'Kannappa', the highly anticipated devotional epic, hit theaters worldwide on June 27, 2025. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by M. Mohan Babu under AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory, the film stars Vishnu Manchu in the titular role. It boasts a stellar pan-Indian ensemble, including Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva, Mohanlal, Prabhas, Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Brahmanandam, Preity Mukhundhan (as Nemali), and Kajal Aggarwal as Goddess Parvati.
Basic Plot: A Hunter's Transformative Devotion
The film chronicles the legendary tale of Kannappa, originally named Thinnadu, a tribal hunter with an initial atheist outlook. Raised outside traditional religious customs, his life takes a profound turn when he encounters a Shiva Lingam in the forest. What begins as a crude, almost rebellious form of worship, marked by offering meat and water from his mouth, transforms into an unwavering and intense devotion to Lord Shiva. The core of the story revolves around his ultimate act of sacrifice: offering his own eyes to the deity, symbolizing the pinnacle of his faith and commitment. The film attempts to portray this spiritual evolution and the trials Thinnadu faces on his path to becoming the revered Kannappa.
Actors' Performance: Vishnu Manchu Shines, Cameos Impress
Vishnu Manchu delivers a performance that many are calling his career-best. His dedication to portraying Kannappa's raw devotion, especially in the emotionally charged climax, is commendable and truly stands out. He pours his soul into both the action and emotional sequences, making his transformation believable. Mohan Babu as Mahadeva Sastry provides a strong, experienced presence. The film benefits significantly from its powerful cameos. Prabhas as Rudra brings a calm yet impactful presence, particularly in the second half, with his 25 minutes of screen time being well-utilized and leaving a strong impression. Akshay Kumar embodies Lord Shiva with a divine aura, delivering powerful yet simple dialogues, and is visually well-cast. Mohanlal as Kiraata and Sarathkumar as Kannappa's father also lend credibility to their respective roles. Preity Mukhundhan fits her character well.
Technicians' Work: Visually Rich, But Some Lapses
The film's visual effects, particularly in the climax sequence, are largely commendable and enhance the mythological elements. Shot extensively in the natural landscapes of New Zealand, the cinematography by Sheldon Chau offers breathtaking visuals, a refreshing change from reliance on sets. The production values are decent, befitting the devotional tone. Stephen Devassy's music, especially the devotional tracks centered around Lord Shiva, adds to the spiritual essence. The sound design with Dolby Atmos contributes to an immersive experience.
Highlights of the Film: A Powerful Second Half
The undisputed highlight of 'Kannappa' is its emotionally charged second half, particularly the final 40 minutes, which critics and audiences alike have described as spine-chilling, tear-inducing, and goosebumps-inducing. This segment truly finds the film's spiritual footing and delivers a powerful emotional punch. Vishnu Manchu's raw, sincere performance in this portion, coupled with the impactful entries and sequences involving Prabhas and Mohanlal, elevates the viewing experience. The devotional soundtrack dedicated to Lord Shiva also stands out. The film's grand scale and the sheer effort from Vishnu Manchu as both actor and producer are also notable positives.
Drawbacks of the Film: Pacing and Narrative Inconsistencies
Despite its strengths, 'Kannappa' suffers from several drawbacks. The first half is notably slow and feels stretched, containing elements that some critics have described as filler, lacking consistent narrative momentum. The dialogues, at times, lack emotional depth, preventing a stronger connection with the audience. Some of the song sequences, while visually appealing, feel somewhat out of place within the devotional narrative. There are also noticeable dubbing issues in the portrayal of young Thinnadu, which can be distracting. The overall narrative consistency sometimes falters, leading to an uneven pace.
Verdict of the Film: Mixed Bag with a Strong Core
'Kannappa' is a film of two halves. While the first half struggles with pacing and certain narrative weaknesses, the second half significantly redeems it, offering spiritual weight and a powerful emotional payoff. The star power of Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Akshay Kumar, combined with Vishnu Manchu's dedicated performance, adds considerable shine. It's a film that resonates strongly with devotees of Lord Shiva and those seeking a deep spiritual journey, but it may test the patience of a broader audience due to its initial slow burn and some inconsistent writing.
Bottom Line: A sincere effort with a powerful climax.
Rating: 2.75/5
