Akhanda 2 review: The mass fever that never fully burns
A Promising Setup That Doesn’t Sustain
Akhanda 2 arrives carrying the weight of massive expectations. After all, the first instalment created a dedicated following, largely because of its unapologetic mass energy and the explosive combination of Balakrishna and Boyapati Sreenu. The sequel continues directly from where the previous film left off, stepping into the familiar world of heightened drama, dramatic confrontations, and the spiritual mass aura that made the original so memorable.
The film begins on a fairly encouraging note. The opening sequences manage to grab attention, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of classic Boyapati-style elevations. The introduction block gives Balakrishna a solid entry, and for a brief moment, you feel the trademark swagger returning. It sets the stage for something powerful,something fans have eagerly waited for.
A Flat First Half With Only One True Highlight
However, once the initial excitement settles, the first half slowly slips into a predictable and outdated rhythm. The scenes that follow feel overly familiar, without the emotional or narrative force needed to elevate them. The story moves forward, but not with the impact or the urgency one would expect from a sequel of this scale.
The interval sequence becomes the saving grace of the entire first half. It lands with confidence, offers the right dose of elevation, and brings back the nostalgic intensity associated with this hero–director combination. This moment alone gives the audience some reassurance,perhaps the film will pick up from here. But outside of the intro and the interval, most of the first half feels like a reheated version of ideas we’ve seen many times before.
Mass Moments That Work,But Not Enough of Them
The second half does offer a few sparks. There is one notable block that captures the larger-than-life tone the makers are known for. For a few minutes, the film regains its mass flavour, and the audience gets a taste of the swagger and attitude they came for.
But these moments are far too few. Every time the film begins to gain momentum, it slips back into stretched-out scenes, overly dramatic setups, and exaggerated action that doesn’t carry the intensity it aims for. Akhanda 2 tries to be louder and bigger than its predecessor, but in doing so, it overextends itself. Instead of delivering a satisfying high, it ends up diluting its own power.
A Background Score That Overwhelms Instead of Elevating
Thaman’s background score was one of the biggest strengths of the first film. It was loud, certainly, but it was energetic and memorable. In Akhanda 2, the music lacks that spark. While a few portions work well, most of the score feels unnecessarily noisy. Instead of amplifying the drama, it often distracts from it. The sense of rhythm and intensity that once defined this musical collaboration doesn’t fully return here.
An Outdated Template in Need of Freshness
The biggest issue with Akhanda 2 is its reliance on an old-fashioned mass formula without bringing anything new to the table. The emotions feel surface-level, the confrontations predictable, and the drama lacks depth. Even the over-the-top style,which fans are usually willing to embrace,feels stretched beyond its limits this time. The sequel aims for grandeur, but without a strong emotional core or innovative storytelling, the spectacle struggles to hold together.
Akhanda 2 review verdict: An Uneven Sequel With Scattered Highs
Akhanda 2 is not completely devoid of entertainment. There are moments,particularly the interval block and a few mass sequences in the second half,that remind you of what the Boyapati–Balakrishna pairing can deliver at its best. But these glimpses aren’t enough to hold up an entire film.
Instead of building on the strengths of the first film, the sequel feels stuck in the past, relying too heavily on outdated tropes and excessive noise. Fans may enjoy individual scenes, but as a whole, the film fails to recreate the energy, madness, and emotional punch that defined its predecessor.
Akhanda 2 review: ends up being an underwhelming mass entertainer that never reaches the heights it promises. A missed opportunity.
Fridaywall rating: 2.25/5
