"Kannappa" is a spiritual Pan-India film inspired by the legendary story of Kannappa, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, renowned for his work in the Mahabharata series, the film stars Telugu actor Vishnu Manchu in the titular role. It also features an ensemble cast, including Mohanlal, Prabhas as Lord Shiva, and Bollywood star Akshay Kumar in a pivotal role. This marks Akshay Kumar's debut in Telugu cinema. Other key roles are played by Mohan Babu, Sarathkumar, Kajal Aggarwal, and Madhoo, while Preeti Mukundan plays the female lead.
Set in the 3rd century, the film captures the natural beauty of that era. Speaking about the choice of New Zealand as a shooting location, Vishnu Manchu explained, "The untouched beauty of New Zealand perfectly represents the lush landscapes of ancient times. Although India once had such pristine environments, modernization has altered them. In 'Kannappa,' what you see might appear to be computer graphics, but they are real, live locations showcasing stunning water bodies and forests."
The production is grand, with high-quality visuals aiming to bring the epic tale to life. Vishnu also expressed his long-held desire to act in Tamil films, fulfilled with "Kannappa." He highlighted the collaboration with Sarathkumar and praised debut actress Preeti Mukundan for her stellar performance.
The film is scheduled for release on April 25 in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam. The team shared their insights and experiences during a promotional event in Chennai, garnering excitement among fans and the film fraternity.
