Suddenly, a section of netizens began targeting Balakrishna, accusing him of not helping the producers during this crucial phase of 'Akhanda 2' release.
Some even comparing him to Pawan Kalyan, who intervened in financial matters during Hari Hara Veera Mallu.
But this criticism overlooks one important fact that Balakrishna acted with generosity from the start.
When multiple producers showed interest in Akhanda 2, he stepped back from all of them and chose to support 14 Reels, knowing they were already facing difficulties.
The producers made the film and sold it at very high prices; addressing old financial issues remains entirely their responsibility, not Balakrishna’s.
Moreover, Balakrishna went beyond expectations to support the project. For the first time, he travelled extensively to promote the film, including campaigns in Mumbai and interactions with Hindi media.
Offering the film itself was already a huge gesture, but he additionally shouldered promotional efforts to ensure strong buzz. Beyond this, there is little more an actor can realistically do.
If blame must be assigned, some point to director Boyapati Sreenu’s decision to escalate the budget to nearly Rs 200 crore.
Had the film been completed within a more reasonable range of around Rs 60 crore, the producers might have avoided today’s financial strain and cleared their pending dues more easily.
The bottom line is that Balakrishna doesn’t deserve any blame for the situation the producers are facing.
Instead, the producers should apologize to Balakrishna for failing to bring out the film on time as promised.
