Kannapa – Ardent lord Shiva devotee story
Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, written by Vishnu Manchu, and produced by Mohan Babu.
The film stars Manchu in the title role, with Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Arpit Ranka, Brahmanandam, Brahmaji, Siva Balaji, Kaushal Manda, Rahul Madhav, Devaraj, Mukesh Rishi,Raghu Babu, Preity Mukhundhan and Madhoo in supporting roles.
Release date: 27th June 2025
It is based on the legend of Kannappa (re-incarnated birth) in Hinduism, a devotee of god Shiva.
The story is set in the tribal hamlet in 2nd century, Manchu Vishnu is a hunter (Thinnada) for a strong reason he has no belief in God and hates idol worship since childhood.
Preity Mukhundhan as Nemali is his love interest from neighbouring hamlet.
Vishnu protects cluster of villages from the evil force of Arpit Ranka trying to capture vayu lingam.
Mohan Babu is Mahadeva Shasthri who worships Shiva and protects Vayu lingam in the forest.
Prabhas’s appears as Rudra a divine avatar to make Vishnu realise the power of Lord Shiva.
Once Thinnada realises the power of Shiva his devotion to Siva manifolds he begins with making simple offerings and eventually sacrificing eyes and gaining moksha and Thinnada is rechristened as Kannappa.
Akshay Kumar plays the role of Lord Shiva and Kajal Aggarwal as Parvati.
The vayu linga is worshipped at the Srikalahasteeswara temple in Andhra Pradesh.
There is nothing which really stands out in the movie neither the depth of devotion nor the drama interlaced with songs.
Rating: 2.5/5
