Akhanda 2: Thaandavam Movie Review (2025): The highly anticipated Telugu mass entertainer “Akhanda 2: Thaandavam” finally arrived in theatres on December 12, 2025, facing several hurdles. The film arrived with massive expectations as it tried riding on the legendary combination of Nandamuri Balakrishna, Boyapati Sreenu, and Thaman. After Simha, Legend, and Akhanda delivered blockbuster results, fans expected something similar from this sequel. The first film became a phenomenon post-COVID-19; it was driven by divine energy, mass moments, and NBK’s unmatched screen presence.
But does the sequel honour the brand? Does Boyapati Sreenu’s vision land? Does Thaman recreate the 2021 magic? And can the film uphold the recent “sequel sentiment” at the Telugu box office? Let’s find out in this Akhanda 2: Thaandavam Movie review.
Read Also: The Devil Movie Review (2025): Darshan’s Dual-Role Mass Entertainer Takes Karnataka by Storm
Akhanda 2 Movie Details and Rating
| Release Date | December 12, 2025 |
| Director & Writer | Boyapati Sreenu |
| Stars | Nandamuri Balakrishna, Samyuktha Menon, Aadhi Pinisetty, Harshaali Malhotra, and others |
| Runtime | 166 Minutes |
| Rating | 2.5/5 |
Akhanda 2 Storyline
The story picks up years after the first film. It takes us to Janani (Harshaali Malhotra), who is the little girl from Akhanda. She is now an 18-year-old scientist who is working on a groundbreaking “Bio-Shield” technology that is meant to protect Indian soldiers from hostile natural forces.
As her research progresses, DRDO urgently tasks her team. This task is to develop an antidote to a deadly virus that is threatening national security. However, the only things that are standing between Janani and success are corrupt forces, foreign conspiracies, and internal sabotage.
As the crisis deepens, Akhanda Rudra Sikandar Aghora (NBK) returns in full divine force. He guides Janani and fights an array of enemies that ranges from soldiers and robots to evil masterminds who are attempting to destabilise India.
Read Also: Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 Review (2025): Kapil Sharma Returns With a Massy, 90s-Style Comedy Riot
Akhanda 2 Cast Performances
Nandamuri Balakrishna is easily the film’s backbone. He was very good with his dialogue delivery, divine intensity, and larger-than-life aura that remained consistently powerful.
Harshaali Malhotra, unfortunately, is miscast as Janani. She doesn’t suit the character at all. Janani needed an expressive, grounded performer who could justify the emotional and scientific stakes.
Samyuktha and Aadhi Pinisetty showed some promise, but together they suffered from poorly written roles that left their performances flat and unimpactful. The remaining ensemble that includes nearly ten supporting actors go full throttle into Boyapati’s usual overdramatic style.
Rad Also: Stephen Movie Review (2025): A Dark Tamil Thriller Reinvented by a Stunning Climax
Technical Aspects
Thaman’s background score, which was a thunderous highlight of Akhanda 2, has disappointed on so many scales. The BGM feels unnecessarily loud, and it lacks emotional grip. Songs don’t land either.
Moreover, the cinematography by Ram Prasad & Santosh Detake was good too, as they look to capture Ladakh beautifully. However, the excessive green-mat usage becomes obvious. Most importantly, editing by Tammiraju is functional. However, it is restricted by weak footage.
Action choreography defies gravity, physics, and sometimes logic even for Boyapati standards.
Positives and Negative Aspects
Positives
- NBK’s commanding performance
- Strong opening sequence
- Well-executed pre-interval block
Negatives
- Cringeworthy dialogue writing
- Loud, ineffective BGM
- Miscast lead role
- Emotionless storytelling
- Overstuffed, illogical action
- Poorly written supporting characters
- Clueless direction in the second half
Read Also: Kalamkaval Movie Review: Mammootty’s Darkest, Deepest Performance Leaves Audiences Speechless
Analysis
Akhanda 2 is an average film that suffers from Boyapati Sreenu’s overconfidence in the franchise’s divine aura. The first installment, which worked due to timing, sentiment, and freshness, is absent from Akhanda 2: Thaandavam. The sequel lacked emotional depth, coherence, or meaningful drama.
The virus subplot that involved the Chinese military angle and scientific jargon came across as unintentionally funny. The first half was watchable, but the second half collapsed entirely into endless fight sequences and preachy monologues. Even English dialogues like “I’m not a layout, I blow out” and “How dare you touch my country?” amplify the cringe factor.
Baap of Movies Final Verdict
Lastly, Akhanda 2: Thaandavam is a loud, chaotic, and emotionally hollow sequel that tries to work entirely on NBK’s power. But everything else falls apart. It is a wasted opportunity for a franchise that deserved better.
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam is supported by strong NBK, and it has everything weak.
Watch Akhanda 2 Trailer
Note: I hope this article is very useful for you. If you like this article, please share it with your friends and family, and also let us know your queries in the comments.
