Akhanda 2 Thaandavam Review: Disappointing Sequel

Akhanda 2: Thaandavam continues Balakrishna's godly warrior saga with a bio-weapon threat and virus antidote plot. NBK powers through with mass dialogues and action but cringeworthy writing, pointless direction, loud score, and miscasting drag it down. Opening and pre-interval shine, but second half collapses into over-the-top chaos lacking emotion. A wasted follow-up to the hit original.

IN SHORTAkhanda 2: Thaandavam continues Balakrishna's godly warrior saga with a bio-weapon threat and virus antidote plot. NBK powers through with mass dialogues and action but cringeworthy writing, pointless direction, loud score, and miscasting drag it down. Opening and pre-interval shine, but second half collapses into over-the-top chaos lacking emotion. A wasted follow-up to the hit original.

Mass masala sequels like Akhanda 2 always get my hopes up—Balayya's roaring entry, dharma dialogues, gravity-defying fights—but Thaandavam left me shaking my head. Out November 12, 2025, it pits Akhanda against virus threats and Chinese military in a bid to recreate first film's magic. Balakrishna nails the dual roles, thundering lines about Sanātana Dharma that'll thrill fans; his presence is majestic as ever. Opening sequence packs punch, pre-interval elevates well.

But oh boy, the writing is painfully cringeworthy—English lines like "I’m not a layout, I blowout" had me cringing hard. No emotional depth anywhere, action defies physics ridiculously, songs and loud BGM irritate. Harshaali Malhotra feels miscast as grown-up Janani, item songs come out of nowhere.

Boyapati Srinu seems stuck repeating formulas without soul; after three hits, this feels desperate cash-grab. In my opinion, NBK deserved better script—watch only if die-hard fan craving mass moments, else skip this damp squib.

TL;DR

Nandamuri Balakrishna delivers strong performance with powerful dialogue delivery suiting mass image.
Opening action sequence and pre-interval block executed well providing some highs.
Dialogues praising Sanātana Dharma and patriotism appeal strongly to target fans.
Writing filled with cringeworthy lines especially poorly delivered English dialogues.
Direction lacks purpose with never-ending illogical action blocks second half.
Background score overly loud failing to match first film's impact.
Songs do not work and feel forced into narrative.
Harshaali Malhotra miscast as adult Janani lacking relatable presence.
Over-the-top action defies logic looking artificial throughout.
No emotional depth or proper story making sequel feel pointless.