- Akhanda 2 (Thaandavam) releases Dec 12, 2025 after a last-minute delay.
- Nandamuri Balakrishna dominates as Akhanda; film rated 3/5 by 123telugu.
- Story centres on a biowarfare threat during the Maha Kumbh Mela and a scientist’s race to save India.
- Action, Thaman’s score and devotional moments lift an otherwise predictable plot.
H2: Quick overview
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam is the direct sequel to Boyapati Sreenu’s 2021 hit Akhanda. Starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, Samyuktha, Harshaali Malhotra and Aadhi Pinisetty, the film was pushed from its original Dec 5 date due to last-minute financial issues and finally hit theatres on Dec 12, 2025 in multiple languages, in both 2D and 3D. 123telugu rates the film 3/5.
H3: Plot in brief
The Tibetan army initiates a biowarfare plot and targets the Maha Kumbh Mela to spread chaos. Scientist Janani (Harshaali Malhotra) develops an antidote, but enemy forces hunt her. Akhanda (Balakrishna), who vowed to return when she faced danger, reappears to protect Janani, thwart the bio-attack and restore dharma. The film follows his pursuit to stop the threat while delivering mass-friendly action and devotional beats.
H3: Performances and characters
Balakrishna carries the film on his shoulders. His dialogue delivery, presence and conviction form the strongest pillar. Harshaali Malhotra offers a decent turn as the scientist-heroine, and Samyuktha tries a different shade though her screen time remains limited. Aadhi Pinisetty stands out in a smaller antagonist role. Several supporting characters appear without significant payoff.
H3: What works
Director Boyapati sticks to his signature template—high-voltage action, sermon-like dialogues and clear hero worship. The action sequences are crafted for mass appeal and mostly deliver adrenaline. Thaman’s background score is a highlight, elevating both action and emotional scenes. A devotional emotional stretch involving the appearance of Lord Shiva adds spiritual weight and resonates with the film’s core audience.
H3: What doesn’t
Akhanda 2 lacks a tightly woven story. The plot feels thin and borrows elements from the first film, leaving many narrative strands underdeveloped. Some character arcs, including Harshaali’s, could have been deeper and more consistent—her dubbing also feels uneven at times. The film prioritises spectacle over logic, which will please fans but may frustrate viewers looking for stronger writing.
H3: Technical notes
Cinematography by C. Ramprasad and Santosh Detake supports the action blocks well, and Tammiraju’s editing keeps the pace moving. Production values are high and the film looks grand in theatrical formats. Overall, the film’s craft complements its mass-entertainer intent.
H2: Verdict
Akhanda 2 is a watchable devotional action drama that thrives on Balakrishna’s dominance and Thaman’s score. Predictable plotting and underused characters limit its impact, but fans of the first film and mass-action cinema will find enough moments to enjoy. 123telugu’s final rating: 3/5.
H4: Trailer
Trailer: https://www.123telugu.com/videos/videos/akhanda-2-movie-latest-videos.html
Image Referance: https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/balakrishna-akhanda-2-movie-review-and-rating.html