15 December,2025 05:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
A still from Akhanda 2
Nandamuri Balakrishna's recent release, Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, had a strong domestic opening weekend. While the film grossed Rs 60 crore nett (gross minus taxes) in India in three days, it quickly surpassed the Rs 100 crore mark overseas and is still going strong. The film's long theatrical run will be determined by its performance in theatres during the weekdays.
Balayya's movies have often gotten rave reactions in the movie theatres, and yet again, the movie scenes have been garnering some shocking reactions from the audience. A fan was seen getting possessed after watching Balakrishna's Shiva Tandav in the film. The fan left the audience around her tensed as she constantly kept shivering and shaking while the tandav sequence was on.
However, netizens called it a fake stunt or a paid promotion, seeing the lady in the video. A user wrote, "A woman gets possessed and emotionally overwhelmed during the Shiva Tandava climax sequence in Akhanda 2." While one fan even compared it to the recent hit, Kantara, "Kantara ki chusam le Same ala cheste extra PR anukuntunnaremo, Worst movie idi."
A user was concerned about the fan's mental health after seeing the video, "I hope people who care for her sent her to a good mental health doctor." While sarcastic comments had to flood the comments section, a user penned, "Got Possession even after seeing Balayya's acting??? Seriously?? Wishing her a speedy recovery. Attention-seeking and promotional dramas. What is there in it so much to possess?"
Fans even slammed them for the overacting, "Cinema goers should be charged double entertainment tax, one for onscreen and the other for offâ¦" One added, "Thoda zyada hi hogaya yeh nautanki."
On December 14, the Telugu version of Akhanda 2: Thaandavam had an overall occupancy rate of 51.77 percent, with the highest turnout during the afternoon and evening presentations.
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, directed by Boyapati Sreenu, is a fantasy action thriller in which Nandamuri Balakrishna plays numerous roles. The film also stars Samyuktha, Aadhi Pinisetty, and Harshaali Malhotra in key parts.
The film is a sequel to the 2021 film of the same name, with Thaman S composing the soundtrack and C Ramprasad and Tammiraju handling the cinematography and editing.
