Kannappa Review: A Flawed Yet Spiritually Stirring Tale of Devotion
Sarkar Rating:2.75/5 Release Date: June 27, 2025
Cast:
Vishnu Manchu, Mohan Babu, Prabhas, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, Sarat Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, Arpit Ranka, Brahmanandam, Saptagiri, Mukesh Rishi, Madhubala, Aishwarya Bhaskaran, Brahmaji, Devaraj, Raghu Babu, Siva Balaji
Crew:
Story & Screenplay: Vishnu Manchu
Producer: Dr.M. Mohan Babu
Banner: Twenty Four Frames Factory & AVA Entertainment
Director: Mukhesh Kumar Singh
Cinematographer: Sheldon Chau
Music Director: Stephen Devassy
Editor: Anthony Gonsalvez
Story:
Kannappa traces the compelling transformation of Thinnadu, a tribal youth who grows up as a staunch atheist. Set against the backdrop of the revered Sri Kalahasti temple, the film delves into Thinnadu’s internal struggle as he rebels against age-old beliefs. His life takes a new turn when he falls in love and marries a village girl (played by Preity Mukhundhan).
The heart of the story lies in his eventual awakening—his spiritual evolution into Kannappa, a devout follower of Lord Shiva, showcasing the legendary essence of faith and surrender.
Analysis:
The film finds its emotional core in the final 40 minutes. The climax is particularly stirring and will likely resonate deeply with audiences from all walks of life. The pre-climax sequences, especially those involving Rudra (Prabhas), are handled with subtle grace. Prabhas brings a serene, mentor-like aura to the screen, despite limited screen time.
However, the rest of the film is a mixed bag. The first half is filled with uninspired sequences that feel like narrative fillers. While the song visuals and exotic New Zealand landscapes are visually appealing, they often feel out of sync with the tone of a devotional saga. Preity Mukhundhan does a decent job in her role, fitting well into the story.
The devotional songs dedicated to Lord Shiva are well-composed and spiritually uplifting. Unfortunately, the dialogues lack emotional weight and fail to leave a lasting impact. The younger version of Thinnadu, played by Manchu Vishnu’s son, suffers from awkward dubbing with an English accent that feels jarring.
Veteran actors Mohanlal (as Kirata) and Mohan Babu (as Mahadeva Sastry) deliver solid performances, adding gravitas with their brief but effective screen presence. Sharath Kumar appears in the role of Kannappa’s father, while Akshay Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal convincingly portray Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Technical Aspects:
The VFX work in the climax is quite effective and adds to the film’s dramatic payoff. Production values are decent, considering the film’s scale. Shooting in the pristine landscapes of New Zealand adds authenticity and visual grandeur.
Credit goes to Manchu Vishnu for shouldering the responsibilities of both producer and lead actor. Despite evident hurdles, he delivers a respectable final product driven by ambition and devotion.
Highlights:
✅ Manchu Vishnu’s dedicated effort as actor and producer
✅ Calm and impactful appearance by Prabhas
✅ Cameos from Mohanlal and Mohan Babu
✅ Emotionally charged climax and pre-climax
✅ Soulful devotional music
Drawbacks:
❌ Weak and filler-heavy first half
❌ Inconsistent writing and screenplay
❌ Emotionally flat dialogues
❌ Poor dubbing for child artist
Verdict:
Kannappa is a film that takes time to find its rhythm. While the first half fails to engage, the second half—especially the spiritual climax—makes a stronger impact. Backed by an ensemble cast and earnest effort, the film is worth watching for its devotional core and visual appeal. If you can look past its flaws, Kannappa offers a unique take on divine transformation—best experienced on the big screen.
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