Kannappa (film)

Kannappa is an upcoming Indian Telugu-language fantasy film directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by Mohan Babu. It is based on the legend of Kannappa in Hinduism, a devotee of the god Shiva. The film stars Vishnu Manchu in the titular role. Supporting roles are played by Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Arpit Ranka, Kaushal Manda, Rahul Madhav, Devaraj, Mukesh Rishi, Brahmanandam, Raghu Babu, Preity Mukhundhan and Madhoo. The film also includes special cameo appearances by Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar (marking his Telugu film debut) and Kajal Aggarwal.
The film was formally launched on 18 August 2023. Principal photography began on 25 September 2023 in New Zealand. Stephen Devassy composed the original score and songs.The movie has Pan-Indian stars Mohanlal, Prabhas and Akshay Kumar, who didn't take any remuneration for their cameo roles which was mentioned by actor Vishnu Manchu in an interview.
The film, based on the mythological story of Kannappa, a devotee of the god Shiva, took nearly a decade to materialize. In December 2013, actor, screenwriter and director Tanikella Bharani told the media that he was working on the pre-production of a period drama film set in the 14th century, titled Bhaktha Kannappa. He had cast Sunil in the role of Kannappa. In June 2015, actor-producer Vishnu Manchu announced that his production company, 24 Frames Factory, would collaborate with an American company to produce a film titled Kannappa Katha, to be directed by Bharani. Reports indicated that Bharani sold his original screenplay for Bhaktha Kannappa to Vishnu after waiting for several years to convince a producer. Manchu hired writers to work on the film and make necessary changes.
Kannappa was officially launched with a pooja ceremony on 18 August 2023 at Srikalahasteeswara temple in Srikalahasti. Mukesh Kumar Singh was attached as the director, who had earlier directed several mythological television series. The film is being produced by Vishnu's father, Mohan Babu, under 24 Frames Factory and AVA Entertainments. At that time, it was reported that the story was developed by Paruchuri Gopala Krishna, Thota Prasad, Sainath Thotapalli, and Sai Madhav Burra. Additionally, the support of V. Vijayendra Prasad, G. Nageswara Reddy, and G. Eshwar Reddy were also "instrumental in developing a script", according to a public statement made by Vishnu. In the film, Vishnu is credited as the "writer" and the "story development" credits are given to Paruchuri Gopala Krishna, Eshwar Reddy, G. Nageswara Reddy, and Thota Prasad.
Vishnu Manchu plays the title role of Kannappa, a devote of god Shiva. In July 2019, it was reported that Kajal Aggarwal has been cast in the leading female role. In 2023, after the film's official launch, the makers announced that prominent actors from various film industries would be joining the cast. Nupur Sanon was confirmed in the leading female role, however, she opted out from the film in September 2023 due to scheduling conflicts. In September, Prabhas was confirmed to be playing the role of Shiva in a special appearance. In the same month, Mohanlal was also confirmed in an undisclosed cameo role. In the same month, Nayanthara was in talks to play the role of Parvathi, but the talks did not materialize. Hindi actor Akshay Kumar made his Telugu debut with Kannappa; and appears in a cameo role.
Mohan Babu and R. Sarathkumar also appear in the film. Preity Mukundhan has been officially announced as the female lead by the film production team marking her second venture in Telugu cinema after Om Bheem Bush.
Vishnu Manchu went for location scouting in New Zealand in April 2019. Initially, the crew scouted in Ireland, Scotland, Minnesota, Australia, Switzerland, and Canada in a search for the 2nd century worldbuilding, with unpolluted sky and scenic forests. Principal photography began on 25 September 2023 in New Zealand. Filming was temporarily halted in late October after Vishnu sustained an injury while performing a fight sequence, where the blades of a drone made contact with his arm. In New Zealand, the film was shot in various locations across Auckland, Rotorua, Glenorchy, Wānaka, Pukaki, and Christchurch. Reportedly, about 80 percent of the film will be shot in New Zealand. Brahmanandam completed a significant 15-day shoot for 'Kannappa' in New Zealand.
The first schedule of filming completed on 23 December 2023, in New Zealand. The production team made an official announcement on 28 February 28, 2024, revealing that the second schedule of filming has commenced in New Zealand. The team then headed to Hyderabad after wrapping up the second schedule. Akshay Kumar arrived in Hyderabad and wrapped up the shoot on 3 May 2024. Subsequently, on 9 May 2024 Prabhas entered the film sets. The last schedule of the film is currently taking place at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad with Prabhas, with this the entire shoot of the film will be wrapped. Filming wrapped sometime between late 2024 and Early 2025.
Stephen Devassy have composed the original score and songs for the film. Suddala Ashok Teja, Ramajogayya Sastry, and Bhaskarabhatla are the lyricists for the songs of the film.
The film was originally scheduled to release on 25 April 2025 in Telugu and dubbed versions of Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and English languages, However it was delayed due to VFX enhancement and post-production issues.
At Cannes 2024, following their participation in the premiere of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, the makers unveiled their film's teaser, which received an appreciative round of applause.
Manchu Vishnu and his film studio 24 Frames Factory are alleged to have participated in blackmailing YouTubers with fake copyright strikes to solicit positive promotional videos for the movie release. YouTuber Chandrahas has openly spoken about threats and strikes being orchestrated on several channels by the actor and also alleged harassment and coercion through fake police cases.