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Kannappa is a 2025 Telugu-language mythological devotional film directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by Mohan Babu. It tells the legendary story of Thinnadu, a tribal hunter who transforms into Kannappa, one of the greatest devotees of Lord Shiva. The screenplay is written by Vishnu Manchu, who also plays the lead role. The film features a star-studded cast including Vishnu Manchu, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, Kajal Aggarwal, and others.
📅 Production & Release
The film was officially launched in 2023 and major portions were shot in New Zealand. It was released on June 27, 2025, in multiple languages including Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, and English. The music is composed by Stephen Devassy, cinematography is handled by Sheldon Chau, and editing is by Anthony.
👥 Cast & Characters
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Vishnu Manchu as Thinnadu/Kannappa
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Prabhas in a powerful cameo as Rudra
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Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva
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Kajal Aggarwal as Parvati
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Mohanlal as Kirata
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Mohan Babu, Preity Mukhundhan, Madhoo, R. Sarathkumar, Brahmanandam, and others in supporting roles
📖 Plot Summary
Thinnadu is a tribal hunter who initially rejects spirituality. After discovering a Shiva Lingam in the forest, he experiences a profound transformation. Over time, his devotion to Lord Shiva grows so deep that he performs the ultimate act of self-sacrifice by offering his eyes to the deity. His story is one of faith, selflessness, and divine love.
🎥 Review Overview
Highlights
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Emotional and powerful climax
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Strong performances by Vishnu Manchu, Akshay Kumar, and Prabhas
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Mythological themes handled with sincerity
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Second half filled with impactful scenes and divine moments
Criticisms
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Slow and uneven pacing in the first half
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Visual effects and CGI are not up to the mark
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Background music and tone occasionally feel inconsistent
⭐ Ratings Summary
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Story & Screenplay: 3/5 – Strong concept, slow first half
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Performances: 4/5 – Lead actors deliver impressive performances
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Visuals & VFX: 2.5/5 – Lacks polish, especially in action scenes
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Music & Background Score: 3/5 – Devotional tracks are effective but transitions are rough
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Overall Enjoyment: 3.5/5 – Satisfying second half makes it worth a watch for mythological fans
✅ Final Verdict
Kannappa is a sincere and emotional devotional film with a soul-stirring climax that leaves a lasting impact. Though it suffers from a slow start and technical flaws, the second half, particularly the transformation of the protagonist and Prabhas’s cameo, elevate the experience. Ideal for fans of mythology, spirituality, and devotional cinema.
