Kannappa is an upcoming Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by Mohan Babu. It is based on the legend of Kannappa, a devotee of Hindu god Shiva. The film stars Vishnu Manchu in the titular role.[4] Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Arpit Ranka, Kaushal Manda, Rahul Madhav, Devaraj, Mukesh Rishi, Brahmanandam,[5] Raghu Babu, Preity Mukhundhan and Madhoo play supporting roles, alongside Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar (his Telugu film debut) and Kajal Aggarwal in cameo appearances.[6]

Kannappa
Poster with release date
Directed byMukesh Kumar Singh
Screenplay byVishnu Manchu
Story by
Produced byMohan Babu
Starring
CinematographySheldon Chau
Edited byAnthony
Music by
Production
companies
Release date
  • 25 April 2025 (2025-04-25)
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu[1]
Budget₹100–200 crore[2][3]

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.

Cast

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Cameo appearances

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Production

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Development

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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.[7] 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.[8] 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.[9]

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.[10][11][12] At that time, it was reported that the story was developed by Paruchuri Gopala Krishna, Thota Prasad, Sainath Thotapalli, and Sai Madhav Burra.[13] 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.[14] 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.[15]

Casting

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Vishnu Manchu plays the title role of Kannappa, a devote of god Shiva.[16] In July 2019, it was reported that Kajal Aggarwal has been cast in the leading female role.[17] In 2023, after the film's official launch, the makers announced that prominent actors from various film industries would be joining the cast.[18] Nupur Sanon was confirmed in the leading female role, however, she opted out from the film in September 2023 due to scheduling conflicts.[19] In September, Prabhas was confirmed to be playing the role of Shiva in a special appearance.[20][21][22] In the same month, Mohanlal was also confirmed in an undisclosed cameo role.[14] In the same month, Nayanthara was in talks to play the role of Parvathi, but the talks did not materialize.[23] Hindi actor Akshay Kumar made his Telugu debut with Kannappa; and appears in a cameo role.[24][25][26]

Mohan Babu and R. Sarathkumar also appear in the film.[27] Preity Mukundhan has been officially announced as the female lead by the movie production team marking her second venture in Telugu cinema after Om Bheem Bush.[28]

Filming

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Vishnu Manchu went for location scouting in New Zealand in April 2019.[29] 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.[30] 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.[31] 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.[32]

The first schedule of filming completed on 23 December 2023, in New Zealand.[33][34] 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.[35] Akshay Kumar arrived in Hyderabad and wrapped up the shoot on 3 May 2024.[24][25][26] Subsequently, on 9th May 2024 Prabhas entered the film sets.[36] 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.[37]

At Cannes 2024

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At Cannes 2024, following their participation in the premiere of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, Vishnu Manchu, accompanied by his wife Viranica Manchu and his father Mohan Babu, and Prabhu Deva along with the 'Kannappa' crew unveiled their film's teaser, which received an appreciative round of applause.[38]

Music

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Stephen Devassy have composed the original score and songs for the film.[39] Suddala Ashok Teja, Ramajogayya Sastry, and Bhaskarabhatla are the lyricists for the songs of the film.

Release

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The film will theatrically release on 25 April 2025,[40] and is expected to be dubbed in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and English.

References

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  1. ^ "కన్నప్ప మొదలైంది". Eenadu. 19 August 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  2. ^ "Kannappa - Teaser of Vishnu Manchu's magnum opus to be revealed at THIS prestigious event". ottplay.com. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  3. ^ "Tollywood Update: రూ.100 కోట్లతో సినిమా తీస్తున్నాం - మోహన్ బాబు కీలక ప్రకటన". ABP News. 2 June 2023.
  4. ^ "Vishnu Manchu's dream project Kannappa launched, Mohan Babu to produce". ottplay.com.
  5. ^ Features, C. E. (30 September 2024). "Brahmanandam and Sapthagiri's character posters from Kannappa out". Cinema Express. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  6. ^ "Kannappa - Official Telugu Teaser". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  7. ^ "Sunil will do justice in 'Bhaktha Kannappa': Bharani". Business Standard. 16 December 2013. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  8. ^ The Hans India (16 June 2015). "Vishnu Manchu to produce Bharani's Kannappa Katha". The Hans India. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  9. ^ The Hans India (7 February 2018). "70 Crore For Manchu Vishnu's Kannappa". The Hans India. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  10. ^ "Vishnu Manchu's dream project Kannappa gets a formal launch". 123telugu.com. 18 August 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  11. ^ Vishnu Manchu - Kannappa Movie : కాళహస్తిలో 'కన్నప్ప'ను ప్రారంభించిన విష్ణు మంచు - హీరోయిన్, దర్శకుడు ఎవరంటే? [Vishnu Manchu – Kannappa Movie: Vishnu Manchu launches 'Kannappa' in Kalahasti – Who is the heroine and director?]. ABP News (in Telugu). 18 August 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  12. ^ Manchu Vishnu - Kannappa: సీరియల్ డైరెక్టర్‌తో తన డ్రీమ్ ప్యాన్ ఇండియా ప్రాజెక్ట్‌ను ప్రకటించిన మంచు విష్ణు.. శ్రీకాళహస్తిలో ప్రారంభం [Manchu Vishnu - Kannappa: Manchu Vishnu announces his dream pan India project with serial director Starting in Srikalahasti.]. Network18 Group (in Telugu). 18 August 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  13. ^ "VISHNU MANCHU ANNOUNCES HIS DREAM PROJEC "KANNAPPA - A TRUE EPIC INDIAN TALE"" (PDF). The Pioneer (India). 19 August 2023. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  14. ^ a b IANS (30 September 2023). "Vishnu Manchu confirms Mohanlal joining the cast of 'Kannappa'". Indo-Asian News Service. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  15. ^ Ramachandran, Naman (23 November 2023). "'Lord of the Rings' Vision Revealed by Vishnu Manchu for 'Kannappa,' Featuring Prabhas, Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  16. ^ "Pics: Manchu Vishnu kicks off & Kannappa with grand pooja ceremony". The Times of India. 20 August 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  17. ^ Times News Network (2 July 2019). "Kajal Aggarwal roped in for Vishnu Manchu's ambitious bilingual project Bhakta Kannappa?". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  18. ^ "Manchu Vishnu Goes Pan-Indian With 'Kannappa'". Tupaki.com. 18 August 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  19. ^ Prakash, B. V. S. (22 September 2023). "Nupur Sanon walks out of Kannappa". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  20. ^ ""Kannappa" Exclusive: Prabha's Powerful Role Unveiled". Asia Times. 10 September 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  21. ^ "Prabhas confirmed to star as Lord Shiva in Vishnu Manchu's film 'Kannappa'". Sakshi. 10 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  22. ^ "Prabhas As Lord Shiva In Vishnus Kannappa". India Herald. 12 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  23. ^ K., Janaki (26 September 2023). "Prabhas, Nayanthara to reunite for Vishnu Manchu's 'Kannappa': Reports". India Today. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  24. ^ a b "OFFICIAL: After Akshay Kumar, Prabhas joins Kannappa shoot; Vishnu Manchu shares intriguing teaser poster". Pinkvilla. 9 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  25. ^ a b Prakash, BVS (18 August 2023). "Vishnu Manchu Begins His Dream Project Kannappa". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  26. ^ a b "Prabhu Deva in Vishnu Manchu's Kannappa sets in New Zealand". Deccan Chronicle. 4 March 2024. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  27. ^ Indo-Asian News Service (9 November 2023). "Sarath Kumar, Mohan Babu come together for 'Kannappa'". DT Next. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  28. ^ "Preity Mukhundhan joins the cast of Vishnu Manchu's Kannappa". The Times of India. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  29. ^ "Vishnu Manchu in New Zealand to scout locations for Kannappa". The Times of India. 20 April 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  30. ^ ETimes.in (26 September 2023). "Manchu Vishnu's 'Kannappa' commences in New Zealand with a 600-member crew; Prabhas and Nayanthara expected to star in the film". The Times of India. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  31. ^ "Manchu Vishnu injured on the sets of Kannappa in New Zealand". Deccan Chronicle. 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  32. ^ "Brahmanandam wraps up key 15-day schedule of 'Kannappa' in New Zealand". The Times of India. 2 December 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  33. ^ "'Kannappa' Starring Vishnu Manchu, Mohan Babu Wraps Up 1st Schedule In New Zealand". Outlookindia. 24 December 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  34. ^ "First schedule shooting of Vishnu Manchu's 'Kannappa' wrapped up in New Zealand". The Times of India. 24 December 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  35. ^ "Second schedule of Vishnu Manchu's 'Kannappa' goes on floor in New Zealand- deets inside". The Times of India. 28 February 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  36. ^ "Prabhas joins 'Kannappa' shoot, Vishnu Manchu announces with new poster". India Today. 9 May 2024.
  37. ^ "Prabhas begins shooting for Vishnu Manchu's 'Kannappa'". The Hindu. 10 May 2024.
  38. ^ "Kannappa teaser received overwhelmingly positive response at Cannes: Vishnu Manchu". The Indian Express. 21 May 2024.
  39. ^ "Speculation mounts over Prabhas joining Vishnu Manchu's Kannappa in a pivotal role". The Times of India. 11 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  40. ^ "Vishnu Manchu's mythological film 'Kannappa' to release in December 2024". India Today. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
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