Janasena Leader Madasu Gangadharam Powerful Punch on Vijay Sai Reddy | Press Meet

The highly anticipated sequel, Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, has now been officially postponed. Initially, the makers cited extended post-production work—particularly on visual effects and the background score—as the reason for the delay. However, a key factor influencing the decision is the ongoing OTT deal.

The first installment of Akhanda was a massive theatrical hit and later performed exceptionally well on Disney+ Hotstar. Building on that success, the team entered talks with JioCinema following its acquisition of Hotstar. However, reports suggest the platform was reluctant to pay the high price tags associated with Telugu big-ticket films.

Meanwhile, global streaming giants like Netflix and Prime Video have adopted a cautious stance after previous overspending, making them hesitant to invest heavily in regional blockbusters. With no attractive OTT agreement secured yet, the makers have decided to hold back the release until a deal that meets expectations is finalized.

This marks the fourth collaboration between superstar Nandamuri Balakrishna and director Boyapati Sreenu. Given the lavish spending on the film amid high audience hype, recovering the investment is a priority, making a lucrative OTT arrangement essential for the project’s financial success.