Veteran actor Sarath Kumar has spoken out in support of the upcoming mythological action drama Kannappa, starring Vishnu Manchu, urging the public and media to avoid negative campaigning against the film before its release. His statement comes amidst a wave of premature online criticism and social media commentary that he feels is unwarranted and unfair to the creators of the film.
In a recent interaction with the press, Sarath Kumar expressed concern over a growing trend in the film industry, where films face online backlash even before their official release. “It is becoming common to see opinions and judgments being formed based on teaser clips, behind-the-scenes visuals, or rumors. This is not healthy for the film industry or for artists who work hard to bring these stories to life,” he said.
Kannappa, directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, is based on the story of the legendary devotee Kannappa, and has generated significant interest for its mythological theme, grand visuals, and notable cast. However, in recent weeks, the film has also become the subject of negative speculation, with some users on social media questioning the casting choices, production quality, and storytelling approach—despite the film not having been released yet.
Sarath Kumar, who also plays a key role in the film, defended the project and its team. “Vishnu Manchu and the entire crew have put in tremendous effort. It is not right to demotivate them with baseless reviews or comments. Let us wait until the film reaches the theatres. If criticism is to be made, let it be constructive and based on the actual content,” he added.
The actor's statement has received support from many in the film fraternity who echoed the sentiment that early negativity can harm the reception and box office performance of films that deserve a fair chance. In an age where social media opinions can significantly influence public perception, early negative reviews—even if baseless—can shape a narrative that may affect a film’s success.
Vishnu Manchu has remained largely silent on the issue, focusing instead on the final stages of production. Sources close to the team confirm that Kannappa is nearing completion and will soon enter the promotion phase. The film also features prominent actors from across the Indian film industry, and expectations are high given its ambitious storytelling and mythological subject.
Sarath Kumar concluded his appeal by saying, “Cinema is a creative field. Every artist deserves a platform free from judgment until their work is presented. We must learn to support cinema as a cultural and emotional medium, not just a product for instant review.”
The release date of Kannappa is yet to be officially announced, but the film remains one of the most anticipated mythological projects in Indian cinema this year.
