Explore the highs and lows of this Telugu mythological drama starring Vishnu Manchu, with Prabhas and Mohanlal in striking cameos. Why it stumbles with a slow pace but shines in its emotional climax.
In a Nutshell
Story
Positives & Negatives
Rating
Hi everyone! I caught the morning show of Kannappa on June 27, 2025, and as a cinema enthusiast who lives for the thrill of a good story, I’m here to share my honest take. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and starring Vishnu Manchu, with cameos from stars like Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Akshay Kumar, this Telugu mythological drama promised a grand tale of devotion to Lord Shiva.
But did it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to follow, keeping it real and straight from the heart, with a focus on the story, performances, and technical bits that stood out—or didn’t.
The Story: A Hunter’s Journey to Faith
Kannappa follows Thinnadu, a tribal youth from the Chenchu tribe, played by Vishnu Manchu. He’s a bold, atheist hunter who scoffs at traditions and lives life his way. Inspired by the Sri Kalahasti temple’s history, the film traces Thinnadu’s transformation into Kannappa, a legendary devotee of Lord Shiva.
Along the way, he falls for Nemali (Preity Mukhundhan), a village girl, adding a touch of romance to his rugged life. The heart of the story is Thinnadu’s spiritual awakening, leading to a dramatic act of sacrifice—offering his eyes to Lord Shiva.
Sounds like a powerful setup, right? It could’ve been, but the story feels like a long hike that loses its way.
The first half is stuffed with filler scenes—random action and a romance that feels tacked on, like a song playing in the wrong movie. The second half picks up, especially in the final 40 minutes, where the emotional climax hits hard with Thinnadu’s devotion.
But getting there feels like a chore, and the scattered narrative doesn’t fully capture the spiritual depth it aims for.
What Works (and What Doesn’t): Performances and More
Let’s talk about the good stuff first. Vishnu Manchu gives it his all as Thinnadu, especially in the climax, where his raw emotion as Kannappa shines through. You can feel his dedication, both as an actor and producer, pouring his heart into a project that took almost 10 years to complete despite setbacks.
The star cameos are a highlight, too. Prabhas, as Rudra, brings a calm, commanding vibe in his 30-minute role, lifting the film’s energy in the second half. Mohanlal’s 15-minute stint as Kirata is pure class, and Akshay Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal, as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, look divine, even if their roles are brief. Mohan Babu (Mahadeva Shastri) and R. Sarathkumar (Nathanathudu, Kannappa’s father) add solid support with their seasoned performances.
The music by Stephen Devassy is a standout, with devotional songs like “Shiva Shiva Shankaraa” carrying the film’s spiritual vibe. Shot in New Zealand’s lush forests and misty mountains, the visuals give Kannappa a grand, almost magical feel. The VFX in the climax, while not top-tier, supports the emotional weight well enough.
But here’s where it stumbles. The first half drags with scenes that feel pointless, and the romantic subplot between Thinnadu and Nemali (played decently by Preity Mukhundhan) doesn’t match with the devotional core of the film.The dialogue lacks punch, often feeling flat or out of place.
At over three hours, the film tests your patience, and the screenplay, written by Vishnu Manchu, feels loose, missing the tight storytelling of epics like Baahubali or Kantara.
Technical Highlights: A Mixed Bag of Effort
On the technical side, Kannappa has moments of promise but doesn’t fully deliver. The production values are decent for a mid-budget film, and shooting in New Zealand’s natural landscapes instead of sets gives it an authentic, grounded feel. The cinematography captures the beauty of the forests and mountains, making the divine moments pop. The VFX, especially in the climax, is passable but not groundbreaking—think “good enough” rather than “mind-blowing.”
The music and background score by Stephen Devassy and Mani Sharma are the real MVPs, with devotional tracks that elevate the film’s spiritual tone. However, some song sequences, especially in the first half, feel like they belong in a different movie, disrupting the flow. The editing could’ve been sharper to trim the runtime and keep the story focused.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
As someone who loves cinema, I wanted Kannappa to be a game-changer, but it left me disappointed. The film has a heartfelt climax that hits the right emotional notes, but it’s a tough slog to get there. The first half feels like a filler-heavy drag, with a loose screenplay and weak dialogue that don’t do justice to the epic tale of devotion.
Even the star-studded cast, including Prabhas and Mohanlal, can’t fully save it from feeling artificial and disconnected. It’s not a remake, which is a plus, but it lacks the originality and cultural depth to leave a lasting impression.
Sitting through three hours of Kannappa felt like a test of endurance. The final moments offer a bit of sweetness, but only because the rest of the film is so bitter in comparison. It’s like appreciating a decent meal after hours of hunger—it’s not great on its own merit.
Compared to films like Adipurush, Kannappa is another missed opportunity in the mythological genre. It has flashes of brilliance, but the poor execution and uneven performances hold it back.
My Rating: 2/5 Stars
Honestly, I can’t recommend Kannappa as a must-watch. If you’re a die-hard fan of devotional stories or the star cast (Prabhas), you might find some moments worth experiencing on the big screen. But for most movie enthusiasts, this one’s a tough sit that won’t stick with you.
I’d say save your time and revisit a classic like Kantara or Baahubali 1 & 2 instead—or let me know what you think if you’ve seen it!
Kannappa can become another Adipurush or Kanguva at the box office, with its grand vision undermined by a sluggish pace and disjointed narrative.
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Also Read :- Kuberaa Movie Review: A Gritty, Emotional Ride That Shines Bright