Akhanda 2: Thaandavam


Akhanda 2: Thaandavam is a 2025 Indian Telugu-language fantasy action thriller film written and directed by Boyapati Sreenu. The film stars Nandamuri Balakrishna in dual role, alongside Samyuktha Menon, Aadhi Pinisetty, and Harshaali Malhotra. It is a sequel to the 2021 film Akhanda.
The film has music composed by Thaman S, cinematography handled by C Ramprasad and editing by Tammiraju. It was released theatrically on 12 December 2025.

Plot

After the events of first film NIA officer Perumal submits reports to NIA head and explains about Akhanda fight process but NIA head mention him as a criminal and asks to take action on Akhanda but parumal refuses and decides to submit his resignation but NIA head mentions that they would stop to catch Akhanda but parumal mentions no one can caught Akhanda why they questions about him Akhanda continues process of restoring temples and reaches his native place and meet his teacher At Tibet, after losing a war with the Indian Army, the Chinese Army plans to attack India by trying destroying the spirituality of Indian people. For that, launches a deadly bioweapon attack, which is targeting the massive crowds at the Maha Kumbh Mela, panic spreads across India, with the help of a greedy minister named Ajit Thakur. Scientists race against time to develop an antidote that can save millions of lives, with Dr. Janani — a brilliant young scientist working under DRDO officer Archana Goswami — taking the lead and successfully creating a vaccine.
However, Ajit intent on exploiting this discovery begin to target Janani and her work, forcing her into danger. Ajit's brother Ajay chases and catches Janani after killing all her fellow scientists including Archana. At this critical juncture, Akhanda Rudra Sikandar Ghora, a powerful avatar of Lord Shiva with divine strength, re-emerges to protect Janani and kills Ajay and his men. Simultaneously, Janani's father and Akhanda's 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, including killing his rival Netra, a wizard who had deeply mastered black magic. 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 by going into the India-China border and confronting the Chinese Army and Ajit, in order to restore a measure of justice. 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. The film ends with Akhanda going to Shambala.

Production

Development

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

Filming

The film was officially launched with a muhurtham shot on 16 October 2024 in Hyderabad. Principal photography began in 2024 with major schedules shot in Hyderabad, Himalayas and Kumbh Mela. In mid-2025, the team filmed key sequences in Georgia.
The film shooting wrapped up on August first week in Thiruvannamalai. and Balakrishna completed dubbing for his role on 29 August 2025.

Marketing

The film teaser was released on 9 June 2025, on the occasion of Balakrishna's birthday.

Music

The soundtrack album and background score were composed by Thaman S.
The first single titled "The Thaandavam" was released on 14 November 2025 in Mumbai. The second single titled "Jajikaaya Jajikaaya" was released on 18 November 2025.

Release

Theatrical

Akhanda 2 was released on 12 December 2025. It was initially set for release on 5 December 2025 but was postponed due to a stay order from the Madras High Court, following a petition filed by Eros International against 14 Reels Plus Entertainment over a financial dispute. The Madras High Court has granted permission for its release since the dues have been cleared.

Home media

The film began streaming on Netflix from 9 January 2026 in Telugu and dubbed versions of Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam languages.

Reception

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." 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."
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." 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."
Box Office
Akhanda 2 grossed domestically, inclusive of from paid previews and overseas on its first day for a total of. On its second day the collections dropped by to for a two-day total of. In its first weekend, the film grossed.