The highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster Telugu film Akhanda, titled Akhanda 2, is generating significant buzz in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding its digital streaming rights. As the shooting of the film progresses at a rapid pace, major Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms are reportedly engaged in a fierce competition to acquire the post-theatrical digital rights of this action-packed drama.
Akhanda 2 marks the fourth collaboration between the powerhouse duo of Nandamuri Balakrishna and director Boyapati Sreenu, a combination that has consistently delivered mass hits like Simha, Legend, and the original Akhanda. Given the immense success and cult following of Akhanda, the sequel is one of the most eagerly awaited Telugu films of the year. Adding to the anticipation, the film is being produced on a grand scale by 14 Reels Plus, with an expected budget nearing ₹200 crore.
According to industry sources, leading OTT platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have shown keen interest in securing the digital rights of Akhanda 2. These platforms have reportedly made substantial offers, recognizing the film’s potential to attract a wide audience on their services. However, the production house, 14 Reels Plus, has reportedly surprised the OTT giants by quoting a staggering amount of close to ₹100 crore for the digital rights. This reflects the immense confidence the makers have in the film’s commercial success, both theatrically and on digital platforms.
The demand for such a high price also indicates a significant shift in the perception of Balakrishna’s films on OTT platforms. Earlier, while his movies were massive hits in theaters, their digital performance was considered lukewarm. However, this changed after the phenomenal success of his OTT talk show, Unstoppable with NBK, on Aha, which significantly expanded his digital reach. His recent theatrical release, Daaku Maharaaj, also performed exceptionally well on Netflix, garnering over 200 million streaming minutes. This newfound digital popularity has emboldened the makers of Akhanda 2 to demand a premium price for its OTT rights.
The shooting of Akhanda 2 is reportedly moving forward swiftly. Recent reports suggest that the team has already wrapped up the interval portions of the film. Director Boyapati Sreenu is known for his high-octane action sequences and mass-appealing storytelling, and expectations are high that Akhanda 2 will deliver even more thrills and impactful moments than its predecessor. The film’s music is being composed by SS Thaman, who also scored the music for the first installment, further raising expectations for a powerful and energetic soundtrack. Aadhi Pinisetty is set to play the lead antagonist in the film, while Pragya Jaiswal and Samyuktha Menon are expected to feature in key roles. Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt is also rumored to be playing a significant role in the movie.
With the theatrical release of Akhanda 2 slated for the Dasara festival this year, the ongoing competition for its OTT rights underscores the immense anticipation surrounding the film. The final decision on the digital rights is expected to be made by 14 Reels Plus in the coming weeks, and the deal is poised to be one of the biggest in recent times for a Telugu film. As the shooting progresses rapidly and the post-theatrical business heats up, all eyes are on Akhanda 2 to see if it can replicate and even surpass the success of the original, both on the big screen and in the digital realm.
