Nandamuri Balakrishna has once again proved his unparalleled mass appeal and box office might with the sequel, 'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam'. The Boyapati Srinu directorial, which faced a wave of mixed to negative reviews upon its release, delivered a spectacular opening day collection, underscoring that for star-driven mass cinema, fan frenzy often outweighs critical opinion.
According to early trade estimates, 'Akhanda 2' (including paid premieres on Thursday night) amassed a sensational ₹30 crore (India Net) on its opening day. This staggering figure marks one of Balakrishna's biggest openings to date and firmly establishes the film as a massive commercial success right out of the gate.
Surpassing Competitors and Critics
The film’s opening day performance not only set the cash registers ringing but also comfortably surpassed the Day 1 collection of other notable regional releases. Crucially, the ₹30 crore haul places it far ahead of the Kannada industry's big release, Darshan-starrer 'The Devil', which had an estimated opening in the range of ₹10–₹13.5 crore (India Net), according to various trade reports.
Trade analysts attribute this phenomenal success to several key factors:
- Balakrishna’s Cult Following: The star's dedicated and loyal fan base showed up in massive numbers, demonstrating their commitment regardless of critic scores.
- Mass Action Guarantee: Director Boyapati Srinu’s reputation for delivering high-octane, over-the-top action spectacles guaranteed a theatrical experience that mass audiences crave.
- Thaman's BGM: The thunderous and trance-inducing background score by S. Thaman has been a major highlight, setting the energy on fire in theatres.
While some critics dismissed the film as "logic-less" or "overboard," the huge initial occupancy, especially in the Telugu states, confirms that the promise of Balakrishna's commanding screen presence was enough to secure a monumental opening. With the weekend now in full swing, 'Akhanda 2' is poised for massive box office domination.
