“Kannappa” is an upcoming Indian Telugu-language fantasy film directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh. The story is inspired by the legend of Kannappa, a devout follower of the Hindu god Shiva. The film is produced by Mohan Babu under the banners of AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory. Vishnu Manchu stars in the titular role and has also written the screenplay, which is based on a story developed by Paruchuri Gopala Krishna, Eshwar Reddy, G. Nageswara Reddy, and Thota Prasad.
The film was officially launched on August 18, 2023, with principal photography commencing on September 25, 2023, in New Zealand. The original score and songs are composed by Stephen Devassy. Although primarily shot in Telugu, “Kannappa” is slated to be dubbed and released in Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and English.
Kannappa is touted to be the most expensive filn in Vishnu’s career with a budget of over Rs 100 Crores. The actor himself has written the film’s screenplay, while Mukesh Kumar Singh has been roped in to direct it.8 May 2024
| Directed by | Mukesh Kumar Singh |
|---|---|
| Screenplay by | Vishnu Manchu |
| Story by | Paruchuri Gopala Krishna |
| Eshwar Reddy | |
| G. Nageswara Reddy | |
| Thota Prasad | |
| Produced by | Mohan Babu |
| Starring | Vishnu Manchu |
| Cinematography | Sheldon Chau |
| Edited by | Anthony |
| Music by | Stephen Devassy |
| Production companies | AVA Entertainment |
| 24 Frames Factory | |
| Release date | 2024 |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
Cast:
- Vishnu Manchu as Kannappa, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva
- Preity Mukhundhan
- R. Sarathkumar
- Brahmanandam
- Mohan Babu
- Madhoo
- Vani Bhojan
- Devaraj
- Aishwarya
- Mukesh Rishi
- Siva Balaji
- Rahul Madhav
- Kaushal Manda
- Raghu Babu
- Arpit Ranka
- Saptagiri
- Surekha Vani
Production:
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 announced that he was working on the pre-production of a period drama film set in the 14th century, titled “Bhaktha Kannappa,” with Sunil cast in the role of Kannappa. In June 2015, actor-producer Vishnu Manchu revealed that his production company, 24 Frames Factory, would collaborate with an American company to produce a film titled “Kannappa Katha,” directed by Bharani. Reports suggested that Bharani sold his original screenplay for “Bhaktha Kannappa” to Vishnu after waiting several years to secure a producer. Manchu then hired writers to revise the film and make necessary changes.
“Kannappa” was officially launched with a pooja ceremony on August 18, 2023, at the Srikalahasteeswara temple in Srikalahasti. Mukesh Kumar Singh, known for directing several mythological television series, was brought on as the director. The film is being produced by Vishnu’s father, Mohan Babu, under the banners of 24 Frames Factory and AVA Entertainments. At that time, it was reported that the story was developed by Paruchuri Gopala Krishna, Thota Prasad, Sainath Thotapalli, and Sai Madhav Burra. Additionally, V. Vijayendra Prasad, G. Nageswara Reddy, and G. Eshwar Reddy were instrumental in developing the script, according to a public statement made by Manchu. In the film, Manchu is credited as the “writer,” with “story development” credits given to Paruchuri Gopala Krishna, Eshwar Reddy, G. Nageswara Reddy, and Thota Prasad.
Casting:
Vishnu Manchu plays the title role of Kannappa, a devotee of the god Shiva. In July 2019, it was reported that Kajal Agarwal had been cast in the leading female role. Following the film’s official launch in 2023, the makers announced that prominent actors from various film industries would be joining the cast. Nupur Sanon was initially confirmed for the leading female role but opted out in September 2023 due to scheduling conflicts. In the same month, Prabhas was confirmed to be playing the role of Lord Shiva in a special appearance. Additionally, Mohanlal was cast in an undisclosed role, and while Nayanthara was in talks to play Parvati, these discussions did not materialize.
Mohan Babu and R. Sarathkumar also appear in the film. Brahmanandam completed a significant 15-day shoot for “Kannappa” in New Zealand. Preity Mukundhan has been officially announced as the female lead, marking her debut as an actress with this movie. Akshay Kumar is playing a cameo role in the film and wrapped up his shoot on May 3, 2024. Subsequently, on May 9, 2024, the movie team officially announced Prabhas’s entry onto the movie sets.
Music:
Stephen Devassy composed the original score and songs for the film. The lyrics for the songs are written by Suddala Ashok Teja, Ramajogayya Sastry, and Bhaskarabhatla.
Release:
The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release in the third quarter of 2024. It is expected to be dubbed in Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and English.
