Nandamuri Balakrishna's highly anticipated film, "Akhanda 2: Thaandavam," has seen a significant slowdown at the box office, collecting an estimated 25 lakhs (₹0.25 crore) net across India on its twenty-third day of release. This Friday, January 3, 2026, collection marks a notable dip in daily earnings for the Telugu fantasy action thriller. The film, a sequel to the 2021 blockbuster "Akhanda," has been in theaters since its global release on December 12, 2025. Its performance on Day 23 suggests dwindling audience interest after an initially strong, but front-loaded, theatrical run.[en+1]
Daily Collections Show Sharp Drop
The latest box office figures indicate a considerable reduction in daily footfall for "Akhanda 2: Thaandavam." On its twenty-third day, which fell on a Friday, the film managed to gather only 25 lakhs (₹0.25 crore) in India net collections across all languages. This figure follows a cumulative India net collection of approximately ₹93.40 crore over its first twenty-two days. The sharp decline in daily earnings highlights the challenges faced by the film in sustaining its momentum beyond the initial weeks. Industry analysts often look at Friday collections as a key indicator of a film's week-on-week performance, and this particular Friday's numbers suggest a steep drop from its earlier robust figures.[sacnilk+1]
Strong Start Followed by Mixed Reviews
"Akhanda 2: Thaandavam" debuted with considerable fanfare, largely due to the immense popularity of its predecessor and the star power of Nandamuri Balakrishna. The film, directed by Boyapati Sreenu, opened to a worldwide gross of ₹40.25 crore on its first day, including ₹9 crore from paid previews and ₹7.5 crore from overseas markets. However, this strong start was quickly followed by a substantial drop in collections. On its second day, the film's earnings fell by 50%, bringing in ₹20.5 crore, for a two-day total worldwide gross of ₹59.75 crore. The first weekend saw the film grossing ₹76.5 crore globally.[en+1]
Despite the initial surge, the film garnered mixed reviews from critics. While Nandamuri Balakrishna's performance, the storyline, music, and pacing received some praise, critics noted negative aspects of the film. These mixed reactions likely contributed to the subsequent decline in box office performance, as word-of-mouth plays a crucial role in a film's long-term success. The original "Akhanda" (2021) was a massive commercial success, grossing over ₹150 crore worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing film in Balakrishna's career at the time. The sequel, despite its promising start, has struggled to replicate that sustained success.[en+4]
Production and Release Challenges
The journey to the big screen for "Akhanda 2: Thaandavam" was not without its hurdles. The film was initially slated for release on December 5, 2025. However, a stay order from the Madras High Court, stemming from a financial dispute between Eros International and 14 Reels Plus Entertainment, led to a postponement. The makers, 14 Reels Plus, announced the new release date of December 12, 2025, after resolving the legal and financial issues. This delay, thoughbrief, created uncertainty among fans and might have impacted the initial release momentum. The film was produced by Ram Achanta, Gopi Achanta, and Ishan Saksena under the banners 14 Reels Plus and IVY Entertainment, with a reported budget of ₹120 crore.[en+7]
The cast includes Samyuktha Menon, Aadhi Pinisetty, and Harshaali Malhotra alongside Nandamuri Balakrishna. Boyapati Sreenu, whoalso directed the first "Akhanda," returned for the sequel, marking his fourth collaboration with Balakrishna. The music for the film was composed by Thaman S.[en+3]
Future Prospects and Digital Debut
As "Akhanda 2: Thaandavam" concludes its theatrical run, attention is now shifting to its digital release. The film is reportedly set to make its streaming debut on Netflix on January 9, 2026, following its theatrical window. This early OTT release could offer the film a new avenue to reach audiences who missed it in cinemas or prefer home viewing. By Day 14, the film had accumulated a worldwide gross collection of ₹117.50 crore. Projections suggested it would cross the ₹120 crore mark globally by the end of Day 15, with a potential lifetime collection reaching around ₹125 crore. These figures, while respectable, fall short of the original film's performance.[timesofindia+3]
The buzz around the OTT release is also fueling interest in the franchise's future. A third installment, tentatively titled "Jai Akhanda," has already been announced, promising to continue the action-packed saga.
Nandamuri Balakrishna's Enduring Appeal
Nandamuri Balakrishna, often referred to as the "God of Masses," continues to be a significant draw for Telugu cinema audiences. His films are known for their high-octane action, devotional themes, and powerful dialogues. Despite the mixed reception for "Akhanda 2," Balakrishna's dedicated fan base remains a crucial factor in his films' box office performance. The actor has a busy schedule ahead, with other projects lined up for 2025 and beyond. For instance, he is slated to appear in "Daaku Maharaaj," directed by Bobby Kolli, which was set for a Sankranti 2025 release. He is also set to star in "NBK 111," a historical epic film directed by Gopichand Malineni.[ragalahari+1]
The modest performance of"Akhanda 2" in its later stages serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the box office, even for established stars and successful franchises. The film's digital release will soon provide another measure of its overall reach and popularity.[hollywoodreporterindia]
