He starts a biowarfare and picks the right occasion that would hurt the nation.

Akhanda 2's basic plot centres on Akhanda (Balakrishna) thwarting the sinister plan of the neighbouring nation. What's the cure for the bio weapon and who is behind it form the various subplots.

Performances

Nandamuri Balakrishna is the lifeline of Akhanda 2, much like its prequel. The star is clearly enjoying playing the role, and it shows via the effort and the body language. The ageing of the character has been neatly taken care of, and the actor, too, does well in showing the difference through his voice.

We don't see anything new (apart from the physical makeover) in the second part, though, as far as the character and its act are concerned. However, sincerity and effort behind the act and the way Balakrishna totally immerses himself in the part can't be missed.

There is the second role, as always, for Nandamuri Balakrishna. The character gets introduced with a bang, but there is hardly anything else done, as the focus is entirely on the Akhanda.

Analysis

Boyapati Sreenu directs Akhanda 2. It is his fourth film with Nandamuri Balakrishna, and also happens to be the sequel to their last outing together.

The movie begins on an impressive note without any doubt. There is an intrigue in the way the Akhanda's character is extended from the first part, followed by the titles.

However, things immediately return to normalcy as the second character, Balamurali Krishna, is introduced. The intro fight is alright, but it's the regular scenes that follow featuring him that lack the fun. Not that it is a must, but as the attempt has been made, it gives a jaded vibe.

But the real issue is how the main issue involving biowarfare is tackled. The feeling one gets is that the director has simply constructed the narrative based on WhatsApp forwards and social media exchanges. It is so basic and banal.

The entire political setup and the Chinese den where plans are hatched give tacky vibes. The biggest culprit, however, is the sheer predictability of the whole thing. The narrative doesn't offer any surprise at all. It goes as we expect it to, and there is no change in it.

The gripping narrative of the previous part, along with a menacing villain, is totally missing here. What we have is a series of utterly predictable and chaotic-looking events leading to the interval fight.

Given the past collaborations, everyone literally waits in anticipation for the interval block. The fact that it manages to somehow stay afloat should suggest that it has definitely worked to some degree. It raises hopes for the second half.

The beginning of the narrative post intermission introduces a new character to the proceedings. It surely increases the threat level. However, the way the track progresses and is utilised further makes it clear that it was a mere filler to have action scenes. They are fine, no doubt, but, in the end, it feels like they are only increasing the length, and there is nothing else.

Then there are a couple of emotional tracks involving God. Both get back-to-back conclusions during the course of the second half. Unfortunately, despite the right ideas, the emotions hardly register. While one of them ends up being a heavy lecture, the other feels like overstaying the welcome.

Everything eventually leads to the climax, which is loud and over the top and gives a messy feel, execution wise. The dialogues, especially, should get the blame here more than the visuals, as they don't seem to be coming organically from the character and instead come across like a mouthpiece for airing the political views.

With emotions not working on the other hand, we are left with only Nandamuri Balakrishna and the earnestness with which he is carrying the whole thing. Sadly, it is not enough.

Overall, Akhanda 2 begins well, but falters immediately, only to recover around the interval mark. A couple of blocks in the second half are fine, but they aren't enough to lift the entire narrative. In the end, Akhanda 2 ends up as an average fare for the fans. Others could try it, but with expectations firmly in check, especially keeping the sequel factor in mind.

Performances by Others Actors

AKhanda 2 has many known faces. They fill the screen whenever possible. But none have a decent role to make any impact. The biggest disappointment among all is Aadi Pinishetty, as he appears only briefly. The intrigue related to the character is immediately killed, leaving nothing to remember for the actor.

Samyukltha Menon too is wasted. She seems to be brought in only for a song. The Bajarangi Bhaijaan girl, Harshali Malhotra, has a significantly bigger role, and she is okay. Saswata Chatterjee is wasted.

Music and Other Departments?

Thaman provides the music. The audio, in the commercial sense, doesn't have much to offer, barring a song. It's all about the background score, and the musician fails to recreate the impact of the first part, on the whole. The second half has better work BGM-wise, but the first half is not up to the mark.

The cinematography of the movie is good in parts. In the scenes that don't involve the visual effects, it is fine. There is a messy feel in the way the over-the-top portions are captured on screen. The fast cuts appear jarring, and the blending of the normal with visual effects doesn't come across effectively. There is a dated quality overall, and the director's usual style (taking) adds to it. The mix of political messages affects the writing.

Highlights?

Balakrishna (As Akhanda)

A couple of blocks in the Second Half

Interval

Message (although overdone)

Drawbacks?

Flat First Half

Missing Emotional Connect

BGM, Not Up to the Mark

Over The Top Action

Random vilian characters

Overdose of forced patriotism

Did I Enjoy It?

Yes, in Parts, after setting the right expectations

Will You Recommend It?

Yes, but with a lot of reservations and expectations under control, as the sequel factor may play spoilsport.

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Akhanda 2 Movie Review by M9

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Akhanda 2 Review: Devotion without Emotion

Second half feels better thanks to Balakrishna's immersive performance as Akhanda which truly stands out along with a couple of solid action episodes. However, action without any emotional connection keeps the film from reaching its potential. Akhanda 2 Thandavam ends up as an average watch that's more for fans. Watch it with the right expectations. Detailed Akhanda 2 review coming soon.

Rating: 2.25/5

First Half Report:

Akhanda 2 begins on an intriguing note firmly establishing the cause for Akhanda. However, things take a dated and a formulaic route until the interval block where the director explodes as per fans expectations. A lot depends on the second half now to take the movie to the next level.

Cast: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Samyuktha
Writer, Director: Boyapati Sreenu
Producers: Raam Achanta, Gopi Achanta
Banner: 14 Reels Plus
Presents: M Tejaswini Nandamuri
Music: Thaman S
DOP: C Ramprasad, Santoshh D Detakae
Art: AS Prakash
Editor: Tammiraju