Kannappa, an upcoming Telugu-language fantasy film, is poised to be one of the most ambitious mythological projects in Indian cinema. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by veteran actor Mohan Babu under AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory, the film is based on the revered legend of Kannappa, a tribal hunter whose unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva elevated him to sainthood. The film is set for a pan-India release in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, and English.
Cast
Leading the film is Vishnu Manchu, portraying the titular role of Kannappa. The ensemble cast includes:
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Mohan Babu
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R. Sarathkumar
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Arpit Ranka
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Kaushal Manda
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Rahul Madhav
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Devaraj
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Mukesh Rishi
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Brahmanandam
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Raghu Babu
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Preity Mukhundhan
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Madhoo
The film also features special cameo appearances by:
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Mohanlal
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Prabhas
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Akshay Kumar (marking his Telugu film debut)
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Kajal Aggarwal
Notably, Prabhas portrays Lord Shiva in a powerful cameo, while Akshay Kumar and Mohanlal also appear in pivotal roles. These pan-India stars reportedly waived their remuneration for their appearances, underscoring their commitment to the project.
Story
The narrative chronicles the journey of Kannappa, a tribal hunter from the Chenchu tribe in Andhra Pradesh, whose profound devotion to Lord Shiva leads him to make the ultimate sacrifice. The film delves into themes of faith, sacrifice, and divine grace, bringing to life the legend of a devotee who offered his eyes to the deity in an act of unparalleled devotion.
Production
The project, nearly a decade in the making, was officially launched with a pooja ceremony on August 18, 2023, at the Srikalahasteeswara temple in Srikalahasti. Principal photography commenced on September 25, 2023, in New Zealand, with subsequent schedules planned in various international locations to capture the film’s epic scope. The screenplay was developed by a team including Paruchuri Gopala Krishna, Thota Prasad, Sainath Thotapalli, and Sai Madhav Burra, with Vishnu Manchu credited as the writer.
Music and Technical Crew
The film’s music is composed by Stephen Devassy, with lyrics by Suddala Ashok Teja, Ramajogayya Sastry, and Bhaskarabhatla. Cinematography is handled by Sheldon Chau, and editing by Anthony. The production design aims to authentically recreate the ancient era, enhancing the film’s mythological ambiance.
Budget and Release
While the exact budget remains undisclosed, Kannappa is considered a high-budget production, reflecting its expansive scale and star-studded cast. The film was initially scheduled for release on April 25, 2025, but has been postponed due to VFX enhancements and post-production work. A new release date is expected to be announced soon.
Kannappa promises to be a cinematic spectacle, blending devotional fervor with grand storytelling. With its ensemble cast, rich narrative, and high production values, the film is poised to make a significant impact upon its release.
