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Akhanda
Theatrical release poster
Directed byBoyapati Srinu
Written byStory & Screenplay:
Boyapati Srinu
Dialogues:
M. Rathnam
Produced byMiryala Ravinder Reddy
Starring
CinematographyC. Ramprasad
Edited byKotagiri Venkateshwara Rao
Tammiraju
Music byThaman S
Production
company
Dwaraka Creations
Release date
  • 2 December 2021 (2021-12-02)
Running time
169 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget₹60–70 crore[a]
Box officeest.₹150 crore[5]

Akhanda (transl. Undivided) is a 2021 Indian Telugu-language fantasy action drama film[6] co-written and directed by Boyapati Srinu. It was produced by Miryala Ravinder Reddy, under Dwaraka Creations. It stars Nandamuri Balakrishna in a dual role alongside Pragya Jaiswal, Jagapathi Babu and Srikanth. The film featured original score and soundtrack was composed by Thaman S. In the film, twin brothers Akhanda and Murali Krishna are separated at birth. They grow up to lead completely separate lives, Murali as a local hero, and Akhanda as a secluded Shiva devotee. But when the lives of Murali and his family are in danger, his long-lost brother finally returns.

Released on 2 December 2021, Akhanda opened to mixed reviews from the critics and positive response from audience.[7] The film became a success, grossing over ₹150 crore worldwide, emerging as the third highest-grossing Telugu film of the year and the highest-grossing film in Balakrishna's career then.[8] Akhanda was featured at the 53rd International Film Festival of India in the Indian Panorama mainstream section.[9]

Akhanda won the Telangana state Gaddar Award for Second Best Feature Film. A sequel, titled Akhanda 2, was released on 12th December 2025.[10]

Plot

[edit]

In a dense, impenetrable forest, the Indian Army hunts a feared brigand named Gajendra Sahu. During a violent encounter, Gajendra is gravely injured but is rescued by the head of a spiritual organization called Maha Rudra Peetam. The chieftain preaches that God exists in nature and that it must be protected at all times. However, people blindly worship the chieftain more than the truth he represents. Enraged by this hypocrisy, Gajendra kills the chieftain and his followers and begins exploiting nature for personal gain. Before dying, the chieftain warns him never to challenge fate, the Creator, and the universe.

At the same time in Anantapur, a couple, Ramachandraiah and Dharani, are blessed with twin sons, one of whom is stillborn. An Aghora appears and reveals that one child represents nature, while the other is a destructive force born of Shiva’s wrath. He takes the stillborn child to Kashi, where the child miraculously comes back to life in a temple and is raised by Aghoras.

Years later, Murali Krishna, the surviving twin, becomes a powerful and respected arbitrator who works to eliminate factionalism and bring prosperity to the region. Saranya Bachupally, a newly appointed District Collector, clashes with Murali at first but soon falls in love with him after understanding his ideals.

Meanwhile, Varadarajulu, a ruthless gangster, runs illegal uranium mining operations in a protected forest, exploiting workers under inhumane conditions. Gajendra Sahu supports Varadarajulu’s operations. Saranya orders Principal Secretary Padmavati to conduct a secret investigation into these illegal activities.

Murali and Saranya marry and have a baby girl. Soon, children in the region start falling mysteriously ill, and doctors fail to find the cause. Padmavati uncovers the truth about Varadarajulu’s uranium mining and warns Murali that the entire region will become a graveyard if it is not stopped. Murali confronts Varadarajulu, but his associate, Central Minister Bharat Reddy, intervenes. Gajendra plants a bomb at the hospital, killing several people, including Bharat Reddy. Murali is falsely implicated and arrested by NIA officer Krishnamacharya Perumal.

When Murali’s own daughter falls sick, Saranya rushes her to a hospital. On the way, Varadarajulu’s men attack her. While escaping, she enters an ancient cave temple where she encounters Akhanda Rudra Sikandar Aghora, Murali’s elder brother, who possesses supernatural powers and is on a mission to restore sacred temples. Akhanda saves Saranya, revives the baby, and protects them. Gajendra, realizing Akhanda’s divine power, begins to fear him.

Varadarajulu’s brother, DSP Ranjan, captures Saranya and Murali’s family, but Akhanda intervenes, kills the corrupt officers, and warns Gajendra by throwing Ranjan’s dead body at him.

Dharani, the twins’ mother, learns the truth about her sons and tries to reunite with Akhanda, but he declares that he has dedicated his life to God. Though detached, Akhanda develops a deep affection for Murali’s child.

Akhanda later discovers that Padmavati has been brutally tortured and raped by Varadarajulu for exposing the mining scam. Enraged, Akhanda attacks the mining site, defeats Varadarajulu’s forces, and frees the enslaved workers. Krishnamacharya also learns of Murali’s innocence and clears his name.

Desperate, Gajendra seeks help from a tantric named Prachanda to kill Akhanda. They cast a deadly curse on Murali’s child. To counter it, Akhanda begins a sacred Maha Mrityunjaya Homam, as advised by Kedari Aghori Baba. While performing the ritual, Akhanda is attacked by Gajendra and Prachanda, but he endures the pain and completes it with Murali’s help.

Empowered by Lord Shiva, Akhanda destroys both Gajendra and Prachanda. After restoring balance, he leaves, promising Murali’s child that he will return whenever they need him again.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

The film marks the third collaboration between Balakrishna and Boyapati Srinu after Simha (2010) and Legend (2014).[12] It was formally launched at a private event held at Hyderabad in December 2019.[13] The film was tentatively titled as BB3 and NBK106. In April 2021, the film's official title was unveiled as Akhanda.[14][15]

Cast and crew

[edit]

Sayyeshaa was cast for the film for an undisclosed role in November 2020.[16] Later, she left the project due to an unknown reason. It was also reported that Anjali will be part of the film.[citation needed] In March 2021, it was also reported that the action director duo Ram-Laxman has left the film after working for few action scenes. They were later replaced by Stunt Silva.[17] Speaking to the media, in December 2021, Siva told that "I allocated 80 days for 'Akhanda'. Of them, up to 65 days went into mounting action sequences. The rest of the days went into discussing with the director how to elevate the scenes. Ever since the director narrated the story, I started thinking about how to make the fights novel".[18] Initially Prayaga Martin was cast for the lead actress role. Few scenes were also shot featuring her, but was later replaced by Pragya Jaiswal.[citation needed] Pragya was cast in November 2020 after which she joined the production in December 2020. She was part of a 33-day first schedule shot at Hyderabad, Tamil Nadu and Goa.[19] In an interview with The Times of India, she said that "I had to join the film sets as soon as I was roped in, so my prep time was very little. It took me a while to transform myself into the character, and that happened on the sets of 'Akhanda'. I had taken a few references from the real-life lady cops and noted every detail related to their dressing, mannerisms, and small-big details".[20] Stylist and costume designer Raamz has been roped for designing costumes in the film. Speaking to Neeshita Nyayapati about designing costumes for Balakrishna's dual characters, he told that "Given Balakrishna's larger-than-life persona, I wanted to create looks that would remain memorable for years to come. Boyapati Srinu's (the film's director) Akhanda Movie is a Devotional Action Movie which will impress the audience.[citation needed] We also designed his tattoos and the Shiva Lingam locket that he uses in fight scenes".[21]

Filming

[edit]
Gingee Venkataramana Temple, where climax scenes were shot

Principal photography of the film began in March 2020.[22] After the filming was halted due to COVID-19 pandemic in India,[23] final schedule of the film was resumed in July 2021 at Hyderabad.[24] Few scenes of the film were shot at Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management, Hyderabad Campus. Filming of climax scenes of the film began in end-July 2021 at Tamil Nadu. Most of the action scenes were features Balakrishna and Srikanth.[25] These action scenes were choreographed by Shiva. It was reported that the scenes were shot at Gingee Venkataramana Temple in Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu.[26][27] As part of the final schedule, the team next headed to Goa in September 2021 to shoot songs of the film.[28][29] Filming was wrapped up in October 2021.[30]

Music

[edit]
Main article: Akhanda (soundtrack)

The film score and soundtrack album of the film is composed by Thaman S. The first single from the soundtrack, "Adigaa Adigaa" was released on 18 September 2021.[31] The second single "Akhanda Title Song" was released on 8 November 2021.[32] The last single of the album "Jai Balayya" was released on 27 November 2021, during the pre-release event of the film held at Hyderabad.[citation needed] The music rights were acquired by Lahari Music.

Release

[edit]

Theatrical

[edit]

The film was initially planned to be released on 28 May 2021.[33] But due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India, the film was delayed to 2 December 2021.[34] The Tamil dubbed version of the film was released on 28 January 2022.[35][36] The film was also dubbed in Hindi under the same title and released on 20 January 2023.[citation needed]

Home media

[edit]

Digital distribution rights of the film were acquired by JioHotstar for ₹15 crore.[37][38][39] Satellite rights of the film were purchased by Star Maa. The film was premiered on Hotstar on 21 January 2022 [40] and became the most watched regional film on OTT platforms.[41] The movie had its television premiere on Star Maa on 10 April 2022.[42] The satellite rights of the Hindi dub were sold to Zee Cinema.

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]

A reviewer from The Hans India rated 3 out of 5 stars, and called it Balakrishna's "one man show", adding "Living up to the expectations, Akhanda also showers a mass treat on the fans. The film is impressive in the way it was made." However, the reviewer was critical of predictable plot and screenplay.[43]

Writing for The Times of India, Neeshita Nyayapati wrote, "While the basic premise of Akhanda is interesting, especially the way Boyapati sets it up by weaving a historical story with mass moments in a way only he can, he soon loses the plot (literally) and gets carried away with giving Akhanda and Murali mass moments that are sure to elicit whistles but don't do anything for the story."[44] In her review for The Hindu, Sangeetha Devi Dundoo also echoes the same. "The film gets tiresome post intermission and the incessantly high voltage background score doesn't help either," she added.[45]

The Indian Express critic Manoj Kumar R said that the film was "an assault on the senses". Kumar was critical of Boyapati's usage of spirituality to provide a moral justification for the character to slaughter people with impunity while trying to appear as pro-progress and pro-rational.[46] In another negative review, Ram Venkat Srikar of Cinema Express, wrote: "Akhanda is a quintessential Boyapati Sreenu outing where logic dies a brutal death even before the title appears and the audience die a slow death for the next 167 minutes."[47]

Box office

[edit]

Akhanda collected ₹20.8 crore in the Telugu states on its opening day.[48][49] Whereas, it has collected a total of ₹29.60 crore worldwide on its opening day.[50] The film collected ₹44 crore, by the second day of its release.[51] At the United States box office, it collected of more than $500,000 within two days of its release.[52][53] By the third day of the film's release, it had collected ₹56.90 crore worldwide. After four days, the film collected ₹66.7 crores.[54]

By the end of first week, the film grossed ₹79.9 crore worldwide.[55] The film crossed the ₹95.9 crore worldwide gross in 11 days.[56] By the end of its run, the film grossed ₹133.20 crores. In theatres, the film completed 50 days in 103 centres.[57]

Accolades

[edit]
Award[b] Date of ceremony[c] Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Filmfare Awards South 9 October 2022 Best Film – Telugu Miryala Ravinder Reddy Nominated [58]

Sequels

[edit]
Main article: Akhanda 2: Thaandavam

On 12 October 2024, a sequel titled Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, went on floors with a pooja ceremony.[59][60] Later, a teaser was released on 10 June 2025.[61] It was originally supposed to release on 25 September 2025, during the Dussehra (Vijayadashami) festival holidays.[62] The film released on 12 December 2025.[63]

A third installment in the Akhanda franchise, titled Jai Akhanda, was teased during the sequel.[64]

Notes

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Akhanda

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
is a 2021 Indian Telugu-language fantasy action drama film co-written and directed by , starring as the titular Aghora warrior, a fierce devotee of Lord Shiva who confronts malevolent forces threatening devotees. The film features as the female lead and as the antagonist Varadarajulu, blending high-octane action sequences with themes of divine protection and moral retribution. Commercially successful, it grossed over ₹200 worldwide, driven by strong opening day collections of approximately ₹20 in and appeal to Balakrishna's fanbase for its mass-oriented spectacle. Critically, it received mixed reception, praised for Balakrishna's commanding performance and energetic action but critiqued for formulaic storytelling, excessive violence, and logical inconsistencies typical of the genre. A , Akhanda 2: , reuniting the director-actor duo, entered production with a teaser released in October 2025, promising amplified action and set for December 2026 release.

Synopsis

Plot summary

In a remote , Akhanda, a powerful Aghora monk devoted to , confronts and eliminates the notorious brigand during an operation, demonstrating his superhuman abilities. Meanwhile, in , Murali Krishna, a and Shiva devotee raised in the faction-ridden region, works to eradicate , promote , and foster among locals. Murali Krishna opposes Varadarajulu , a corrupt mining magnate engaged in illegal extraction that pollutes tribal lands and with . The twins' origins trace back to a stormy night when their mother gives birth; a godman (), foreseeing a divine purpose, separates them, entrusting one to a temple where he becomes Akhanda, trained in spiritual and martial prowess. Murali Krishna, unaware of his twin, romances the district collector Saranya Bachupalli (), but Varadarajulu frames him for terrorism, leading to his arrest by the . Akhanda arrives to rescue Murali's family, unleashing a campaign of retribution against Varadarajulu's syndicate, culminating in high-octane confrontations that affirm the triumph of over .

Cast and characters

Principal cast

Nandamuri Balakrishna stars in the lead as , a fierce embodying divine strength, and Murali Krishna, a devoted rural protector and twin brother separated at birth. His portrayal draws on the character's unyielding commitment to and physical prowess in confronting evil forces. Pragya Jaiswal portrays Saranya Bachupally, an IAS officer who serves as Murali Krishna's wife and supports the protagonists' moral crusade against corruption. Her role emphasizes resilience and partnership in the narrative's fight for . Jagapathi Babu plays Aghora Baba, an ascetic Aghori sadhu who mentors Akhanda and imparts spiritual guidance pivotal to the story's devotional undertones. The character represents esoteric wisdom and supernatural elements aiding the hero's path. Meka Srikanth enacts Varadarajulu, the central scheming to exploit sacred resources for nefarious gains, driving the film's primary conflict. His depiction underscores themes of and opposition to traditional values.

Supporting roles

plays Aghora Baba, a reclusive ascetic and devotee of Lord Shiva who discovers and raises the abandoned Akhanda, training him in spiritual devotion and combat prowess central to the film's themes of divine protection. Meka Srikanth portrays Varadarajulu (also referred to as Antahpuram Varadarajulu), the scheming who orchestrates criminal enterprises involving exploitation and power grabs, serving as the primary human adversary to the protagonists' moral stand. Poorna appears as Padmavati, a character involved in the interpersonal dynamics supporting the lead female role, contributing to the familial and emotional layers amid the action. Avinash enacts a key role in Varadarajulu's network, facilitating confrontations that highlight the film's high-stakes conflicts. Additional supporting performers include and Sai Kumar in antagonistic or advisory capacities, enhancing the ensemble's depiction of rural power struggles and ethical dilemmas.

Production

Development and scripting

Boyapati Srinu developed Akhanda as his third directorial collaboration with , building on their prior successes in Simha (2010) and (2014), with the project initially referred to as BB3. Srinu authored the story and screenplay, crafting a narrative centered on a dual-role protagonist embodying an warrior and a village protector devoted to Lord Shiva, emphasizing themes of divine intervention against evil. Dialogues were written by to complement the mass-appeal action-drama structure typical of Srinu's style. The title Akhanda, translating to "undivided" or "whole" in , was formally announced on April 13, 2021, during the festival, via a teaser that showcased Balakrishna's intense portrayal of the character delivering powerful dialogues amid visuals. This reveal marked a key milestone in , signaling the film's focus on high-stakes action infused with devotional elements, though specific details on the scripting timeline or inspirations remain undisclosed in public statements from the team.

Casting and crew assembly

Director assembled the cast and crew for Akhanda building on his successful prior collaborations with lead actor , marking their third joint project after Simha (2010) and (2014). The film was produced by Miryala Ravinder under the Dwaraka Creations banner, which handled financing and production logistics. was selected for the female lead role of Saranya Bachupally IAS, with Srinu personally designing her character's appearance and arc to fit the narrative's devotional and action elements; Jaiswal cited her trust in the director's vision as a key factor in joining the project. Supporting roles included as the antagonist Aghora Baba and Meka Srikanth as Varadarajulu, chosen to complement the dual-lead dynamic of Balakrishna's characters Akhanda and Murali Krishna. The technical crew featured composer S. Thaman for the soundtrack, cinematographer , and editor , selected for their experience in high-octane Telugu commercial cinema.

Filming and technical aspects

Principal photography for Akhanda began in early 2021, with schedules spread across multiple regions in to capture the film's blend of action, devotional, and rural settings. Action sequences, including portions of the climax, were filmed in the dense forests of , , where performed demanding stunts amid natural terrain. Later phases incorporated historical sites in , such as in and locations in and , selected for their ancient fortifications and temples to evoke the narrative's spiritual and epic scale. The climax shoot shifted to in July 2021, leveraging architectural landmarks like for large-scale confrontations involving principal cast members. These outdoor locations emphasized practical filming to ground the action in authentic environments, minimizing reliance on extensive green-screen work. Cinematography was led by C. Ram Prasad, who focused on high-contrast visuals and fluid tracking shots to heighten the intensity of fight scenes, incorporating slow-motion techniques for dramatic impact on Balakrishna's physicality. The film was captured in a 2.35:1 using processes, presented in color with a sound mix to enhance spatial audio during mass elevation moments. Editing by and Bikkina Thamiraju prioritized rhythmic pacing for action blocks, resulting in a 167-minute runtime. Visual effects were employed sparingly, primarily for augmenting crowd scenes and supernatural elements, with choreography emphasizing stunt coordination over heavy CGI.

Themes and stylistic elements

Devotional and moral motifs

Akhanda integrates devotional motifs drawn from , depicting the titular character as an Aghora ascetic empowered by to combat malevolence. The protagonist's persona, marked by Shiva-inspired tattoos and rituals, underscores themes of unwavering (devotion) as a source of transcendent strength, enabling him to transcend mortal limits in service to divine will. This portrayal aligns with Aghora traditions within , which emphasize direct confrontation with impurity and ego through ascetic practices, positioning devotion not as passive worship but as active cosmic intervention. Moral motifs in the narrative revolve around the restoration of through the annihilation of , exemplified by Akhanda's targeted elimination of corrupt figures, including exploitative tantriks and societal predators such as murderers and swindlers. The film posits that true demands uncompromising action against systemic , with spiritual authority providing ethical sanction for vigilante , as the hero's divine mandate overrides conventional to preserve societal order. This binary of good triumphing over corruption critiques exploitation of faith for personal gain while affirming devotion's role in empowering the virtuous against moral decay. Critics have noted this framework's reliance on to justify extreme violence, yet it reflects a traditional Indic where avatars or empowered devotees enact punitive .

Action and visual style

The action sequences in Akhanda were choreographed by stunt director Stun in collaboration with his sons Kevin and Steven, who crafted high-octane fight scenes emphasizing physicality and Nandamuri Balakrishna's commanding presence as the titular Aghora warrior. These sequences feature powerful punches, kicks, and extended combat episodes designed for mass appeal, with the pre-interval fight lasting approximately 17 minutes and the film's incorporating intense confrontations filmed in . While praised for their adrenaline-pumping energy and superb execution, particularly in showcasing Balakrishna's dynamism, the fights drew criticism for their length, repetition, and lack of variety, contributing to a sense of excess in the second half. Visually, the film employs a larger-than-life aesthetic under director Boyapati Srinu's mass-entertainer approach, blending spectacle with slow-motion shots to heighten dramatic impact during key action moments, such as Balakrishna's Aghora avatar reveals featuring fake tattoos and piercing eyes. C. Ram Prasad's dynamic work captures the scale of these sequences with top-notch framing and elevated mythical elements, supported by impressive that add grandeur without overshadowing the physical . Crisp editing by maintains pace amid the extended fights, fostering a high-decibel, fan-oriented style that prioritizes Balakrishna's heroic roars and prowess over subtlety.

Soundtrack and music

Composition and tracks

The soundtrack for Akhanda was composed by S. S. Thaman, who crafted both the songs and the background score to align with the film's devotional and action-oriented narrative. Thaman dedicated over a month to developing the music for the title song, incorporating layered vocal arrangements and rhythmic elements suited to the protagonist's persona. For the background score, he researched Aghora traditions to produce unconventional sounds distinct from standard Telugu film compositions, emphasizing atmospheric and intense motifs. The entire musical elements were re-recorded post-initial sessions to refine quality and impact, with Thaman later characterizing it as his strongest output in mass-action genres. The original Telugu soundtrack comprises three primary songs, released progressively ahead of the film's December 2021 premiere, with lyrics primarily by Ananta Sriram. These tracks blend devotional rhythms, folk influences, and high-energy beats to underscore themes of faith and heroism.
Track TitleSinger(s)Key Details
Jai Balayya, ChagantiDevotional track evoking maternal and spiritual reverence; features choral elements.
Akhanda Title Song, , Shivam MahadevanAnthemic opener with multi-generational vocals; lyrical video released November 7, 2021.
Adigaa Adigaa, M.L. ShrutiRomantic duet with upbeat ; served as the .
Hindi dubbed versions of select tracks, such as "Bam Akhanda" and "Mahiya Beliya," were also produced for wider release, adapting while retaining Thaman's core melodies. The full runs approximately 17 minutes, prioritizing integration with the film's visuals over standalone commercial appeal.

Release and reception of music

The of Akhanda, composed by S. Thaman, saw its first single, "Adigaa Adigaa", released on 18 September 2021, featuring vocals by and M.L. Sruthi, and highlighting the lead pair's chemistry amid vibrant visuals. The full , comprising four tracks including the title song performed by alongside his sons Siddharth and Shivam Mahadevan, followed on 9 December 2021 via T-Series. Subsequent singles like the title track were promoted through live performances at pre-release events in November 2021, amplifying anticipation. Reception for the music emphasized its high-energy composition and thematic alignment with the film's devotional action elements, with the background score particularly noted for evoking an "awe factor" tied to Lord Shiva motifs despite its intense, decibel-heavy style. Individual tracks garnered mixed to positive feedback; "Adigaa Adigaa" was described as a "magical " that quickly amassed over 1 million views on promotional visuals, contributing to pre-release . The title song's live rendition drew significant online engagement, exceeding 2 million views, while overall song ratings averaged around 2.8 out of 5 in specialized reviews, praising rhythmic appeal but critiquing occasional formulaic elements. Audience responses in film critiques frequently highlighted Thaman's and BGM as strengths, aiding the soundtrack's role in sustaining the movie's commercial momentum.

Release and distribution

Theatrical rollout

Akhanda was initially slated for release considerations around early 2021, with final confirmation for a worldwide theatrical debut on December 2, 2021. The decision to launch on a Thursday aligned with post-COVID recovery strategies for , aiming to capitalize on weekend footfalls following the mid-week start. To build anticipation, the production held a grand pre-release event on November 27, 2021, in Hyderabad, featuring speeches from cast and crew, including director , and attended by guest , who praised the film's mass appeal. This function coincided with the unveiling of the album's final track, "Jai Balayya," amplifying promotional momentum. Overseas markets, particularly the , scheduled premieres a day earlier on December 1, 2021, across multiple theaters to engage audiences ahead of the global rollout. The film achieved one of the broadest Telugu releases post-pandemic, screening in over 500 international locations, with simultaneous launches in key territories including the , , , , and on December 2. Distributed through regional networks under Dwaraka Creations' banner, the rollout emphasized high-occupancy theaters in and , reflecting confidence in Nandamuri Balakrishna's star power for mass-market draw. No major delays marred the schedule, despite earlier date uncertainties reported in October 2021.

Home media and digital availability

The digital streaming rights for Akhanda were secured by , with the film premiering on the platform on 21 January 2022 at 6:00 PM IST. This release followed the theatrical debut by approximately seven weeks, aligning with standard post-theatrical windows for Telugu films during the period. The availability extended to dubbed versions in other languages, enhancing accessibility across Hotstar's regional offerings. Physical home media releases, including DVD and Blu-ray editions, have been limited, with listings appearing on e-commerce sites like Amazon primarily for digital rentals or unofficial copies rather than official disc distributions. As of 2025, following the merger of with into JioHotstar, the film remains accessible via subscription-based video-on-demand services in , though exact current catalog status depends on licensing renewals. No major international launches were reported, reflecting the industry's shift toward streaming for mass-market .

Commercial performance

Box office earnings

Akhanda earned ₹21.20 crore in net collections from on its opening day, 2 2021, marking one of the strongest starts for a Telugu film that year. The film accumulated ₹67.55 in net over its first week, driven by robust performance in and regions.
PeriodIndia Net (₹ Cr)Worldwide Gross (₹ Cr)
21.20-
First Week67.55-
Total89.00117.00
India gross collections reached ₹103.3 , with overseas contributing ₹13.7 . Alternative estimates, such as those from trade analysts at day 50, placed worldwide gross at ₹132 , including ₹104.5 from and alone. These figures reflect approximate tracking from multiple sources, as Indian box office data often varies due to differing methodologies between trackers and producer-reported numbers. The film, budgeted at approximately ₹50 , achieved hit to blockbuster status, recovering costs and generating profits through theatrical earnings.

Market analysis

Akhanda generated substantial pre-release theatrical business totaling ₹54 worldwide, reflecting strong distributor confidence in the Nandamuri Balakrishna-Boyapati Srinu combination's track record for mass entertainers. Key territories like Nizam fetched ₹10 for rights, underscoring demand in urban and markets where Balakrishna's fanbase drives premium pricing. This pre-sales model, common in , mitigated financial risk by recovering a significant budget portion upfront, estimated as Balakrishna's highest at the time, amid post-pandemic theater recovery. Ancillary markets bolstered profitability, with digital rights sold to Jio Studios for ₹15 crore, capitalizing on streaming platforms' growing investment in regional action films. Satellite rights went to Star Maa, a primary Telugu broadcaster, ensuring repeated exposure to television audiences in rural and semi-urban households. Overseas distribution tapped into diaspora markets, particularly the US and UK, where Telugu content demand surged via platforms like Netflix and local screenings, contributing to packed houses reported on opening day. The film's market positioning targeted B- and C-center audiences in and , leveraging devotional motifs and high-octane action to appeal to conservative demographics less swayed by urban multiplex trends. Sustained 50-day theatrical runs in over 103 centers highlighted word-of-mouth in non-metro areas, where family-oriented spectacles outperform arthouse . Overall, Akhanda's diversified streams—estimated at over ₹200 in total business—demonstrated resilience in a fragmented market prone to inflated reporting, prioritizing share-based recovery over gross figures.

Critical and audience reception

Reviews from critics

Critics offered mixed assessments of Akhanda, frequently commending Nandamuri Balakrishna's dominant screen presence and action-hero charisma while faulting the film's reliance on clichéd tropes, predictable plotting, and over-the-top violence that prioritizes mass appeal over narrative depth. Times of India critic Neeshita Nyayapati rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars on December 5, 2021, observing that director establishes a mythical framework centered on Akhanda as an of Lord combating evil forces, but undermines it with conventional execution and underdeveloped subplots, ultimately redeemed by Balakrishna's energetic performance in dual roles as the ascetic Akhanda and the rowdy Murali Krishna. In , Sangeetha Devi Dundoo characterized the December 2, 2021, release as an "ultra high decibel roar" on the same date, emphasizing its bombastic action set pieces, thunderous background score by S. Thaman, and dialogues laced with pseudo-spiritual and nationalist fervor, yet critiquing the relentless escalation of fights and lack of subtlety as catering exclusively to Balakrishna's devoted followers rather than broader audiences. 123telugu.com review on December 3, 2021, acknowledged the film's success as a "mass punch" driven by Balakrishna's mass elevation moments and high-octane stunts, but deducted points for a dull storyline, repetitive motivations involving a villainous exploiting blind , and gratuitous violence in the extended second half that alienates non-fan viewers. Conversely, Idlebrain.com's Jeevi praised Balakrishna's "excellent" embodiment of the titular character's raw power and Boyapati's mass-oriented direction on December 2, 2021, rating it highly for delivering unadulterated commercial through visually striking temple-based action and thematic contrasts between blind devotion and true , though noting the formulaic nature inherent to the .

Fan and audience responses

Audience reception to Akhanda was generally positive among mass-market viewers and Nandamuri Balakrishna's dedicated fanbase, who praised the film's high-energy action sequences, the lead actor's commanding dual-role as both a Aghora ascetic and a fierce protector, and S. Thaman's pulsating background score that amplified the theatrical experience. Fans highlighted Balakrishna's screen presence and mass-appeal dialogues as standout elements, with posts describing the film as a "one-man show" that delivered unadulterated commercial entertainment tailored to their expectations. The film's user rating on stood at 6.8 out of 10 based on over 19,000 votes, reflecting broad approval from Telugu cinema enthusiasts who appreciated its spectacle-driven narrative over plot depth, though some non-fan viewers critiqued the excessive and formulaic storytelling as catering primarily to undemanding crowds. Fan events and public screenings generated significant buzz, with reports of enthusiastic "hungama" from Balakrishna supporters in theaters across , , and even the , underscoring the star's enduring pull in regional markets. Upon its digital premiere on on January 21, 2022, Akhanda achieved the highest viewership and watchtime for any Telugu film on the platform at that time, with netizens reiterating acclaim for Balakrishna's portrayal and the film's rewatch value among action aficionados, further evidencing strong audience loyalty despite mixed critical takes on its subtlety. While class-oriented audiences expressed reservations about the film's loud, trope-heavy execution, the overall verdict from fans positioned it as a triumphant return for the Balakrishna-Boyapati Srinu collaboration, fueling demand for a .

Controversies and debates

The film Akhanda drew opposition from certain Christian missionary groups, who perceived its portrayal of Aghora traditions and dialogues promoting ideology, temples, and Hindu culture—particularly in the second half—as a direct threat to their conversion activities. Pastors disseminated messages urging Christian audiences to the movie, framing it as antagonistic to their . In contrast, Hindu nationalist organizations endorsed the film, arguing that its emphasis on spiritual power and resistance to external influences could deter religious conversions in . Critics from Christian viewpoints, such as evangelical commentators, condemned the depiction of the protagonist as an Aghora for glorifying ascetic practices involving and corpse rituals, which they claimed distorted while undermining legal governance in favor of vigilante justice. These critiques highlighted scenes of mass violence and supernatural retribution as fostering communal division rather than harmony, potentially inciting real-world attacks on minorities by fringe groups. Subtle political dialogues in the film referenced Andhra Pradesh's contemporary governance, including jabs at the YSR Congress Party's (YSRCP) demolition of public structures like Praja Vedika and mockery of defectors from the (TDP) who joined YSRCP, such as phrases like "Ammudupoina Kukkalu" targeting figures including . Given lead actor Nandamuri Balakrishna's affiliation with TDP, these lines fueled online debates among netizens about embedded partisanship in , though they remained opaque to casual viewers. Broader debates centered on the film's stylistic excesses, including hyper-loud sound mixing that some audiences experienced as auditory assault, and sequences exceeding prior works by director Boyapati Sreenu, prompting questions about glorifying brutality in mass entertainers over narrative coherence. Despite commercial success, detractors argued such elements prioritized and sensory overload, reflecting formulaic Telugu industry trends that sideline logic for heroic elevation.

Accolades and recognition

Awards won

Akhanda secured the Second Best Feature Film award at the Film Awards for productions released in 2021. This state-level recognition highlighted the film's strong performance among releases that year, amid its status as a major commercial success. No major national or international awards were conferred upon the film or its principal cast members for their contributions to Akhanda.

Nominations and honors

Akhanda received multiple nominations at major South Indian film awards ceremonies. At the 10th (SIIMA) held in 2022, the film earned 10 nominations across categories such as Best Film (Dwaraka Creations), Best Director (), and Best Actor – Telugu (). The film also secured nominations at the in 2022, including for Best Film (Miryala Ravinder Reddy) and – Telugu (Nandamuri Balakrishna). In 2021, Akhanda was ranked as the top Indian film on user ratings for the month, reflecting strong audience appreciation.

Legacy and sequel developments

Cultural impact

Akhanda reinforced Nandamuri Balakrishna's status as a cultural icon in , with its high-octane action sequences and devotional themes sparking widespread fan mimicry of dialogues and mannerisms among audiences in and . The film's portrayal of the protagonist as a fierce devotee combating exploitation and resonated with viewers emphasizing Hindu traditions, positioning temples as symbols of cultural preservation and spiritual power. This appeal extended beyond Telugu states, influencing pan-India perceptions through references to Hindu deities and rituals that aligned with northern audiences' sensibilities, as evidenced by successful Hindi-dubbed releases and calls for broader remakes. Fan fervor manifested in public events, such as chants of film dialogues at the 2025 Kumbh Mela, underscoring its role in sustaining mass hero worship and communal enthusiasm for mythological action narratives. Critics and observers have attributed the film's cultural footprint to its unapologetic promotion of Shaivite devotion and against perceived modern threats, though some characterize this as an amplified expression of Hindu cultural assertion in commercial cinema. Its success prompted endorsements from fellow Tollywood figures, further embedding Akhanda in discussions of genre-defining mass entertainers that prioritize spectacle and tradition over narrative innovation.

Akhanda 2 production and anticipation

The sequel to Akhanda, titled Akhanda 2: , entered pre-production following the commercial success of the 2021 original, with director Boyapati Sreenu and lead actor reuniting under the production banner of People Media Factory. commenced in early 2025, focusing on expanded action sequences and devotional themes centered around Balakrishna's dual roles as an Aghora warrior and another character, with filming targeted for completion by the first week of August 2025. The project features returning composer S. Thaman for the soundtrack and cinematographer C. Ramprasad, alongside cast members including Samyuktha Menon and Ayyappa P. Sharma. Post-production encountered delays due to extensive visual effects work, leading to the postponement of the initial September 25, 2025 release date, as announced by the makers in late August 2025. The film was rescheduled to December 5, 2025, to allow additional time for polishing and to avoid scheduling conflicts with other Telugu releases, such as the shifted The Raja Saab. A teaser was unveiled on June 9, 2025, coinciding with Balakrishna's birthday, followed by a second promotional glimpse titled "Blasting Roar Unleashed" on October 24, 2025, emphasizing high-octane action and the actor's intense performance. These updates positioned the film in active post-production as of October 2025, with a pan-India theatrical rollout planned. Anticipation for Akhanda 2: Thaandavam has surged among Telugu cinema audiences, driven by the original film's strong box-office performance and Balakrishna's mass-appeal persona, with fans expressing expectations of a ₹1,000 crore gross via social media reactions to the teasers. Industry analysts project it as one of Tollywood's top openings in 2025, potentially ranking third on day one, bolstered by its devotional action genre and strategic December release window free of major clashes. Promotional materials highlighting Balakrishna's "thaandavam" (divine frenzy) have amplified hype, positioning the sequel as a grand spectacle amid broader interest in pan-India Telugu films. Following its theatrical release, Akhanda 2: Thaandavam premiered on Netflix on January 9, 2026, available in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.

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