Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Akhanda 2 was initially slated for release on December 5, but the makers officially postponed it without announcing a new date. According to a source, the film’s producers, Ram and Gopi Achanta, are currently in Mumbai discussing the matter with Eros. “If they reach an understanding, the film might hit the screens tonight. Otherwise, the release will be pushed to another date,” the source added.
The root of the issue goes back to the film 1: Nenokkadine (2014), produced by 14 Reels Entertainment, owned by Anil Sunkara, Ram, and Gopi Achanta. The Mahesh Babu–starrer, distributed by Eros Entertainment, was a major box-office failure. Directed by Sukumar, the film also marked Kriti Sanon’s debut. At that time, the production house owed money to Eros, and with accumulated interest, the amount has now risen to nearly ₹28 crore. After the split, Ram and Gopi Achanta launched a new banner, 14 Reels Plus Entertainment, but they allegedly ignored multiple notices from Eros regarding repayment. As a result, Eros approached the court and obtained a stay that halted the release of Akhanda 2.
The producers are not only entangled in legal trouble — they are also facing pressure from financiers. “Some financiers who provided funds for the film’s production haven’t issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the release,” revealed another source. The producers reportedly owe these financiers around ₹60–70 crore.
Insiders say the film’s budget crossed ₹200 crore, including the remunerations of Balakrishna and director Boyapati Srinu. Balakrishna charged around ₹35 crore, while Boyapati Srinu reportedly took home ₹30 crore.
Actors such as Aadhi Pinisetty, Samyuktha, and Harshaali Malhotra feature in the film, along with hundreds of junior artistes. The makers also shot footage during the Kumbh Mela with real crowds, later adding studio sequences involving large groups of artistes — all of which significantly increased the production costs.
A producer who requested anonymity stated that the team behind Akhanda 2 was fully aware of their dues to both Eros and their financiers but chose not to update Balakrishna about the issues. “Had they informed him earlier, the problem might have been resolved sooner, leading to a smooth release,” the producer said. The makers were reportedly expecting large advances after completion, but the response did not meet expectations. “The music hasn’t clicked, the openings are weak, and the overall buzz is low. On top of that, they opted for a 3D release, which further increased costs,” the producer added.
“Ultimately, it’s a major financial mess that the producers should have addressed long before the release, but they didn’t,” he concluded.