A Grand Devotional Saga Hits the Screen
On June 27, 2025, Kannappa, the much-anticipated Telugu mythological drama, premiered worldwide, bringing the legendary tale of Lord Shiva’s devotee to life. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and led by Vishnu Manchu as Thinnadu (Kannappa), the film boasts a star-studded cast, including Prabhas, Mohan Babu, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, and Kajal Aggarwal. Produced by Vishnu’s 24 Frames Factory and Ava Entertainment, this pan-Indian epic has generated massive buzz, fueled by its devotional theme and Prabhas’s pivotal role as Rudra. The Kannappa movie review explores whether this ambitious project lives up to its hype, delivering a spiritual experience or falling short of its grand vision.
Plot: A Tribal Hunter’s Path to Divinity
Kannappa tells the story of Thinnadu, a fierce atheist tribal hunter from the Chenchu tribe in Andhra Pradesh, played by Vishnu Manchu. Living by instinct and rejecting divinity, Thinnadu’s world shifts when he encounters a silent Shiva lingam in the forest, sparking a transformative spiritual journey. His unconventional offerings—water from his mouth and meat from his hunts—culminate in a legendary act of devotion: sacrificing his own eyes to stop the bleeding of the Shiva lingam. The narrative weaves emotional and spiritual layers, with key characters like Rudra (Prabhas), Mahadeva Shasthri (Mohan Babu), and Nemali (Preity Mukhundhan) shaping Thinnadu’s path. The film opens with a devotional song by Vishnu’s daughters, Ariaana and Viviana Manchu, introducing Lord Shiva and Parvathi, played by Akshay Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal.
Performances: Vishnu and Prabhas Shine
Vishnu Manchu’s Sincere Effort
Vishnu Manchu pours his heart into the role of Thinnadu, delivering a career-best performance. His transformation from a skeptical hunter to a devoted follower is compelling, particularly in a single-take monologue that resonates with emotional depth. Vishnu’s dedication, both as actor and producer, is evident in every frame, earning praise for his commitment to retelling Kannappa’s story for a modern audience.
Prabhas Steals the Show
Prabhas, as Rudra, enters in the second half and elevates the film with his commanding presence. His 30-minute role blends humor, wisdom, and divinity, with fiery scenes alongside Vishnu and Mohan Babu becoming major highlights. Fans have lauded his soulful cameo, noting its emotional resonance with family audiences, reminiscent of his Baahubali impact.
Supporting Cast
- Mohan Babu: As Mahadeva Shasthri, he delivers a restrained performance, though his role feels underutilized, missing chances for deeper dramatic impact.
- Mohanlal: His brief pre-interval scene with Vishnu is impactful, but his limited screen time leaves fans wanting more.
- Akshay Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal: Their cameos as Lord Shiva and Parvathi are brief but visually striking, with Kajal’s portrayal earning special praise from devotees for its divine aura.
- Others: Preity Mukhundhan holds her own as Nemali, but supporting roles by Madhubala, Brahmanandam, and Saptagiri feel underdeveloped, adding little to the narrative.
Strengths: Emotional Climax and Visual Grandeur
Kannappa shines in its second half, particularly after Prabhas’s entry, where the devotional angle kicks in and scenes hit harder. The climax, centered on Thinnadu’s eye-sacrificing act, is described as spine-chilling and tear-inducing, striking a strong emotional chord. Sheldon Chau’s cinematography delivers a rich visual experience, capturing the lush New Zealand landscapes where the film was shot. Stephen Devassy’s background score enhances the devotional intensity, with the song “Sri-Kala-Hasti” by Ariaana and Viviana Manchu adding emotional weight. Vishnu’s heartfelt effort and the film’s sincere attempt to retell a timeless tale of devotion have resonated with audiences, especially Shiva devotees.
Weaknesses: Pacing and Execution Issues
Despite its strengths, Kannappa struggles with a slow first half that lacks narrative focus. The pacing falters due to out-of-place romantic songs and underdeveloped subplots, disrupting the spiritual flow. Several supporting characters, including those played by Madhubala and Brahmanandam, feel extraneous, missing opportunities to enrich the story. Action sequences are underwhelming, with choreography that could have been sharper. Some VFX shots appear lackluster, not fully justifying the reported ₹200 crore budget. Director Mukesh Kumar Singh’s sincere approach is evident, but the writing could have delved deeper into the emotional and spiritual layers, and minor edits for the Hindi version—removing sensitive scenes like placing a foot on the Shiva lingam—slightly dilute the authenticity.
Audience and Critical Reception
Fan Reactions
Social media buzz reflects a polarized response. Fans have praised Vishnu Manchu’s “stellar” performance and Prabhas’s “unforgettable” cameo, with one calling the climax “a thousand times better than expected.” A Kajal Aggarwal fan hailed her Maa Parvati role as a “visual treat,” while others noted the film’s appeal to family audiences. However, some criticized the slow first half and uneven VFX, urging viewers to ignore negative reviews and focus on the emotional second half. Manchu Manoj’s viral review, praising the final 20 minutes without directly naming Vishnu, highlighted family tensions but underscored the film’s impact.
Box Office Buzz
Kannappa has seen strong advance bookings, particularly in Telugu states, driven by Prabhas’s star power. Its pan-Indian release in multiple languages, coupled with positive early reactions from overseas premieres, suggests a solid opening. Vishnu’s heartfelt note on release day, stating, “This moment… I’ve waited for it my entire life,” struck a chord, with fans calling the film “yours now.”
The Bigger Picture: A Landmark for Tollywood
Kannappa is a bold step for Telugu cinema, aiming to blend mythological storytelling with pan-Indian appeal. Vishnu Manchu’s years-long passion project, backed by a stellar cast and shot in New Zealand, showcases Tollywood’s ambition to compete on a national stage. While not flawless, its emotional climax and devotional intensity make it a compelling watch for Shiva devotees and fans of epic dramas. The film’s success could pave the way for more mythological epics, though tighter execution and better VFX will be key for future endeavors.
FAQ: Key Questions Answered
What is Kannappa about?
The film follows Thinnadu, an atheist tribal hunter (Vishnu Manchu), who transforms into a devoted follower of Lord Shiva after encountering a Shiva lingam, culminating in a legendary act of sacrifice.
Who stars in Kannappa?
Vishnu Manchu leads as Thinnadu, with Prabhas as Rudra, Mohan Babu as Mahadeva Shasthri, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, and Preity Mukhundhan in key roles.
Why was Kannappa edited for Hindi audiences?
Sensitive scenes, like placing a foot on the Shiva lingam and pouring water from the mouth, were cut to avoid hurting sentiments, ensuring a smooth Hindi release.
How have fans reacted to Kannappa?
Fans praise Vishnu’s sincere performance and Prabhas’s impactful cameo, especially the emotional climax, though some criticize the slow first half and uneven VFX.
A Sincere Devotional Triumph
Kannappa is a heartfelt attempt to bring a legendary tale of devotion to modern audiences. Vishnu Manchu delivers a career-defining performance, while Prabhas’s Rudra energizes the second half, making it a memorable spiritual saga. Despite a slow start, underdeveloped characters, and VFX shortcomings, the film’s emotional climax and rich visuals strike a chord, especially for Lord Shiva devotees. With a 3/5 rating, Kannappa succeeds as a sincere devotional epic, though tighter pacing and deeper storytelling could have elevated it further. As Vishnu Manchu’s dream project, it’s a testament to Tollywood’s ambition, leaving audiences moved and hopeful for more such tales.
