori style, as a major draw. Reviewers also praise the intense action sequences, the impactful dialogues, and a mind-blowing Hanuman entry. According to Asianet, the intermission, the second half, and the pre-climax sequences are particularly intense. The fight scenes and Balakrishna's mass dialogues are expected to captivate the audience, solidifying the film's credentials as a mass entertainer.
Umair Sandhu, in an early review, rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, emphasizing its appeal to mass audiences with its high-energy action, emphatic dialogues, and dramatic climax. Another reviewer gave "Akhanda 2" a rating of 4.5 stars, describing it as "a loud, powerful, mytho-mass entertainer" that delivers on action, divinity, emotion, and pure theatrical energy. This reviewer further noted Balakrishna's electrifying presence as Aghora Akhanda, with every scene feeling like a celebration of pure mass cinema.
While plot details remain largely under wraps, "Akhanda 2: Thaandavam" is expected to continue the larger-than-life action narrative of its predecessor, blending fantasy elements with stylized action sequences. The film explores the connection between children's innocence, the natural world, and spiritual faith as communities strive for progress.
The music for "Akhanda 2: Thaandavam" is composed by Thaman S. The soundtrack includes the singles "The Thaandavam" and "Jajikaaya Jajikaaya," released on November 14 and November 18, 2025, respectively.
"Akhanda 2: Thaandavam" is produced by Ram Achanta, Gopi Achanta, and Ishan Saksena under the banners of 14 Reels Plus and IVY Entertainment. C Ramprasad is the cinematographer, and Tammiraju is the editor. The film's art direction is by AS Prakash.
The film is scheduled to release in 3D, IMAX, 4DX, D-Box, PVR ICE, and EPIQ formats. The Telangana government has approved a premiere show on December 4, one day before the official release, with a ticket price of Rs 600 + GST. 20% of the increased amount will go to the Movie Artist Welfare Association to support film workers.
"Akhanda 2: Thaandavam" is poised to be a major box office draw, with trade analysts and fans closely watching its performance, particularly in regions where the first film had a strong following.
