Lauded as a sequel to the 2021 Telugu hit Akhanda, the Telugu film, Akhanda 2: Thaandavam will be released into cinemas. A film of this scale featuring the legendary actor Nandamuri Balakrishna in and as Jai Simha along with super director Boyapati Srinu at the rudder is set to provide an electrifying experience for all. Get all the information reserved for you, Akhanda 2 release date, cast, plot, trailer and more in this article.
Akhanda 2 Release Date
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam is scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on September 25, 2025, coinciding with the Dussehra (Vijayadashami) festival holidays.It is a significant date as it is the festival season in India and that ensures no better time for moviegoers to turn up in huge numbers.
But followers of Nandamuri fans take a chill pill until the announcement for Akhanda 2 as there is going to be a massive box office clash with Pawan Kalyan’s OG in that timeline, paving way for one of the biggest Telugu cinema showdowns in recent times.
It was rumored for a brief time that the film might be delayed until December 2024 but more recent updates from the film’s team confirm that it will release September 25 as planned. With theater agreements already underway and the majority of the film’s shoot complete, Akhanda 2 is on track to meet its Dussehra release.
Plot and Storyline
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam is a high-octane narrative that seamlessly weaves spirituality with action and drama, as did its prequel. The narrative is set against the backdrop of a dense forest in which the Indian Army conducts an encounter to catch a most-wanted rebel leader, named Gajendra Sahu.
Moribund, he is saved by the head of a Hindu holy man, a sage writer who insists that nature was divine and must be protected — Mahadev. However, Gajendra betrays the chieftain, seizing control and exploiting nature for his gain, defying warnings about challenging fate and the universe.
Simultaneously, in Anantapur, a couple named Ramachandraiah and Dharani are blessed with twins, one of whom is stillborn. The story of Akhanda Rudra Sikandar Aghora, who has mystical powers and wants to return the temples to their proper place while fighting against demons and dark forces. The teaser shows Balakrishna in the movie taking a trishul to the war with thugs amid centuries of snow and spiritual echoes that instantly reminded one of Mount Kailash. Akahanda, true to its title will have intense action along with spiritual undertones and power-packed dialogues in the story.
Cast and Crew
Lead Cast
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- Nandamuri Balakrishna: Reprises his iconic role as Akhanda Rudra Sikandar Aghora, delivering a fierce and commanding performance.
- Samyuktha Menon: Plays the leading lady, adding depth to the narrative.
- Aadhi: Features in a powerful supporting role, bringing intensity to the film.
- Emraan Hashmi: Marks his Telugu cinema debut, reportedly playing a significant antagonistic role.
- Harshaali Malhotra: Joins the cast, known for her emotional performances.
- S.J. Suryah: Adds to the star-studded lineup with a pivotal role.
- Akshara Nunna and Kavya Thapar: Contribute to the ensemble cast, enhancing the film’s appeal.
- Sangay Tsheltrim: Bhutan’s rising star, joins the cast, adding a fresh dynamic.
Crew
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- Director: Boyapati Srinu, known for his blockbuster collaborations with Balakrishna in Simha, Legend, and Akhanda.
- Producers: Raam Achanta and Gopi Achanta under the 14 Reels Plus banner, presented by M Tejaswini Nandamuri.
- Music Composer: Thaman S, who delivers an electrifying score and soundtrack, building on his success from the first film.
- Cinematography: C Ramprasad and Santoshh D Detakae, capturing the grandeur of the film’s visuals.
- Editor: Tammiraju, ensuring a tight and engaging narrative.
Production and Budget
Akhanda 2 is reportedly being crafted with a massive budget of ₹200 crore, making it Nandamuri Balakrishna’s most expensive film to date. This significant investment reflects the film’s ambitious scale, with grand action sequences, elaborate sets, and high production values.
The original Akhanda was made on a budget of approximately ₹50–70 crore and grossed over ₹150 crore worldwide, becoming a massive commercial success. The sequel aims to surpass these figures, leveraging its star power and festive release.
The film began production with a pooja ceremony on October 12, 2024, and has progressed swiftly. As of July 2025, the shoot is nearly complete, with only one song remaining, and dubbing and post-production are underway. The team has also secured theater agreements and is close to finalizing an OTT deal, indicating strong market confidence in the project.
Teaser and Trailer Details
The official teaser for Akhanda 2: Thaandavam was released on June 9, 2025, at 6:03 PM on the 14 Reels Plus YouTube channel, strategically timed as a pre-birthday treat for Nandamuri Balakrishna’s 65th birthday on June 10, 2025.
The teaser showcases Balakrishna in a divine yet ferocious avatar, wielding a trishul and taking on hordes of enemies amidst a spiritual backdrop, including scenes from the Maha Kumbh Mela. Thaman S’s electrifying score amplifies the teaser’s intensity, promising a larger-than-life cinematic experience.
The teaser has generated significant buzz, though it has sparked mixed reactions online. While fans have praised Balakrishna’s commanding presence and the high-octane action, some have criticized certain scenes as over-the-top. Nevertheless, the teaser has set high expectations for the trailer, which is yet to be released but is anticipated to provide deeper insights into the plot and characters.
Also Read: Jana Nayagan 2026: Vijay’s Final Tamil Action Thriller
Music and Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Akhanda 2 is composed by Thaman S, who previously delivered chartbusters like “Adigaa Adigaa,” “Akhanda Title Song,” and “Jai Balayya” for the first film. The music is expected to blend spiritual and high-energy tracks, complementing the film’s action-drama genre. The first single from Akhanda 2 is yet to be announced, but fans are eagerly awaiting another set of memorable songs to match the intensity of the visuals.
Languages and Distribution
Akhanda 2 will be released in multiple languages, including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, ensuring a wide reach across India. The film’s digital distribution rights and satellite rights are expected to fetch significant deals, following the success of the original Akhanda, which secured ₹15 crore for its digital rights with JioHotstar and satellite rights with Star Maa.
Conclusion
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, one of the biggest Telugu films of 2025 is already creating a buzz and the movie, which will be released on September 25th, will turn the theatres into a rage. Touted to be an action-packed commercial entertainer, Nandamuri Balakrishna is leading from the front with Boyapati Srinu delivering a blockbuster and the film has a promising cast on cards. Akhanda 2 — For the action lovers and for those who seek spiritual stories. Stay tuned for more updates on the trailer, songs, and additional cast announcements as the release date approaches!