Akhanda Explained

Akhanda
Director:Boyapati Srinu
Producer:Miryala Ravinder Reddy
Cinematography:C. Ramprasad
Editing:Kotagiri Venkateshwara Rao
Tammiraju
Studio:Dwaraka Creations
Runtime:167 minutes[1]
Country:India
Language:Telugu
Budget:60 crore
Gross:150 crore

Akhanda is a 2021 Indian Telugu-language action drama film[2] written and directed by Boyapati Srinu. It was produced by Miryala Ravinder Reddy, under Dwaraka Creations. It stars Nandamuri Balakrishna in a dual role alongside Pragya Jaiswal, Jagapathi Babu and Prakash Raj Rao Ramesh Srikanth. The soundtrack album and film score is composed by Thaman S.

Released on 7 October 2021, Akhanda opened to mixed reviews from critics and audiences. The film gained popularity because of the soundtrack in the movie.[3] The film became a massive commercial hit grossing over crore worldwide, emerging as the second highest-grossing Telugu film of the year and the highest-grossing film in Balakrishna's career.[4] Akhanda was featured at the 53rd International Film Festival of India in the Indian Panorama mainstream section.[5]

Plot

In an impenetrable forest, the Indian Army is under severe hunt for a terrifying brigand named Gajendra Sahu. The encounter gravely injures Gajendra Sahu, and the chieftain of a religious organization, "Maha Rudra Peetam," rescues him. Upon this, Gajendra listens to the chieftain proclaiming the presence of God is in nature, which needs all-time protection, and the public always bowed their head down before the chieftain because of his chair. Due to this, Gajendra conquers it by slaying the chieftain and cabals to play with nature. Before dying, the chieftain states never to challenge fate, creator, and the universe as he cannot cope with its reply. At the same time, a couple, Ramachandraiah & Dharani at Anantapur, are blessed with twins where one is stillborn. Suddenly, an Aghora arrives when the mother is asleep and reveals that one is nature and stillborn is a cataclysm, like that of Shiva 's anger. Ramachandraiah cuts the cords by sending the child to Kaasi via Aghora when the child rises alive at the Lord's sanctum, and Aghoras raises him.

Years later, Murali Krishna is an arbiter, esteemed as a deity. He aims to eradicate factionalism so that the terrain flourishes from four sides. Saranya Bachupally is a newly appointed DC whose acquaintance with Murali Krishna initiates a contretemps that turns into a crush after learning his ideologies. Antahpuram Varadarajulu, a gangster, illegally manages illegal mining of uranium extraction in a reserved forest. The laborers are subjected to inhumane conditions and treated as slaves. Gajendra Sahu paves the path to Varadarajulu as a soul. Since it is green soil, Saranya assigns Principal Secretary Padmavati to make a secret inquiry.

Meanwhile, Murali Krishna & Saranya get married and have a baby girl. One day, multiple children in the region had strange maladies, and doctors were unable to detect the cause behind them. Murali Krishna seeks the government authorities when Padmavati divulges the Varadarajulu's savagery activities and predicts to hinder it swiftly. Otherwise, the region becomes a vast graveyard. Listening to it, Murali Krishna flares up on Varadarajulu when his acolyte Central Minister Bharat Reddy impedes and retrieves him to the hospital. At that point, Varadarajulu moves to Gajendra Sahu, who ruses by planting a bomb at the hospital, causing several deaths, including Bharat Reddy. Following this, Murali Krishna is incriminated and imprisoned by NIA Krishnamacharya Perumal.

Eventually, Murali Krishna's kid also becomes a victim, and Saranya rushes to the city hospital. On the way, Varadarajulu's men attack; while absconding, she enters an ancient cave temple, where Akhanda Rudra Sikandar Aghora, Murali Krishna's elder with supernatural powers, who is proceeding under the mission of reinstating temples. He assaults blackguards, bounces the baby back to life, and safely drops them. Being conscious of it, Gajendra Sahu is frightened and grasps Akhanda as the answer of God. Besides, DSP Ranjan, the younger brother of Varadarajulu, apprehends Saranya and the entire family. On the verge of slaying them, Akhanda appears to eliminate the wicked officers. Forthwith, he interrupts Gajendra Sahu's ritual by throwing Ranjan's dead body and giving him an ultimatum.

Dharani learns the fact when she rebukes them and decides to recoup her son. Akhanda proclaims his dedicated life to the Lord, disturbing the mother as she loses the two. Anyhow, Akhanda develops unknown affection for the baby. Once, Akhanda spots Padmavati at a river and detects it through his yogic powers. She had been tortured and suffered by the state by Varadarajulu due to uncovering the scam. Therefore, he onslaughts on Varadarajulu at the mining area, foredo him, and frees the laborers. Currently, Krishnamacharya Perumal departs to seize Akhanda for the bloodbath. As soon as he responds, the extreme of this world and the miscreants' elimination are essential. Krishnamacharya Perumal also knows that Murali Krishna is non-guilty via Padmavati and acquits him.

Later, Gajendra Sahu contacts a Kapalik tantrik, Prachanda, to kill Akhanda. Ergo, they spell cursed death over the baby when Akhanda gives a call to Kedari Aghori Baba from Kaasi, who foretells to conduct "Maha Mrityunjay Homam." Until the ritual's completion, Akhanda is captive to Shiva, where Gajendra Sahu and Prachanda devise a trap and wallop on him. However, Akhanda bears the pain and successfully finishes the ritual with Murali Krishna's aid. At last, Akhanda manifests him with mighty powers from Shiva, where he wreaks havoc and kills Gajendra & Prachanda. After this, Akhanda leaves, but he promises the child that he will be back if they are in trouble again.

Cast

Production

Development

The film marks the third collaboration between Balakrishna and Boyapati Srinu after Simha (2010) and Legend (2014).[7] It was formally launched at a private event held at Hyderabad in December 2019.[8] The film was tentatively titled as BB3 and NBK106. In April 2021, the film's official title was unveiled as Akhanda.[9] [10]

Cast and crew

Sayyeshaa was cast for the film for an undisclosed role in November 2020.[11] Later, she left the project due to an unknown reason. It was also reported that Anjali will be part of the film.[12] In March 2021, it was also reported that the action director duo Ram-Laxman has left the film after working for few action scenes. They were later replaced by Stun Shiva.[13] Speaking to the media, in December 2021, Siva told that "I allocated 80 days for 'Akhanda'. Of them, up to 65 days went into mounting action sequences. The rest of the days went into discussing with the director how to elevate the scenes. Ever since the director narrated the story, I started thinking about how to make the fights novel".[14] [15] Initially Prayaga Martin was cast for the lead actress role. Few scenes were also shot featuring her, but was later replaced by Pragya Jaiswal.[16] Pragya was cast in November 2020 after which she joined the production in December 2020. She was part of a 33-day first schedule shot at Hyderabad, Tamil Nadu and Goa.[17] In an interview with The Times of India, she said that "I had to join the film sets as soon as I was roped in, so my prep time was very little. It took me a while to transform myself into the character, and that happened on the sets of 'Akhanda'. I had taken a few references from the real-life lady cops and noted every detail related to their dressing, mannerisms, and small-big details".[18] Stylist and costume designer Raamz has been roped for designing costumes in the film. Speaking to Neeshita Nyayapati about designing costumes for Balakrishna's dual characters, he told that "Given Balakrishna's larger-than-life persona, I wanted to create looks that would remain memorable for years to come. Boyapati Srinu's (the film's director) Akhanda Movie is a Devotional Action Movie which will impress the audience.[19] We also designed his tattoos and the Shiva Lingam locket that he uses in fight scenes".[20]

Filming

Principal photography of the film began in March 2020.[21] After the filming was halted due to COVID-19 pandemic in India,[22] final schedule of the film was resumed in July 2021 at Hyderabad.[23] Few scenes of the film were shot at Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management, Hyderabad Campus. Filming of climax scenes of the film began in end-July 2021 at Tamil Nadu. Most of the action scenes were features Balakrishna and Srikanth.[24] These action scenes were choreographed by Shiva. It was reported that the scenes were shot at Gingee Venkataramana Temple in Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu.[25] [26] As part of the final schedule, the team next headed to Goa in September 2021 to shoot songs of the film.[27] [28] Filming was wrapped up in October 2021.[29]

Music

See main article: Akhanda (soundtrack). The film score and soundtrack album of the film is composed by Thaman S. The first single from the soundtrack, "Adigaa Adigaa" was released on 18 September 2021.[30] The second single "Akhanda Title Song" was released on 8 November 2021.[31] The last single of the album "Jai Balayya" was released on 27 November 2021, during the pre-release event of the film held at Hyderabad.[32] The music rights were acquired by Lahari Music.

Release

Theatrical

The film was initially planned to be released on 28 May 2021.[33] But due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India, the film was delayed to 2 December 2021.[34] The Tamil dubbed version of the film was released on 28 January 2022.[35] [36] The film was also dubbed in Hindi under the same title and released on 20 January 2023.

Home media

Digital distribution rights of the film were acquired by Disney+ Hotstar for ₹15 crore.[37] [38] [39] Satellite rights of the film were purchased by Star Maa. The film was premiered on Hotstar on 21 January 2022 [40] and became the most watched regional film on OTT platforms.[41] The movie had its television premiere on Star Maa on 10 April 2022.[42] The satellite rights of the Hindi dub were sold to Zee Cinema.

Reception

Critical response

A reviewer from The Hans India rated 3 out of 5 stars, and called it Balakrishna's "one man show", adding "Living up to the expectations, Akhanda also showers a mass treat on the fans. The film is impressive in the way it was made." However, the reviewer was critical of predictable plot and screenplay.[43] 123telugu.com rated the film 3.25 out of 5 stars and stated, "Akhanda is a feast for hardcore fans and Balayya gives them ample moments to cherish with his stunning act."[44]

Writing for The Times of India, Neeshita Nyayapati wrote, "While the basic premise of Akhanda is interesting, especially the way Boyapati sets it up by weaving a historical story with mass moments in a way only he can, he soon loses the plot (literally) and gets carried away with giving Akhanda and Murali mass moments that are sure to elicit whistles but don't do anything for the story." In her review for The Hindu, Sangeetha Devi Dundoo also echoes the same. "The film gets tiresome post intermission and the incessantly high voltage background score doesn't help either," she added.[45]

The Indian Express critic Manoj Kumar R said that the film was "an assault on the senses". Kumar was critical of Boyapati's usage of spirituality to provide a moral justification for the character to slaughter people with impunity while trying to appear as pro-progress and pro-rational.[46] In an other negative review, Ram Venkat Srikar of Cinema Express, wrote: "Akhanda is a quintessential Boyapati Sreenu outing where logic dies a brutal death even before the title appears and the audience die a slow death for the next 167 minutes."[47]

Box office

Akhanda collected ₹20.8 crore in the Telugu states on its opening day.[48] [49] Whereas, it has collected a total of ₹29.60 crore worldwide on its opening day.[50] The film collected ₹44 crore, by the second day of its release.[51] At the United States box office, it collected of more than $500,000 within two days of its release.[52] [53] By the third day of the film's release, it had collected ₹56.90 crore worldwide. After four days, the film collected ₹66.7 crores.[54]

By the end of first week, the film grossed ₹79.9 crore worldwide.[55] The film crossed the 95.9 crore worldwide gross in 11 days.[56] By the end of its run, the film grossed ₹133.20 crores. In theatres, the film completed 50 days in 103 centres.[57]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Akhanda. . 1 December 2021.
  2. Web site: Akhanda. British Board of Film Classification. AKHANDA is a Telugu language action drama in which a rural community comes under threat from a villainous gang..
  3. News: 'Akhanda' Box Office collection: Nandamuri Balakrishna's film collects Rs.20.8 cr on the release day! - Times of India. 2021-12-05. The Times of India. en.
  4. Web site: Akhanda : అఖండ మరో రికార్డ్.. 150 కోట్ల క్లబ్‌లో బాలయ్య... 2022-01-18. News18 Telugu. 17 January 2022 . te.
  5. News: 53RD IFFI 2022 official . 22 October 2022.
  6. Web site: Akhanda child artist: 'అఖండ' సినిమాలో బాలయ్య కూతురుగా నటించిన ఈ చిన్నారి బ్యాగ్రౌండ్ తెలుసా..?. 2021-12-10. News18 Telugu. 9 December 2021 . te.
  7. News: 2020-06-12. Actor Balakrishna upbeat about his third film with director Boyapati Srinu. en-IN. The Hindu. 2021-12-04. 0971-751X.
  8. Web site: 2019-12-25. Balakrishna's next with Boyapati Srinu put on hold?. 2021-12-04. The News Minute. en.
  9. Web site: Balakrishna-Boyapati Srinu film titled Akhanda. 2021-04-13. Cinema Express. 13 April 2021 . en.
  10. News: అఖండ హిందీ కలెక్షన్లపై ఓ లుక్కేయండి . 21 January 2023 . Hindustan Times Telugu.
  11. Web site: 2020-11-12. Sayyeshaa to team up with Nandamuri Balakrishna in Boyapati's next Telugu film. 2021-12-04. Hindustan Times. en.
  12. Web site: Kanoj. Priyanka. 2021-02-22. Balakrishna's makeover for his upcoming movie is to be a huge surprise to his fans. 2021-12-04. ibtimes.co.in. en.
  13. Web site: 2021-03-06. బాలయ్య సినిమా నుంచి ఆ ఇద్దరూ ఔట్‌!. 2021-12-04. Sakshi. te.
  14. Web site: 2021-12-05. బాలయ్య ఓ పవర్‌హౌస్‌!. 2021-12-06. Namasthe Telangana. en-US.
  15. Web site: Balakrishna is a super-hero: Akhanda fight master Stun Siva. 2021-12-06. ragalahari.com. 5 December 2021 . en.
  16. Web site: Arikatla. Venkat. 2020-11-06. Heroine Removed From Balakrishna – Boyapati Film!. 2021-12-04. greatandhra.com. en.
  17. News: Dundoo. Sangeetha Devi. 2021-11-22. Pragya Jaiswal: I took up 'Akhanda' with the trust I have in director Boyapati Srinu. en-IN. The Hindu. 2021-12-04. 0971-751X.
  18. News: Akhanda: Pragya Jaiswal shares her experience working with Nandamuri Balakrishna. 2021-12-04. The Times of India. en.
  19. Web site: 10 December 2022. Akhanda Movie Review: IMDb Rating, Cast, Story Hindi . 2022-12-14 . Stories cast . hi.
  20. News: Meet Raamz, the man behind Balakrishna's intense avatar in Akhanda – Times of India. 2021-12-11. The Times of India. en . Nyayapati . Neeshita .
  21. News: బాలయ్య కొత్త చిత్రం షూటింగ్‌ స్టార్ట్‌. 2 March 2021. 2 December 2021. Sakshi. Te.
  22. Web site: 2021-07-13. Balakrishna resumes shooting for 'Akhanda' in Hyderabad. 2021-12-03. The News Minute. en.
  23. Web site: 2021-07-13. Balakrishna's 'Akhanda' resumes shoot. 2021-12-03. Telangana Today. en-US.
  24. News: Climax shoot of Nandamuri Balakrishna and Pragya Jaiswal starrer Akhanda in progress. 2021-12-03. The Times of India. en.
  25. Web site: 2021-07-24. Balakrishna, Boyapati Srinu shoot Akhanda climax in Villupuram. https://web.archive.org/web/20210725050207/https://www.dtnext.in/News/Cinema/2021/07/24002358/1308322/Balakrishna-Boyapati-Srinu-shoot-Akhanda-climax-in-.vpf. dead. 25 July 2021. 2021-12-03. dtNext.in. en.
  26. Web site: 2021-07-24. Nandamuri Balakrishna shoots 'Akhanda' climax in Tamil Nadu. 2021-12-04. mid-day.com. en.
  27. News: Nandamuri Balakrishna to jet off to Goa for his next schedule of 'Akhanda' where he will shoot for songs. 2021-12-04. The Times of India. en.
  28. Web site: Vyas. 2021-09-13. Balakrishna heads to Goa. 2021-12-04. thehansindia.com. en.
  29. News: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Boyapati Srinu, Dwaraka Creations' Akhanda Shooting Wrapped Up. 5 October 2021. 2 December 2021. industryhit.com.
  30. News: 'Akhanda' first single out: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Pragya Jaiswal's 'Adigaa Adigaa' is a magical melody – Times of India. 2021-12-05. The Times of India. en.
  31. Web site: 2021-11-06. Title Song of Nandamuri Balakrishna's Akhanda to be Released on Nov 8. 2021-12-05. News18. en.
  32. Web site: Arikatla. Venkat. 2021-11-27. Jai Balayya From Akhanda: Full Dose Mass Number. 2021-12-05. greatandhra.com. en.
  33. Web site: February 1, 2021. Shivam. Parashar. Balakrishna and Boyapati Sreenu's 3rd collaboration to release on May 28. 2021-12-04. India Today. en.
  34. Web site: 2021-10-17. Dil Raju to distribute Balakrishna's 'Akhanda' in Nizam: Report. 2021-12-04. Deccan Herald. en.
  35. News: 'Akhanda' Tamil version to release this Friday. .
  36. Web site: 'Akhanda' to 'Ala Vaikunthapuramulo': Five Telugu blockbusters that were dubbed in Tamil. The Times of India. 28 January 2022.
  37. News: Vyas. 2021-04-19. Hotstar acquires digital rights of 'Akhanda'. 2021-12-04. thehansindia.com. en.
  38. Web site: 2021-12-03. Akhanda OTT Release Date Confirmed: Deets Inside. 2021-12-03. Sakshi Post. en.
  39. Web site: 2021-12-04. Akhanda : నటసింహం అఖండ డిజిటల్ రైట్స్ దక్కించుకుంది ఎవరో తెలుసా... 2021-12-04. TV9 Telugu. te.
  40. DisneyPlusHS . 1481559261524422660 . Ee sankranti season lo mee gadapa munduki vacchestunnadu. Hear "#Akhanda roar ! #AkhandaOnHotstar streaming from Jan 21st, 6pm. #AkhandaSankranthiSambaralu #NandamuriBalakrishna #Boyapatisreenu.
  41. Web site: 2022-01-22 . Akhanda Shatters Records on OTT . 2022-05-02 . Sakshi Post . en.
  42. Web site: 2022-01-13. New Trailer Released Ahead of 50 Days of Akhanda. 2022-01-18. News18. en.
  43. News: Akhanda movie Review & Rating . 2 December 2021. 2 December 2021. The Hans India.
  44. News: 2 December 2021. Review : Akhanda – Balayya's mass punch. 123telugu.com. 2 December 2021.
  45. News: Dundoo. Sangeetha Devi. 2021-12-02. 'Akhanda' movie review: An ultra high decibel roar. en-IN. The Hindu. 2021-12-03. 0971-751X.
  46. Web site: 2021-12-03. Akhanda review: Nandamuri Balakrishna film is an assault on the senses. The Indian Express.
  47. Web site: 2021-12-03. Akhanda Movie Review: Balakrishna punches the goons, this film punches the audience. Cinema Express.
  48. Web site: Vyas. 2021-12-03. Day One: Akhanda Collections. 2021-12-05. thehansindia.com. en.
  49. Web site: 2021-12-03. Akhanda box office day 1: Nandamuri Balakrishna film earns Rs 23 cr, exceeds expectations. 2021-12-05. The Indian Express. en.
  50. Web site: Akhanda 1st day WW collections: 'అఖండ' ఫస్ట్ డే ఏరియా వైజ్ కలెక్షన్స్.. బాక్సాఫీస్‌ను ఊచకోత కోసిన బాలకృష్ణ... 2021-12-05. News18 Telugu. 3 December 2021 . te.
  51. Web site: 2021-12-04. Vaartha Online Edition ముఖ్యాంశాలు. 2021-12-05. Vaartha. en-US.
  52. News: Balakrishna's 'Akhanda' grosses $500,000 in the US – Times of India. 2021-12-05. The Times of India. en.
  53. Web site: Balakrishna's 'Akhanda' grosses $500,000 in the US. https://web.archive.org/web/20211205061100/https://www.sify.com/movies/balakrishnas-akhanda-grosses-500000-in-the-us-news-bollywood-vmekPsafieggd.html. dead. 5 December 2021. 2021-12-05. Sify. en.
  54. Web site: 2021-12-06. Balakrishna's Akhanda Takes Box Office by Storm, Rakes in Over Rs 44 Cr in 4 Days. 2021-12-06. News18. en.
  55. Web site: 2021-12-09. అఖండ మూవీతో 100 కోట్ల మార్క్‌ను అందుకోబోతున్న బాలయ్య Prajasakti. Prajasakti. te.
  56. News: Akhanda Box Office Collection: 'అఖండ'జోరు.. సెంచరీ కొట్టిన బాలయ్య. 12 December 2021. Sakshi. te.
  57. Web site: Akhanda Total World Wide Collections. 7 February 2022 . February 7, 2022. Web site: Today . Telangana . 2022-01-20 . Balakrishna's 'Akhanda' completes 50 days in theatres successfully . 2022-05-02 . Telangana Today . en-US.
  58. Web site: Winners Of The Filmfare Awards South 2022 - Telugu . 2022-10-29 . . en.