Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, released on December 12, 2025, is the sequel to the 2021 Telugu hit Akhanda, directed by Boyapati Sreenu and starring Nandamuri Balakrishna in dual roles. Produced by 14 Reels Plus, the film features Samyuktha, Aadhi Pinisetty, and Harshaali Malhotra, with music by S. Thaman. While the original blended action, drama, and spirituality into a mass entertainer, the sequel promised bigger scale with themes of bio-warfare, divine intervention, and patriotism. However, despite crossing 100 crore gross worldwide in its opening weekend, Akhanda 2 has faced widespread criticism for its execution.
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Critics and audiences highlight issues like incoherent storytelling, excessive noise, and over-the-top elements that dilute the film’s potential. With ratings averaging around 2/5 from major outlets, this article explores 15 key reasons to skip Akhanda 2, drawing from expert reviews and user feedback. If you’re searching for “Akhanda 2 review” or “why Akhanda 2 flopped,” this in-depth analysis provides insights into its shortcomings. Whether you’re a Balakrishna fan or a Telugu cinema enthusiast, understanding these flaws can help you decide if it’s worth your time.
Reason 1: Subpar CGI and Visual Effects
In an industry where films like Kalki 2898 AD set benchmarks for visuals, Akhanda 2’s CGI disappoints with cheap, unconvincing effects. Action sequences involving supernatural powers and large-scale battles look cartoonish, breaking immersion. Critics note the effects feel underbaked, especially in climactic divine interventions, despite a reported ₹450 crore budget.
Compared to the original Akhanda’s modest but effective visuals, the sequel regresses, with poor integration of digital elements into live footage. Audience reactions on X echo this, calling fights “cringeworthy” due to illogical choreography. This visual disaster mirrors flops like Adipurush, where bad CGI alienated viewers. For fans expecting spectacle, Akhanda 2’s shortcomings make it skippable, saving you from distracting flaws that undermine the narrative.
Reason 2: Overly Loud and Intrusive Background Music
S. Thaman’s score, a strength in the first film, becomes a liability in Akhanda 2 with excessively noisy BGM that overwhelms scenes. Described as “unbearably loud,” it drowns dialogues and induces headaches. Volume spikes during action and monologues create sensory overload, fatiguing audiences.
User reviews complain of “loud music adding headache,” contrasting successful scores in films like Pushpa. Boyapati’s bombastic style amplifies this to parody, making the 3-hour runtime torturous. If nuanced sound design matters, this auditory assault is a major deterrent.
Reason 3: Cringe-Worthy Moments and Over-the-Top Elements
Akhanda 2 abounds in cringe-worthy scenes, from forced humor to repetitive roars that turn serious moments into unintentional comedy. Balakrishna’s monologues, iconic in moderation, become embarrassing and dated. The daughter character’s artificial portrayal amplifies cringe, with poor dubbing and casting.
Recycling tropes without innovation alienates modern audiences, unlike evolved sequels like Baahubali 2. This reliance on nostalgia fails, making the film a cringe-fest.
Reason 4: Brain-Dead Writing and Lack of Depth
The writing lacks coherence, with “brain-dead” dialogues serving sermons over plot advancement. Subplots fizzle, and the Aghora arc feels underdeveloped. Balakrishna’s dual role is wasted, reduced to caricature.
Unlike RRR’s strong scripts, this intellectual void disappoints. Poor writing makes it unengaging.
Reason 5: Weak and Predictable Storytelling
Storytelling is weak, with no real narrative drive or emotional layers. Predictable plots focus on hero buildup, lacking substance. Family dynamics feel superficial.
Hollow compared to the original, it’s disjointed and unfulfilling.
Reason 6: Cringeworthy and Illogical Action Scenes
Action is cringeworthy, with excessive violence and senseless choreography. Overpowered hero sequences drain thrill. Unlike KGF’s pumps, these are tedious.
Overkill diminishes impact.
Reason 7: Disastrous and Chaotic Screenplay
Screenplay is directionless, starting promising but devolving into chaos. Pacing issues make runtime exhausting. Formulaic approach fails.
Bad screenplay sinks the film.
Reason 8: Absence of a Coherent Story
No story whatsoever, just a brand cash-in. Core conflict vanishes amid fights. Leaves viewers empty.
Storyless films fail.
Reason 9: Feels Like a Pure Cash-Grab
Exploits original’s success without merit. Pre-release hype mismatches content. Erodes trust.
Avoid contributing.
Reason 10: Inconsistent Pacing and Uneven Tone
Inconsistent, with boring pacing. First half amuses, second chaotic. Kills momentum.
Unlike tight narratives.
Reason 11: Overuse of Divine and Preachy Elements
Divine elements overused, diluting sanctity. Excessive preaching offends. Balance lost.
Makes it preachy.
Reason 12: Wasted Supporting Cast and Villains
Supporting actors like Aadhi wasted, villains poor. Weakens ensemble. Unlike Baahubali.
Disappoints.
Reason 13: Lengthy and Pointless Dialogues
Dialogues lengthy, pointless lectures. Halt momentum. Bore audiences.
Tedious.
Reason 14: Unbearable Overall Sound Design
Sound unbearable, amplifying noise. Causes discomfort. Prominent flaw.
Avoid for peace.
Reason 15: Release and Financial Controversies
Faced postponement, limiting losses but signaling issues. Canceled premieres erode hype. Chaos deters.
Cautionary.
Conclusion
Akhanda 2’s flaws—from loud BGM to no story—make it avoidable despite Balakrishna’s presence. With mixed box office and criticism, it’s a sequel lesson. Opt for better Telugu films.
Sources: Reviews from Times of India, Indian Express, The Hindu, Rediff, Gulte, NDTV, 123telugu, and X user feedback.
Disclaimer: This article expresses personal opinions and analyses based on public reviews. It is not intended as financial advice or to defame. Viewer discretion advised; consult official sources for facts.
