Special Report
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam finally hit theatres nationwide today after its release was stalled earlier due to court orders, adding an extra layer of anticipation around the sequel. The delayed release did little to dampen fan interest, with early shows reporting solid occupancy—particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana—where several theatres recorded near-full morning screenings.
Trade trackers note that the film is off to a strong initial box office start, driven primarily by Balakrishna’s loyal fan base and the franchise’s momentum.
Critics, however, remain sharply divided. Early reviews highlight a clear split between fan excitement and critical assessment. While Balakrishna’s commanding screen presence, high-voltage action blocks and mass-appeal dialogue delivery are being praised as the film’s standout strength, reviewers across mainstream outlets have flagged significant issues with the narrative.
Many describe the screenplay as formulaic and overloaded with spectacle, arguing that the film leans heavily on action set pieces to compensate for a thin storyline. Some early social media reactions have even termed it an “underwhelming mass ride,” suggesting the hype didn’t fully translate into a cohesive cinematic experience.
Despite the mixed critical reception, Akhanda 2 is performing well where it matters most on day one: theatres. The strong early box office response indicates that the film’s delayed launch and polarized reviews are unlikely to deter Balakrishna’s core audience. Its performance over the weekend will determine whether the momentum sustains beyond the fan-driven opening surge.