Akhanda 2 Release Postponed: Why Balakrishna’s Film Faces Legal and Financial Trouble

Akhanda 2, the highly anticipated sequel starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, has been postponed indefinitely, just hours before its scheduled worldwide release on December 5. The delay has sent shockwaves across the Telugu film industry, with legal and financial setbacks emerging as the core reasons behind the abrupt halt.

Official Postponement Announced by Makers

Production house 14 Reels Plus confirmed the postponement on December 4, issuing an emotional statement on X, citing “unavoidable circumstances” and apologising to fans awaiting the sequel.

“#Akhanda2 will not be releasing as scheduled… We are working tirelessly to resolve the matter at the earliest,” the statement read.

The film, co-starring Samyuktha and Harshaali Malhotra, currently has no new release date.

Confusion in Telugu States: Bookings Halted, KDMs Delayed

Trouble began early in the day across the Telugu states, particularly in the Nizam region, where ticket bookings failed to open. Exhibitors reported inconsistent updates, leaving fans repeatedly checking ticketing platforms.

Paid premieres scheduled for December 4 were cancelled, signalling deeper problems behind the scenes. Overseas KDMs (Key Delivery Messages), required to enable digital screenings, were not cleared, causing cancellations in international locations as well.

Industry sources noted that 14 Reels Plus has been facing financial strain due to underperforming previous projects, which may have contributed to last-minute disruptions.

Tamil Nadu Roadblock: Legal Dispute with Eros International

The film’s release in Tamil Nadu hit a legal barrier after Eros International Media Limited secured an injunction from the Madras High Court, halting any form of release or commercial use of Akhanda 2.

A Division Bench of Justice SM Subramaniam and Justice C Kumarappan ruled in favour of Eros, citing a longstanding arbitral dispute involving 14 Reels Entertainment Private Limited, amounting to nearly Rs 28 crore.

Eros argued that 14 Reels Plus LLP, linked to 14 Reels Entertainment, was attempting to release the sequel “to indirectly evade compliance with the arbitral award.”

After reviewing the submissions, the court restrained the makers from distributing or screening the film until further orders.

What’s Next for Akhanda 2?

With legal hurdles in Tamil Nadu and financial complications in Telugu states, the release of Akhanda 2 remains uncertain. The makers have not provided a revised release timeline, and negotiations are reportedly underway to resolve both financial and legal issues.

For now, fans will have to wait for an official update from 14 Reels Plus as the future of Balakrishna’s much-awaited sequel remains in limbo.