Banger track 'Thaandavam' from blockbuster movie Akhanda-2 launched in swag-style by 'Padma Bhushan' Nandamuri Balakrishna ( box-office Badshah Balayya ) By Sr. Journalist Chatanya Padukone

When charismatic super-star actor-politician and  Padma Bhushan Nandamuri Balakrishna climbs onto  the stage-auditorium, the atmosphere transforms, gets electrified with reverence and larger than life. The grand star-studded launch last night of Thaandavam from Akhanda 2 by Raam Achanta and Gopi Achanta at PVR Juhu Theatre, under the prestigious 14 Reels Plus banner, with  M. Tejeswini Nandamuri was no exception. It was a celebration of the indomitable spirit of Indian Cinema’s ultimate mass superstar, the man who has ruled the screen for Five Decades with unshakable charismatic stardom and thunderous energy.. As is known to everyone , elected MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna ( Badshah Balayya-gaaru) is the son of legendary 'late' NTR ( Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao) who was a multi-faceted mega-star actor-director-philanthropist-politician and served as the highly respected and admired Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh State ! And super-star actor-politician philanthropist son Balakrishna-gaaru is diligently carrying forward the glorious legacy of his great iconic father ! 

Held amidst dazzling lights, thunderous cheers, and an aura of divinity befitting the God of Masses, the launch saw Balakrishna take center stage as fans, co-stars, and industry stalwarts paid tribute to his unmatched legacy. The launch marked the unveiling of Thaandavam, a high-octane number that perfectly embodies his larger-than-life persona: powerful, magnetic, and unstoppable !.  

Directed by Boyapati Sreenu, composed by the musical storm S. Thaman, and produced by Gopi Achanta in collaboration with Zee Studios,--spectacular movie  Akhanda 2 brings together the dream team that redefined cinematic grandeur. Starring Balakrishna opposite stunning star-heroine Samyuktha, this movie releases on Friday, December 5, 2025, a date already etched in the calendars of millions of ardent, loyal fans.  

The event glittered with the presence of popular stars like Aadhi Pinisetty, Harshali Malhotra,( who played Salman Khan's child-costar 'Munni' in landmark movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan ( 2015),  Saswata Chatterjee ( of 'Kahaani' and 'Dhaakad' movies etc  fame) , Bhutanese macho actor Sangay Tsheltrim ( of SRK's Jawan and Salman Khan's Radhe movies fame),.  Usman Khann, and several others, but the spotlight and limelight undoubtedly belonged to one man; Balakrishna. His arrival was greeted by deafening applause, chorus-chants echoing his name, and a standing ovation that reaffirmed what the nation already knows, no one commands the screen, or the crowd, like Badshah  Balayya ! .

2025 has been a landmark year for the legend. Conferred with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, Balakrishna was recognized not only for his extraordinary contributions to cinema but also for his deep commitment to public service and philanthropy. The son of the iconic matinee idol and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao, Balakrishna has carved his own towering legacy, with over a hundred films, three Nandi Awards, two SIIMA Awards, and an IIFA Award to his name.

And yet, his greatest recognition came this year when he became the first Indian actor to be inducted into the World Book of Records for completing 50 glorious years in films, a very rare feat achieved in Indian cinematic history.

During the late '80s and during '90s. when I as an eminent film-journalist from Mumbai would be invited to visit Hyderabad for film-events or for location-shootings of Hindi movies, I used to meet and converse at parties with superstar Balakrishna-Sir who has a friendly, extrovert. nature. Unfortunately, yesterday evening, at the 'Thaandavam' song launch event, in Mumbai,  I was unable to meet him, as he was being mobbed and surrounded by hundreds of cheering fans and also there was a tight security-cordon, it was not possible to directly speak to him.But next time he visits Mumbai, I hope I get to speak to him.

 Nandamuri Balakrishna says _"I am a deeply spiritual person, and every morning begins with prayer and gratitude. My journey in healthcare is personal and profound, I lost my mother to cancer, and that loss became my purpose. For the past 15 years, I have served as the Chairman of our cancer hospital, a dream envisioned by my father and built to ensure that even those who cannot afford treatment receive care, dignity, and hope. It is a blessing and an honor that the hospital was inaugurated by the late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, whose presence and blessings continue to inspire our mission every day”_ *he further adds* _”As artists, we create with our hearts, but it is the audience that gives our work purpose. Thaandavam and Akhanda 2 are special because they represent the collective effort, passion, and faith of so many people. . I am humbled by the love of my fans who have stood by me for five decades. Their devotion is my true strength"_

Speaking at the event, Usman Khann expressed his admiration for the legend, saying* _“Standing beside Balakrishna garu on stage is like standing next to a force of nature. His energy, generosity, and sheer screen power inspire every actor on set. Thaandavam is just a glimpse of the storm he is about to unleash in Akhanda 2"