Nandamuri Balakrishna's highly anticipated Telugu film, Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, has been postponed indefinitely just hours before its scheduled worldwide release on December 5, 2025. The production house, 14 Reels Plus, announced the postponement on Thursday, December 4, citing "unavoidable circumstances".
The announcement has left fans and industry members in shock, as the sequel was highly anticipated. The production team conveyed their regret via social media, acknowledging the disappointment of fans. "With a heavy heart, we regret to inform you that #Akhanda2 will not be releasing as scheduled due to unavoidable circumstances," 14 Reels Plus stated on X. "This is a painful moment for us, and we truly understand the disappointment it brings to every fan and movie lover awaiting the film. We are working tirelessly to resolve the matter at the earliest. Our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. Your support means the world to us. We promise to share a positive update very soon".
Adding to the disappointment, paid premiere shows scheduled for December 4 were also canceled due to technical issues. 14 Reels Plus had earlier posted, "#Akhanda2 premieres scheduled for today are cancelled due to technical issues. We've tried our best, but a few things are beyond our control. Sorry for the inconvenience".
The primary reason for the postponement appears to be ongoing legal proceedings. A court dispute involving Eros International Media Limited has put a stay on the film's screening. The Madras High Court issued the order following an appeal by Eros, related to a previous arbitration decision in their favor. Eros is reportedly entitled to nearly ₹28 crore (approximately $3.3 million USD) plus 14% interest. The court has directed that Akhanda 2 cannot be released in theaters, on digital platforms, or via satellite broadcast until the dues are settled. Eros International contended that 14 Reels Plus LLP is a continuation of 14 Reels Entertainment, and releasing the film without settling the pending amount would allow the promoters to profit while evading their financial liabilities.
Confusion surrounding ticket bookings, particularly in the Nizam region, had already begun earlier in the day. Exhibitors reported uncertainty, and fans were repeatedly checking ticketing platforms for updates. While the production team attempted to address these issues, it became clear that the situation could not be resolved.
Akhanda 2 is directed by Boyapati Sreenu and stars Nandamuri Balakrishna in a dual role. The film has been granted a U/A certificate. The first installment, released in 2021, was a major success in Telugu cinema, heightening anticipation for the sequel.
As of now, the production house has not announced a new release date for Akhanda 2. The film also features Samyuktha and Harshaali Malhotra in key roles. Fans await further updates and resolution of the legal and financial issues surrounding the film.
