The much‑anticipated sequel Akhanda 2: Thaandavam finally arrived in theatres on December 12, 2025, following paid premieres the previous evening. Directed by Boyapati Srinu and starring Nandamuri Balakrishna in dual roles, the film promised to build on the mass hysteria created by the original Akhanda in 2021. On Twitter (X), however, the reception has been far from unanimous, with reactions ranging from euphoric praise to outright dismissal.
The Hype and Expectations
The first film had cemented Balakrishna’s image as a larger‑than‑life action hero, blending spiritual themes with high‑octane fight sequences. Fans expected Akhanda 2 to deliver even bigger set pieces, more powerful dialogues, and a continuation of the mystical aura surrounding the protagonist. The collaboration between Boyapati Srinu and Balakrishna was marketed as a festival for mass cinema lovers, and anticipation was sky‑high.
Positive Reactions
Many Twitter users celebrated the film as a “mass feast.”
- Balakrishna’s aura: His commanding presence and roaring delivery of dialogues were hailed as goosebumps‑inducing moments.
- Thaman’s background score: The music was widely praised for elevating otherwise ordinary scenes, with fans calling it the “soul of the film.”
- Action choreography: Several tweets highlighted the intensity of the fight sequences, describing them as “larger than life” and “festival moments for fans.”
- Fan loyalty: For die‑hard admirers, the film was a “blockbuster in the making,” with some declaring it a perfect continuation of the first part.
Negative Reactions
At the same time, a significant portion of Twitter users expressed disappointment.
- Weak writing: Critics pointed out that the screenplay lacked coherence, recycling tropes from the first film without adding freshness.
- Over‑the‑top execution: Balakrishna’s exaggerated roaring and melodramatic scenes were described as “cringe” and “brain‑numbing.”
- Poor VFX: Many slammed the visual effects as cheap and unconvincing, undermining the grandeur the film aimed for.
- Second‑half drag: While the first half had energy, audiences felt the film lost steam in the latter part, making it a tedious watch.
- Harsh verdicts: Some tweets went as far as calling the film “three hours of torture” and an “unnecessary sequel.”
Sample Twitter Voices
- “#Akhanda2 is a 3‑hour TORTURE! Brain‑dead writing, cringe dialogues, and Balayya’s OTT roaring. TOTAL DISASTER! 0/5.”
- “Balayya’s aura is unmatched. Goosebumps guaranteed. Thaman nailed it again. MASS BLOCKBUSTER vibes!”
- “Unnecessary sequel. First film was enough. This one feels stretched and forced.”
The Verdict
The Twitter reviews reveal a polarizing divide. For Balakrishna’s loyal fan base, Akhanda 2 delivers exactly what they came for: mass action, spiritual drama, and thunderous dialogues. For others, the film suffers from weak storytelling, excessive theatrics, and poor technical execution. The result is a sequel that amplifies both the strengths and flaws of its predecessor, leaving audiences split between celebration and frustration.
In short, Akhanda 2 is not a film that will win over new viewers, but it may still thrive among Balakrishna’s core fan base. The Twitter storm reflects this reality: a festival for some, a fiasco for others.
