Vishnu Manchu’s Kannappa: A Pan-India Devotional Spectacle in the Making

Kannappa, the upcoming mythological epic headlined by Vishnu Manchu, is shaping up to be one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious ventures in recent times. Inspired by the legendary tale of Kannappa—a devout follower of Lord Shiva who offers everything at the altar of faith—the film promises a rich blend of emotion, devotion, and cinematic grandeur.

Boasting a stellar ensemble cast that includes Mohan Babu, Akshay Kumar, and Mohanlal, with a special appearance by Prabhas, Kannappa is being mounted as a pan-India spectacle with a strong spiritual soul. Vishnu Manchu, who also serves as producer, is sparing no effort in ensuring the film resonates with audiences across linguistic and cultural borders.

The recently released trailer has already made waves for its scale, visual finesse, and devotional intensity. Its launch in Kochi was a strategic masterstroke—spotlighting Malayalam icon Mohanlal and earning widespread appreciation from Kerala’s media and audiences alike. The visuals featuring Mohanlal and Vishnu sharing screen space have ignited excitement across the South.

In a recent interview, Vishnu spoke candidly about his deep admiration for Malayalam cinema. “I never miss a film of Mohanlal or Mammootty,” he shared. He also expressed his appreciation for actor Fahadh Faasil, particularly lauding his performance in Trance. “Fahadh’s intensity in that film blew me away,” he said.

Vishnu also revealed his fondness for Aavesham, the 2024 Malayalam action-comedy hit starring Fahadh Faasil, which earned cult status on OTT after a successful theatrical run. “I seriously considered remaking it in Telugu. Unfortunately, someone else had already picked up the rights,” he admitted. The buzz around a Telugu version of Aavesham has grown in recent weeks, with fan discussions suggesting actors like Nandamuri Balakrishna or Ravi Teja as ideal fits. While Balakrishna’s powerful screen presence could bring gravitas to the role, Ravi Teja’s energy and comedic timing align perfectly with the original’s quirky tone.

Back on the sets of Kannappa, Vishnu is focused on delivering a film that blends mythology with cinematic excellence. With breathtaking visuals, top-tier VFX, and a story rooted in Indian spiritual lore, Kannappa is not just another mythological film—it’s being crafted as a heartfelt devotional fantasy with mass appeal. Shot across sacred and scenic locales, the film aims to touch a spiritual chord while also captivating global audiences.

Kannappa is set to release in theatres worldwide on June 27, and with the kind of anticipation building around it, all signs point to a film that could redefine the mythological genre in Indian cinema.