The much-awaited release of Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Akhanda 2, initially slated to arrive in theatres on December 5, has been unexpectedly postponed, leaving fans across the globe disappointed. The makers confirmed the delay through an official statement on X, citing “unavoidable circumstances” that prevented the film from releasing as scheduled. While they refrained from announcing a new release date, the team assured audiences that they are working diligently to resolve the issues and will share a positive update soon.
The trouble first came to light in the Telugu states, particularly in the Nizam region, where advance ticket bookings were delayed and later cancelled. Paid premieres planned for December 4 were abruptly called off, further fuelling speculation. Overseas markets faced similar setbacks, as screenings could not proceed due to pending Key Delivery Messages (KDMs), which are essential for theatres to access the film. Industry reports suggest that financial strain stemming from earlier ventures may have worsened the situation for the production banner.
A significant legal hurdle in Tamil Nadu intensified the crisis. The Madras High Court imposed an injunction on the film’s release following an ongoing arbitral dispute between Eros International Media Limited and 14 Reels Entertainment involving a claim of approximately ₹28 crore. The court observed that releasing the film under the 14 Reels Plus LLP banner would be an attempt to bypass the award, thereby preventing any form of distribution or commercial activity until further orders.
Despite the delay, early reactions from the film’s first review have only heightened anticipation. A social media user praised Boyapati Sreenu’s direction and hailed Akhanda 2 as a powerful mass entertainer, emphasising Balakrishna’s electrifying presence as Aghora Akhanda. Featuring Samyuktha, Aadhi Pinisetty, and Harshali Malhotra in key roles, the film continues to generate immense buzz as fans eagerly await its revised release date.