Here's a comprehensive update on the movie "Kannappa":
Release Date:
* "Kannappa" is officially slated for a worldwide theatrical release on June 27, 2025. It will be released in Telugu, and dubbed versions in Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and English.
* The film was originally scheduled for April 25, 2025, but was delayed due to VFX enhancement and post-production work.
Cast and Crew:
* Vishnu Manchu plays the titular role of Kannappa, a devout follower of Lord Shiva. He is also involved in the film's production and has contributed to the writing and screenplay.
* Mohan Babu (Vishnu Manchu's father) is the producer of the film and also plays a powerful priest in the movie.
* Mukesh Kumar Singh is the director.
* Sheldon Chau is the cinematographer.
* Stephen Devassy and Mani Sharma are the music composers.
* Anthony is the editor.
* Prabhu Deva is the dance choreographer, and Kecha Khamphakdee is the action director.
Star-Studded Cameos/Key Roles:
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast with several prominent actors in special appearances or key roles:
* Prabhas as Rudra (a special appearance). His look was recently revealed and garnered significant attention.
* Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva (a special appearance).
* Mohanlal as Kirata (a crucial cameo role).
* Kajal Aggarwal as Goddess Parvati.
* R. Sarathkumar as Nathanadhudu.
* Madhoo as Pannaga.
* Brahmanandam as Pilaka.
* Mukesh Rishi as Kampadu.
* Preity Mukhundhan as Nemali.
* Mohan Babu's family members: His son Vishnu Manchu plays the lead, and his grandson Avram Manchu plays the childhood role of Kannappa. Vishnu's twin daughters, Ariana and Viviana, have sung a song and will be seen in cameo roles, and his daughter Arya Vidya is also making a special appearance.
Plot and Theme:
* "Kannappa" is a mythological epic based on the legend of Bhakta Kannappa, a hunter from Andhra Pradesh's folklore who transforms into one of Lord Shiva's most devoted followers. The story is closely tied to the Srikalahasti Temple.
* The film aims to blend mythology with high-octane fantasy and emotion, showcasing the journey of a man who initially doubts the divine but develops unwavering faith.
Production and Budget:
* The film is produced by Mohan Babu under the banners Twenty Four Frames Factory and AVA Entertainment.
* It is a big-budget production, with reports indicating a budget of over ₹150-200 crore.
* Principal photography began on September 25, 2023, in New Zealand.
Recent Buzz and Pre-release Information:
* Vishnu Manchu recently completed a spiritual journey, visiting all twelve Jyotirlingas across India, ahead of the film's release.
* Advance bookings have opened, showing a promising start, particularly in the Telugu states.
* The makers have issued a strong warning against online trolling of the film, stating that legal action will be taken against those found doing so.
* The film has been cleared by the CBFC with a UA 13+ rating and has a lengthy runtime of 3 hours and 2 minutes.
Overall, "Kannappa" is shaping up to be a grand mythological action drama with a star-studded cast, aiming for a pan-India release and significant box office success.
