The highly anticipated Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Akhanda 2 release date, originally set for December 5, has been officially postponed, leaving fans disappointed just hours before its planned premiere. The makers of Akhanda 2: Thaandavam—the sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Akhanda, confirmed late Thursday night that the film would not hit theatres as scheduled due to “unavoidable circumstances.”

Paid premieres cancelled first, then full release pulled

Earlier on Thursday evening, production house 14 Reels Plus announced that the much-awaited paid premieres of the film had been cancelled due to technical problems. The team wrote on X, “#Akhanda2 Premieres in India scheduled for today are cancelled due to technical issues. We've tried our best, but a few things are beyond our control. Sorry for the inconvenience. The overseas premieres will play as per the schedule today.”

However, within hours, the makers dropped another major update—confirming that the Akhanda 2 release date had been postponed entirely. They issued a heartfelt statement saying, “With a heavy heart, we regret to inform you that #Akhanda2 will not be releasing as scheduled due to unavoidable circumstances. This is a painful moment for us, and we truly understand the disappointment it brings to every fan and movie lover awaiting the film. We are working tirelessly to resolve the matter at the earliest. Our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. Your support means the world to us. We promise to share a positive update very soon.”

Why was ‘Akhanda 2’ postponed? Madras HC issues stay

The sudden postponement followed a Madras High Court order preventing the film’s release. According to CinemaExpress, the court imposed a stay after Eros International Media Limited filed an appeal linked to a long-standing financial dispute.

According to the order, Akhanda 2 cannot be released in theatres, cannot stream on digital platforms and cannot be broadcast via satellite until the makers clear dues of nearly ₹28 crore plus 14% interest, owed to Eros as part of a previous arbitration ruling.

Eros argued that 14 Reels Plus is essentially a continuation of 14 Reels Entertainment, and releasing the film without clearing dues would allow the producers to profit while bypassing financial liabilities.

Directed by Boyapati Srinu, Akhanda 2 reunites him with Nandamuri Balakrishna, a combination that delivered the massive 2021 hit Akhanda. Fans were eager to witness their high-voltage mass-action formula once again on the big screen.