Music director S. Thaman delivered an emotional and power-packed speech at the Akhanda 2 pre-release event, expressing his deep admiration for Nandamuri Balakrishna and sharing insights into the film’s music. Speaking candidly, Thaman said that watching Balakrishna appear as Lord Shiva on the 70mm screen would leave audiences clapping instinctively.
He described composing for Akhanda 2 as a spiritual experience, adding that the journey felt like “going to a temple.” Recalling the massive effort put in by the team, he highlighted how Balakrishna shot the climax action sequence in the freezing temperatures of Georgia. Thaman also thanked producers Ram and Gopi, acknowledging their unwavering support and increased budget, and compared it to the faith they showed in him during Dookudu, a film that significantly boosted his career.
Sharing lighter moments, Thaman revealed that the iron trident used in the film weighs more than ten kilograms and praised Balakrishna for carrying it with ease during intense scenes. He added that he is working on more films with Balakrishna as well as director Gopichand Malineni, promising to carry the fans’ expectations “in his heart.”
With his trademark humour, Thaman even warned theatres to “check their speakers,” saying the film’s soundscape is as loud and powerful as a temple aarti. He also acknowledged other actors who portrayed Lord Shiva on screen, including Chiranjeevi in Sri Manjunatha, Akshay Kumar in Kannappa, and Ranbir Kapoor in Brahmastra, noting how each brought a unique intensity to the role.
Raashi Khanna Responds to ‘Commercial Cinema’ Debate
Actress Raashi Khanna has sparked discussion with her recent remarks on the balance between commercial and content-driven cinema. After facing a series of setbacks in Telugu, including her latest release Telusu Kada, the actress opened up in an interview about why she is gravitating more toward Hindi projects and what influences her choice of roles.
Raashi explained that she has acted in numerous commercial films in the South and now seeks strong, story-focused scripts in Hindi. While she clarified that she does enjoy commercial cinema, her comfort level plays a crucial role in selecting projects. “I like commercial films, but only up to a point. I need to feel comfortable with the role. If something crosses my personal limits or makes me feel odd, I’ll say no. Everyone has a comfort zone, so don’t judge anyone,” she said.
Her comments quickly gained traction on social media, leading to varied interpretations. Observers pointed out the irony that Tollywood has delivered some of India’s most acclaimed story-driven blockbusters—such as RRR and Baahubali—yet the criticism of “too commercial” often resurfaces whenever a film underperforms.
Raashi’s recent Hindi outing, 120 Bahadur, a serious war drama, also failed to make an impact at the box office. She now awaits the release of Ustad Bhagat Singh in Telugu. Whether this film marks a turning point in her career or adds to her string of disappointments remains to be seen.