Kannappa Movie Review
Rating: 3/5
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Cast: Vishnu Manchu, Mohan Babu, Prabhas, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, Preity Mukhundhan, R. Sarathkumar, Brahmanandam, Madhoo, Mukesh Rishi, Brahmaji
Director: Mukesh Kumar Singh
Producer: Mohan Babu
Music: Stephen Devassy
Cinematography: Sheldon Chau
Story, Screenplay: Vishnu Manchu
Plot: Kannappa is a mythological devotional epic inspired by the Sri Kalahasti temple lore. Set in the 2nd century in Udukuru (now Srikalahasti), it follows Thinnadu, a tribal hunter and atheist who mocks divinity. His transformation into one of Lord Shiva’s greatest devotees, offering his eyes in a supreme act of faith, is the heart of the story. The film includes romance with Nemali and divine roles played by Rudra, Kirata, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati.
Review: Kannappa is an ambitious Telugu devotional film with a pan-Indian cast and grand visuals, but it’s a mixed experience, strong in emotional moments but weak in pacing and execution.
Positives: The climax, especially Kannappa’s sacrifice, is deeply moving, with Vishnu Manchu delivering a heartfelt performance. Prabhas’ 17-20 minute cameo as Rudra is a highlight, blending humor and gravitas. Mohanlal’s brief role as Kirata and Mohan Babu’s authoritative presence as Mahadeva Shastri add value. Stephen Devassy’s music and background score elevate the spiritual mood, particularly in the climax. The New Zealand-shot visuals give a lush, epic feel.
Negatives: The first half drags with a slow romantic track and unnecessary action scenes that dilute the devotional focus. The 3-hour runtime feels long, with the story gaining traction only after the interval. Visual effects are patchy, with some CGI looking unpolished, and action sequences lack originality. The screenplay struggles to balance mythology, romance, and action, underdeveloping Thinnadu’s emotional arc. Modern costumes and accents feel out of place. Many actors, like Brahmanandam, are underused, and the romance feels forced.
Analysis: Kannappa aims to retell a sacred legend but gets sidetracked by mass-appeal elements. Director Mukesh Kumar Singh’s TV-style melodrama feels outdated, and the screenplay prioritizes spectacle over spiritual depth. Compared to the 1976 Bhakta Kannappa, it lacks emotional clarity. The second half, driven by Prabhas and the climax, saves the film, but it doesn’t fully capture the legend’s essence. Vishnu Manchu’s sincerity is clear, but the execution falls short of the vision.
Verdict: Kannappa is a heartfelt but uneven devotional epic, best for its emotional climax but let down by a slow start. Shiva devotees and Prabhas fans will enjoy parts, but it’s not a definitive retelling. Watch for the big-screen visuals and moving finale, but expect narrative flaws.
Recommendation: Suits families and devotees seeking a spiritual experience, though casual viewers may find it lacking.
Rating: 3/5
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Cast: Vishnu Manchu, Mohan Babu, Prabhas, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, Preity Mukhundhan, R. Sarathkumar, Brahmanandam, Madhoo, Mukesh Rishi, Brahmaji
Director: Mukesh Kumar Singh
Producer: Mohan Babu
Music: Stephen Devassy
Cinematography: Sheldon Chau
Story, Screenplay: Vishnu Manchu
Plot: Kannappa is a mythological devotional epic inspired by the Sri Kalahasti temple lore. Set in the 2nd century in Udukuru (now Srikalahasti), it follows Thinnadu, a tribal hunter and atheist who mocks divinity. His transformation into one of Lord Shiva’s greatest devotees, offering his eyes in a supreme act of faith, is the heart of the story. The film includes romance with Nemali and divine roles played by Rudra, Kirata, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati.
Review: Kannappa is an ambitious Telugu devotional film with a pan-Indian cast and grand visuals, but it’s a mixed experience, strong in emotional moments but weak in pacing and execution.
Positives: The climax, especially Kannappa’s sacrifice, is deeply moving, with Vishnu Manchu delivering a heartfelt performance. Prabhas’ 17-20 minute cameo as Rudra is a highlight, blending humor and gravitas. Mohanlal’s brief role as Kirata and Mohan Babu’s authoritative presence as Mahadeva Shastri add value. Stephen Devassy’s music and background score elevate the spiritual mood, particularly in the climax. The New Zealand-shot visuals give a lush, epic feel.
Negatives: The first half drags with a slow romantic track and unnecessary action scenes that dilute the devotional focus. The 3-hour runtime feels long, with the story gaining traction only after the interval. Visual effects are patchy, with some CGI looking unpolished, and action sequences lack originality. The screenplay struggles to balance mythology, romance, and action, underdeveloping Thinnadu’s emotional arc. Modern costumes and accents feel out of place. Many actors, like Brahmanandam, are underused, and the romance feels forced.
Analysis: Kannappa aims to retell a sacred legend but gets sidetracked by mass-appeal elements. Director Mukesh Kumar Singh’s TV-style melodrama feels outdated, and the screenplay prioritizes spectacle over spiritual depth. Compared to the 1976 Bhakta Kannappa, it lacks emotional clarity. The second half, driven by Prabhas and the climax, saves the film, but it doesn’t fully capture the legend’s essence. Vishnu Manchu’s sincerity is clear, but the execution falls short of the vision.
Verdict: Kannappa is a heartfelt but uneven devotional epic, best for its emotional climax but let down by a slow start. Shiva devotees and Prabhas fans will enjoy parts, but it’s not a definitive retelling. Watch for the big-screen visuals and moving finale, but expect narrative flaws.
Recommendation: Suits families and devotees seeking a spiritual experience, though casual viewers may find it lacking.