Kannappa (2025) Movie: Prabhas and Mohanlal Shine in This Ambitious but Flawed Devotional Epic

Kannappa, directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and starring Vishnu Manchu in the lead role, brings the legendary tale of an atheist hunter who becomes a devoted follower of Lord Shiva to the big screen. The film features a star-studded cast including Prabhas, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, and Kajal Aggarwal in key roles.

This devotional drama took nearly a decade to complete and represents a major venture in Telugu cinema’s mythological genre. Director Mukesh Kumar Singh, known for his work on the TV series Mahabharat, takes on the challenge of adapting this sacred story for modern audiences.

Plot and Storyline

The story follows Thinnadu, a tribal youth who grows up as an atheist. Set in the 2nd century, the film explores his transformation from a hunter to a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. The narrative builds toward the climactic moment where Kannappa plucks out his eyes in an act of ultimate devotion.

The film draws inspiration from the history of the Sri Kalahasti temple. It attempts to balance mythological elements with human emotions, though pacing becomes a challenge throughout its runtime.

Cast Performance

Vishnu Manchu delivers a committed performance in the title role. His work is particularly impressive in the finale, where he effectively portrays the devotional fervor required for such a pivotal moment. The climax showcases some of his best acting in the film.

Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva and Kajal Aggarwal as Goddess Parvati fit their roles perfectly. Though their screen time is limited, both actors serve their purpose effectively. The film benefits significantly from special appearances by Prabhas and Mohanlal, whose presence adds real weight to the proceedings.

Preity Mukhundhan provides adequate support as the female lead. Mohan Babu appears as Mahadeva Shastri, while R. Sarathkumar plays Nathanathudu.

Technical Aspects

The film is visually grand with elaborate sets and costumes that transport viewers to the ancient period. Stephen Devassy’s music adds to the devotional atmosphere effectively. The production values reflect the decade-long effort put into this project.

However, the visual effects present mixed results. Some sequences achieve the desired impact while others fall short of contemporary standards. The cinematography captures the mythological world with appropriate grandeur.

Direction and Screenplay

Director Mukesh Kumar Singh shows better competence in the second half. His direction proves more effective in the latter portions, while the first half presents pacing challenges. I found the emotional connection could have been established better early in the narrative.

The film offers a somewhat passable first half and a second half that works in parts. The final act delivers the intended impact, making it worth the wait for patient viewers.

What Works

The climax stands out as the film’s strongest element. Special appearances by Prabhas and Mohanlal add significant value. Vishnu Manchu’s commitment to the challenging role is evident throughout.

The music enhances the devotional atmosphere effectively. The film’s ambitious scope and visual grandeur deserve recognition from audiences who appreciate mythological cinema.

What Could Be Better

Pacing issues in the first half affect audience engagement. The emotional connection needed better establishment in the early portions. Visual effects don’t always match the film’s grand ambitions.

I noticed the fluctuating narration requires patience from viewers. The film struggles to maintain consistent quality throughout its runtime.

Critical Reception

Telugu360 rated the film 2.5/5, noting the transformation journey while pointing out narrative challenges. TrackTollywood gave it 2.5/5, describing it as an average devotional drama with a solid climax.

Bollywood Hungama awarded 3.0/5, praising the film’s mythological appeal. 123telugu.com rated it 3/5, reflecting mixed but generally positive reception. The critical consensus suggests the film has brilliant moments, particularly in its climax.

Public Reception

Public reactions have been mixed but generally positive. Viewers praise the climax and appreciate performances by the star-studded cast. The devotional nature of the content has resonated with audiences who enjoy mythological cinema.

The star power, particularly the cameo appearances, has been a significant draw. Those seeking contemporary storytelling approaches have found the film more challenging to engage with.

Final Verdict

Kannappa represents an ambitious attempt to bring a beloved mythological tale to the big screen. While the film succeeds in creating moments of genuine devotional fervor, it struggles with pacing and narrative consistency.

I believe the film remains enjoyable for those willing to overlook its issues. The commitment of the cast, especially Vishnu Manchu, and the technical ambition deserve recognition. For audiences seeking a grand mythological experience with star-studded appearances, Kannappa offers enough satisfying moments to justify a watch.

Rating: 2.5/5