“Akhanda 2: Thaandavam,” highlighting Balakrishna’s performance, Boyapati Srinu’s mass narration style, and the film’s blend of devotion, patriotism, and action set against a bio-war plot involving China and a Kumbh Mela vaccine conspiracy.
Story overview
The story starts near the Tibet border, where Chinese military forces plan a bio-war by targeting Indian devotees at Kumbh Mela, causing people who take a holy dip to fall unconscious within minutes. DRDO scientists discover an antidote vaccine, but the enemy destroys the lab and kills almost everyone, leaving only young scientist Janani alive with the vaccine, who is then chased by the villains until Aghora Rudra Sikindar (Balakrishna) steps in to protect her and uphold Sanatana Dharma and India’s spiritual heritage.
Screenplay and narration
The director moves the conflict beyond local factionism into a cross-border bio-war setup, giving Aghora more prominence and staging his fight as a “surgical strike” in defense of faith and national pride. The film follows the template of the first “Akhanda,” with emotional Hindu devotional elements, mass elevations, and political undertones including references to the Prime Minister and China, and is described as particularly strong in the second half after Aghora’s entry.
Performances
Balakrishna is described as a one-man show who delivers a powerful performance in the Aghora role and appears stylish as MLA Bala Murali Krishna, with impactful dialogues and action scenes, especially before interval and in the climax. Samyuktha’s heroine role has limited importance, while Harshaali Malhotra’s character Janani drives the plot and Aadhi Pinisetty’s tantric “Netra” character stands out among otherwise weaker antagonists; the mother character’s emotional track also adds weight.
Technical aspects
Thaman’s songs and especially background score are highlighted as major strengths, with visuals by Ram Prasad and Santosh Detake enhancing Kumbh Mela and Himalayan sequences to give the film a grand, pan-India scale feel. Dialogues are said to be sharp, production values uncompromising, and although Boyapati expands the story suitably for a sequel, the review notes that more novelty in the narrative would have improved it further.
Overall impression
The reviewer lists Balakrishna’s acting, interval episodes, emotions, and Thaman’s music as key strengths, while pointing out some dragging scenes in the first half as a weakness. Overall, the film is characterized as a full-on Balayya “tandavam” designed to strongly satisfy fans, with the closing note clarifying that the review reflects the critic’s personal op
