The much-anticipated digital release of the Telugu action drama 'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam' is finally on the horizon. Starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, the film is scheduled to make its over-the-top (OTT) platform debut, offering a second chance for audiences to experience the mass entertainer from the comfort of their homes.
From Theatres to Streaming: The Digital Journey
The film is confirmed to start streaming on Netflix from January 9, 2025. This strategic move places its premiere on a Thursday, effectively making it a prime weekend watch for fans across the country. The digital release caters to two key audiences: those who missed the film during its theatrical run and loyal fans eager for a repeat viewing.
'Akhanda 2' originally hit theatres worldwide on December 12, 2024, after encountering several delays in its production schedule. The theatrical release was met with significant fanfare, given the successful collaboration history of the lead actor and director.
Box Office Performance and Collections
As the film prepares for its digital chapter, its box office run in cinemas is winding down. According to industry trackers, the film's collections have slowed considerably in its later weeks. Reports from sources like Sacnilk indicate that on its 23rd day, the movie collected approximately Rs 25 lakhs in net collections across India, mirroring its earnings from the previous day.
The total India net collection currently stands at around Rs 93.65 crores, inching closer to the coveted Rs 100 crore mark. The third week saw a collection of about Rs 4.1 crores, which represented a steep decline of 66.67 percent compared to its earlier weeks, highlighting a sharp drop after a strong initial opening.
The Creative Force and Audience Reception
'Akhanda 2' marks the fourth cinematic partnership between veteran actor Nandamuri Balakrishna and director Boyapati Srinu. While the first installment of the franchise was well-received, the sequel has garnered mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.
Common points of praise in various reviews have included the powerful screen presence of Balakrishna and the energetic background score composed by Thaman. However, the narrative faced criticism. A review from ETimes notably suggested, "Watch it only if you're a Balakrishna loyalist who enjoys grand and mass action and can overlook the uneven storytelling and repetitive formula."
With its move to Netflix, 'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam' seeks to expand its reach and find a wider audience, banking on the star power of Balayya and the convenience of digital streaming to bolster its overall success story.
