Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Akhanda is the first true big-ticket film to hit the silver screens after the Covid second wave. The film was released amid sky-high expectations. Let us see if it has what it takes to keep the audience hooked.
Story: Murali Krishna (Balakrishna) is a social reformer who goes to any extent for the wellbeing of those around him. Following a tragic incident, he gets to know that an illegal land mining project in the area is leading to several mysterious deaths. But just as he prepares to take on the crooked men behind the massacre, he is held by the NIA and is accused of murdering a minister. Just as things start to slip out of hand, Akhanda (Balakrishna in Aghora avatar) steps in. Can Akhanda rescue the lives of the villagers and as well as those of his family members? What is the connection between Murali Krishna and Akhanda?
What about on-screen performances?
Balakrishna sports two completely contrasting avatars. In the role of a social reformer, he exudes swag and as well as mass. But the real standout is his portrayal of an aghora. His attire, body language, and diction suit the role very well. This role caters to the galleries and Boyapati elevates it in his trademark style.
Pragya looks gorgeous on screen. She gets a typical ‘Boyapati film heroine’ role and that can be deducted as we see her crying and running in fear all through the second half. Srikanth as a wicked goon is okayish. He emotes well but his characterization is not of desired quality. Poorna gets a small role but she delivers an impactful performance and the same is the case with Jagapathi Babu.
What about off-screen talents?
Boyapati Sreenu channels in the master filmmaker in him while working with Balakrishna. His previous two collaborations with Balayya, Simha, and Legend were blockbusters and the expectations are naturally high on Akhanda. This time around, he picks a routine story and infuses as many as 8-9 action blocks. But the problem is that there is no real drive leading to the high-octane action. If we keep that aside, the mass-pleasing action elements, elevations, and Thaman’s background score do the job.
The much-hyped aghora track is handled in a decent manner. Balakrishna breathes life into the character. The entire second half runs on this character. The dull patches in the middle portion of both the first and also the latter half don’t help the cause. The whole illegal mining saga is narrated in a routine manner. The climax is over the top as logic is left to the air.
Thaman’s background score is loud but it offers a feast to mass lovers. The cinematography is of top tier quality. Editing should have been way better as there is a fair deal of lag in either halves.
What’s Hot?
- Balakrishna’s electrifying performance
- Two action blocks
- Background score
What’s Not?
- Beaten to death story
- Lag in both halves
- Tiring climax
Verdict:
Akhanda is an overdose of action blocks. There is a heavy-duty action block for every 15-minute stretch. The story offers nothing new to offer but the mass elements and Balakrishna’s powerful performance make Akhanda an okayish one-time watch.
Telugubulletin.com Rating: 2.5/5
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Akhanda is an action drama film written and directed by Boyapati Srinu. Produced by Dwaraka Creations, the film stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Pragya Jaiswal, Jagapathi Babu‚ Avinash and Srikanth.
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Final Report: It’s a lengthy, routine Boyapati’s mass action drama.
06.50 A.M: Both Balayya’s participate in the climax right and movie ends with an emotional scene. Please watch this space for a full review and rating.
06.30 A.M: Bala Krishna gives a speech on Hindu Dharmam. Typical mass scenes between Bala Krishna and the main antagonist. Action heavy scenes.
06.10 A.M: Akhanda second half started with second Balakrishna taking over the. Balayya explaining about the God and the science did not work out well on screen.
First half Report : Movie is a typical Boyapati mass drama with very little story. Very lengthy pre Interval sequence. Second half of the movie is key
05.35 A.M: After a long typical mass drama between Bala Krishna and Srikanth, second Bala Krishna introduced just before interval. Another over the top action sequence that fans will like.
05.10 A.M: Uranium is found in Srikanth’s mine, folks reach out to him for a buy out which Srikanth denies. Bala Krishna and Pragya Jaiswal gets married.
04.45 A.M: Srikanth gets introduced as illegal mine owner, Director showed him as a very cruel person but didn’t succeed much.
04.35 A.M: Pragya Jaiswal works as district collector, she like Bala Krishna for his good deeds in the district.
04.20 A.M: Mass fight introduction for Bala Krishna. Good watch for fans. Pragya enters into the story
04.05 A.M: Akhanda show started with a police combing operation of anti-socials in Dandeli Forest in Karnataka and then the story moves to Rayalaseema