Balakrishna’s presence cannot save this loud sequel.
Akhanda 2 Movie Review: Akhanda 2: Thaandavam (2025) is a sequel that loud, and high-voltage and brings back Nandamuri Balakrishna along with director Boyapati Srinu. Despite the strong screen presence and the grand visuals, the critics think that the movie has a hard time with weak storytelling and very high execution.
Introduction
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam brings together the star Nandamuri Balakrishna and the filmmaker Boyapati Srinu once more, after the great success of Akhanda. The sequel comes with a lot of expectations and promises to deliver enhanced action, divine themes, and gigantic moments. But still, the movie does not fully utilize Balakrishna’s unbeatable presence and falls short of the preconceived idea of the film.
Story Overview (No Spoilers)
The movie tries to summarize myth, national pride, and a fight of gods all in one go. The plot declares to be great and powerful but in fact, it is very much confused. The plot lacks a clear line frequently emphasizing loudness over logic, which makes it nearly impossible for people to connect emotionally to the story.
Performances
Nandamuri Balakrishna once more prevails over the screen with his usual fire and powerful delivery of lines. His vigor and faithfulness are undeniable and will definitely attract the audience that has been with him all along. But, his overwhelming personality could not even be a substitute for the weak plot and repeated developments of characters that have been done in a similar way before.
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The rest of the cast are almost nothing and merely play the part of the hero’s ascension rather than being the story’s vital contributors.
Direction & Screenplay
Boyapati Srinu employs the same tricks again — over-the-top action, bass voices, and a lot of slow-mo shots. Although fans may be initially thrilled by such treatment, it is soon found to be over the top and draining. The writing is so packed that often it is the visual show that gets the attention while the logical side is ignored.
Music & Technical Aspects
The music score is quite and unceasing, aimed at the mass moments only. Camera work and money spent on production are splendid, but only the technical wizardry cannot save a poorly told story. The cutting could have been more vigorous since the movie has a longer duration than what the slow-paced development of its story and the lack of tension for a proper thriller can justify.
Director: Boyapati Srinu
Release date: 12 December 2025
Producers: Ram Achanta, Gopi Achanta, Gopichand Achanta, Harish Peddi, Ishan Saksena
Running time: 2h 50m
Music director: Thaman S
Language: Telugu
Distributed by: Zee Studios
Positives 👍
- Balakrishna’s presence on the screen
- High-quality production
- Moments for the masses
- Elements of worship and fighting
Negatives 👎
- Storyline that is weak and disorganized
- Acting that is exaggerated to a fault
- Lack of feelings and emotions
- Noise and repetition to an excessive amount
Final Verdict
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam is a movie that is exclusively for the fans of Balakrishna who prefer loud, unrepentant mass entertainers. The film might be perceived as overpowering and not satisfying by the common viewers who are looking for a good-written and interesting plot. The sequel, in spite of its size and ambition, still cannot create the same impact as the original did.
Rating by Now Latest
⭐⭐☆☆☆ 2 / 5
Reviewed by Nowlatest Team
