‘Akhanda’ movie review: An ultra high decibel roar
The Hindu
Boyapati Srinu and Nandamuri Balakrishna deliver a loud mass action entertainer that is strictly for the fanbase
There are films, and there are films by director Boyapati Srinu. Then there are films by Boyapati Srinu starring Nandamuri Balakrishna. In the cinematic universe where the two collaborate, everything is larger than life. Nothing is subtle, not even remotely. In their third outing together after Simha and Legend, the two decide to up the scale and the decibels. Telugu film Akhanda stars Balakrishna in a dual role, but we’ll come to that in a bit.
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The director is aware of the star’s massive fanbase. Chants of ‘Jai Balayya’ are the norm when his films arrive at the theatres. This time, the fans took it a step further. Sample this: ‘Edukondalavada Venkataramana… jai Balayya!’ In Akhanda, one of the roles essayed by Balakrishna is akin to a demi-God, someone who has superhuman powers with the blessings of lord Shiva. The other character played by Balakrishna is named Murali Krishna, a Good Samaritan who has been instrumental in stopping faction strife and is revered by all.