Released on June 27, 2025, Kannappa is a mythological action-drama that brings to life the legendary tale of Kannappa Nayanar, a tribal hunter whose unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva transforms him into a saint. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and headlined by Vishnu Manchu, the film is a passion project years in the making—and it shows.
Set in ancient Andhra Pradesh, the story follows Thinnadu (Vishnu Manchu), a fierce tribal hunter from the Chenchu community. Initially an atheist, Thinnadu’s journey toward spiritual awakening begins when he encounters a Shiva Lingam deep in the forest. His raw, unorthodox offerings—water from his mouth, meat from his hunts—are met with divine acceptance, culminating in the ultimate act of devotion: sacrificing his own eyes to stop the bleeding of the deity.
What Works
Vishnu Manchu’s Performance: In what many are calling a career-defining role, Manchu delivers a powerful portrayal of Thinnadu’s transformation. His emotional intensity, especially in the climactic scenes, is deeply moving.
Star-Studded Cameos: Prabhas as Rudra, Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva, Mohanlal as Kirata, and Kajal Aggarwal as Parvati elevate the film’s grandeur. Their appearances, though brief, are impactful.
Spiritual Resonance: The film’s devotional core is its greatest strength. The climax, featuring Kannappa’s legendary sacrifice, is spine-chilling and tear-inducing.
Music & Background Score: Stephen Devassy’s compositions enhance the film’s emotional and mythological weight, especially during the final act.
Visual Grandeur: Shot primarily in New Zealand, the film boasts sweeping landscapes and stylized set pieces that lend it a cinematic richness.
What Could Be Better
Pacing Issues: The first half unfolds slowly, with some scenes feeling stretched. The second half, however, picks up significantly.
VFX Limitations: While ambitious, certain visual effects fall short of expectations, especially in high-intensity sequences.
Love Angle: The romantic subplot feels underdeveloped and distracts from the central narrative.
Final Verdict
Kannappa is more than just a film—it’s a spiritual journey. Despite its flaws, the movie succeeds in delivering a heartfelt tribute to unwavering faith and divine surrender. For devotees of Lord Shiva and fans of mythological cinema, this is a must-watch.
Rating: 4/5