The wait is finally over for fans who missed the theatrical experience of Nandamuri Balakrishna's larger-than-life action adventure. 'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam' is set to make its digital debut on Netflix starting January 9, following the standard four-week window after its cinema run.
When and Where to Watch Akhanda 2 Online
Mark your calendars for the OTT premiere of this much-talked-about sequel. The film will be available for streaming on the global platform Netflix, offering viewers the convenience of watching from their homes. In a move to cater to a pan-Indian audience, the movie will be released online in five languages: Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
The official announcement from Netflix playfully echoed the film's popular dialogue, stating, "Why fear, when the legend Balayya is here? Watch Akhanda 2 on Netflix, out 9 January." This digital release comes after the film's theatrical launch on December 11, which generated significant buzz despite receiving mixed responses from critics and audiences.
Plot, Cast, and Box Office Journey
Helmed by director Boyapati Srinu, 'Akhanda 2' is the sequel to the 2021 blockbuster 'Akhanda'. The story sees Balakrishna return as the fierce protector Akhanda, who wields divine power to battle evil. The sequel intensifies the conflict with the introduction of a new supernatural antagonist, played by Aadhi Pinisetty. The trailer promised a grand mythological clash, blending fantasy, tradition, and high-voltage action sequences.
The cast features Samyuktha Menon alongside Balakrishna and Aadhi Pinisetty. A notable debut is that of Harshaali Malhotra, marking her Telugu film entry and only her second film project after her childhood role in 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan'.
On the financial front, the film performed commendably at the box office. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, 'Akhanda 2' earned a net total of ₹94.45 crore in India, with the Telugu version being the major contributor. Its worldwide gross collection stood at approximately ₹123.8 crore, securing its place among the top 10 Telugu grossers of 2025.
The Legal Hurdle and Its Impact
Despite encouraging numbers, the film's journey was not without obstacles. It fell short of its blockbuster forecasts partly due to a last-minute legal issue that led to a postponement of its release. The screening was initially stayed by a Madras High Court order following an appeal filed by Eros International Media Ltd.
The dispute was related to a long-standing arbitral award against the film's producer, 14 Reels Entertainment Private Limited. Eros International, being the award holder of a money decree of around ₹28 crore, argued that the attempt to release 'Akhanda 2' was an indirect effort to bypass the arbitral award and avoid financial obligations. This legal tangle undoubtedly affected the film's initial rollout and momentum.
Now, with its OTT release locked in, the film gets a second wind, allowing a broader audience to witness the spectacle and judge the cinematic experience for themselves. The digital premiere on a major platform like Netflix is expected to amplify its reach far beyond its core Telugu-speaking demographic.
