Kannappa, the much-anticipated mythological drama starring Vishnu Manchu, has finally hit theatres worldwide on June 27, 2025, marking a significant moment in Telugu cinema. The film, directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by Mohan Babu under AVA Entertainment & 24 Frames Factory, retells the legendary tale of Thinna, an atheist hunter who transforms into one of the fiercest devotees of Lord Shiva, ultimately earning the name Kannappa through his profound sacrifice.
Vishnu Manchu takes on the titular role, delivering what many consider his career-best performance, especially in the emotionally charged climax. The film also boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring powerhouse actors like Mohan Babu as Mahadeva Shasthri, R. Sarathkumar, and cameo appearances from stars across Indian cinema, including Prabhas as Rudra, Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva, Mohanlal as Kirata, and Kajal Aggarwal as Goddess Parvati. The inclusion of such high-profile actors has elevated audience expectations and added a pan-Indian appeal to the project.
Kannappa's journey to the big screen has been nearly a decade in the making, with its official launch on August 18, 2023, at the Srikalahasteeswara temple in Srikalahasti. Principal photography commenced in September 2023, predominantly in New Zealand, chosen for its lush landscapes that aimed to authentically recreate a second-century forest setting. Cinematographer Sheldon Chau captured these verdant locales, contributing to the film's visual grandeur.
Despite the film’s ambitious scope and star-studded cast, reviews have been mixed, highlighting both its strengths and shortcomings. The narrative follows Thinna, a tribal prince and atheist portrayed by Vishnu Manchu, whose skepticism toward blind faith and idol worship sets the stage for a transformative spiritual journey. The story explores his internal conflict and eventual devotion to Lord Shiva, culminating in a powerful climax where he offers his eyes in ultimate surrender—a moment that resonates deeply with audiences.
Critics and viewers alike have praised the film's second half, noting a significant uptick in engagement, emotional depth, and storytelling strength. Vishnu Manchu’s performance shines brightest during this segment, particularly in the last 30 to 40 minutes, where his portrayal of Thinna’s transformation is both compelling and heartfelt. Prabhas’s cameo as Rudra is widely regarded as a major highlight, with his screen presence and impactful dialogues injecting energy and gravitas into the narrative. His role, spanning over 17 minutes in some screenings, has been described as soul-stirring and a key factor in elevating the film’s climax.
Similarly, Mohanlal and Akshay Kumar deliver commendable performances in their cameo roles, with Mohanlal’s sequences adding depth and Akshay Kumar embodying Lord Shiva with a divine aura that resonates with viewers. Kajal Aggarwal’s brief but visually captivating portrayal of Maa Parvati has also been appreciated, adding to the film’s devotional atmosphere.
Musically, Stephen Devassy’s score has garnered praise for its ability to enhance emotional moments and elevate the overall cinematic experience. The devotional songs and background music, especially in the latter half, have been highlighted as major assets that complement the film’s spiritual themes. Additionally, Brahmanandam’s comedic scenes provide welcome relief, balancing the film’s intense emotional and dramatic sequences.
However, the film’s first half has drawn criticism for its pacing and narrative choices. While it starts with promise—introducing Thinna’s character and setting up the tribal conflicts—the momentum falters due to a prolonged romantic subplot between Thinna and Nemali, played by Preity Mukhundhan. This track, marked by a lack of chemistry and an arguably unnecessary focus on skin show, has been described as distracting and incongruous within the devotional framework of the film. Some viewers have questioned the appropriateness of such elements in a mythological drama, suggesting they detract from the film’s core message.
Moreover, the film’s screenplay and direction in the first half have been called uneven, with unnecessary action sequences and a failure to establish a strong emotional connection with the audience. Editing by Anthony has been noted as an area needing improvement, with suggestions that at least 20 to 25 minutes could have been trimmed to tighten the narrative.
The visual effects have been a particularly contentious point among audiences and critics. Many have compared Kannappa’s VFX unfavorably to those of other recent mythological films, notably citing it as the “worst VFX since Adipurush.” While some scenes achieve visual grandeur, others suffer from artificiality and lack of polish, which at times distracts rather than immerses. The tribal skirmishes, especially the confrontations with the Kalamukha clan, have been described as derivative and underwhelming, borrowing heavily from prior cinematic epics without matching their impact.
Despite these criticisms, the film’s emotional core—rooted in the bond between Thinna and his father (Sarathkumar), his yearning for his late mother, and his spiritual awakening—offers moments of genuine pathos. Mohan Babu’s commanding presence as Mahadeva Shasthri and Sarathkumar’s performance stand out among the ensemble, lending gravitas to the film’s pivotal moments.
Kannappa also faced pre-release challenges, including scrutiny from the censor board, which awarded it a U/A 13+ certificate. An 11-member revision committee recommended modifications to approximately 13 scenes and certain dialogues, replacing objectionable words to avoid controversy. A disclaimer at the film’s start clarifies that the story is based on the Srikalahasti Mahatyam by Dhurjati and the Basava Puranam, with cinematic liberties taken. The makers also issued a strong warning against defamatory acts targeting the film, emphasizing responsible critique.
In a notable industry move, Vishnu Manchu confirmed that Kannappa will not be available on OTT platforms before completing a 10-week theatrical run, underscoring his commitment to preserving the film’s theatrical experience amid a landscape where digital releases often follow quickly after cinema premieres.
Social media reactions mirror the mixed critical response. Many fans have lauded the film’s emotional climax, Prabhas’s cameo, and Vishnu Manchu’s dedication. Tweets describe the film as a “heartfelt effort” with a “super blockbuster” second half, while acknowledging the first half’s sluggishness. The film’s grandeur, devotional themes, and powerful performances have been celebrated, even as technical and narrative flaws are noted.
Ultimately, Kannappa stands as a visually ambitious and emotionally resonant retelling of a revered legend. While its execution falters in places—particularly in pacing, visual effects, and screenplay—the film’s strengths lie in its compelling climax, stirring performances, and devotional spirit. It invites audiences to witness the transformation of a skeptic into a devoted warrior, a story that continues to inspire across generations.
For those willing to endure its uneven first half, Kannappa offers a rewarding cinematic journey, culminating in a finale that stirs the soul and honors the enduring legacy of faith and sacrifice.
