Nandamuri Balakrishna’s upcoming Telugu film Akhanda 2 will not release as scheduled, following an indefinite
postponement announced just before its planned worldwide release on December 5. The decision, driven by ongoing legal
proceedings, has left fans and industry members unsettled as the sequel was highly anticipated for Balakrishna’ film.
The production house, 14 Reels Plus, has yet to announce a new release date for the film, which also features Samyuktha
and Harshaali Malhotra in key roles.
The postponement was confirmed on Thursday, December 4, by 14 Reels Plus through a statement on X, citing unavoidable
circumstances as the reason.
Their X post read, "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
Why was Akhanda 2 facing trouble in the Telugu states?
In the Telugu-speaking states, confusion began early in the day regarding ticket bookings, especially for the Nizam
region. Exhibitors reported uncertainty, while fans repeatedly checked ticketing platforms for updates. The production
team attempted to address the issues, but by afternoon, it became apparent that the situation was not resolved.
Paid premieres scheduled for December 4 were officially cancelled as the day progressed, pointing to more substantial
underlying problems. Overseas Key Delivery Messages (KDMs), required for digital film screenings, were also not cleared,
resulting in further cancellations and additional uncertainty across distribution channels.
It was also reported that 14 Reels Plus was stuck in a financial tussle due to their previous projects that did not reap
in big profits. Sudden financial complications are not uncommon in Telugu cinema, but the abrupt postponement of a
prominent project like Akhanda 2 on the eve of its release was unexpected.
Why Balakrishna's film hit a roadblock in Tamil Nadu?
In Tamil Nadu, the film faced uncertainty due to a court dispute with Eros International Media Limited. The legal
proceedings culminated in a Madras High Court order restraining the release of the film. A Division Bench, comprising
Justice SM Subramaniam and Justice C Kumarappan, issued the injunction in favour of Eros International Media Limited.
The court's decision was based on an appeal related to a long-standing arbitral dispute against 14 Reels Entertainment
Private Limited, amounting to approximately Rs 28 crore.
Eros informed the court that 14 Reels Plus LLP, an entity associated with 14 Reels Entertainment, was preparing to
release Akhanda 2 under its banner.
Further, Eros argued before the bench: "Eros argued that this was an indirect attempt to flout the arbitral award and
avoid compliance with legally determined financial obligations." After reviewing these arguments, the court granted an
injunction, preventing any release, distribution, or commercial exploitation of the film until further orders are
14 Reels Plus is yet to announce the new release date of Akhanda 2.