Vishnu Manchu is stepping into the shoes of a legendary devotee in 'Kannappa', a grand mythological film that’s set to release on June 27, 2025. But this isn’t just another period drama. It tells the story of a man who starts out doubting the divine — only to transform into one of Lord Shiva’s most devoted followers through pure, raw faith.

The film is inspired by the tale of Kannappa, a hunter from Andhra Pradesh’s folklore, closely tied to the Srikalahasti Temple.
Kannappa worshipped Lord Shiva in his own unique way by offering meat, water, and even his own eyes. Just as he’s about to sacrifice his second eye, Shiva appears, moved by the intensity of his devotion.

A runtime that promises epic storytelling
'Kannappa' has been cleared by the CBFC with a UA 13+ rating, and it runs for a lengthy 3 hours and 2 minutes. It’s aiming big — both visually and emotionally.
Vishnu Manchu leads a large ensemble cast, which includes names like Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Brahmanandam, Arpit Ranka, Siva Balaji, Kaushal Manda, and Preity Mukhundhan. It’s an old-school, star-packed setup — one that’s rarely seen in today’s industry.
Big names, bigger cameos
If that wasn’t enough, the film ropes in some major names for powerful cameos. Prabhas plays Rudra, a Rigvedic deity, with a solid 45-minute screen time. Mohanlal appears as Kirata, a tribal figure with mythological roots.Akshay Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal play the roles as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
During the wrap-up of 'Kannappa', Mohanlal took to his Instagram handle to share a note that read, "This isn’t just a movie—it’s an EPIC Action Entertainer that will leave you on the edge of your seat! Huge thanks to our visionary writer and director, Nanda Kishore, whose brilliance turned every challenge into a triumph, and to the incredible crew who gave their all to make this happen. A heartfelt thank you to my producers for their unwavering belief and support. Get ready for an unforgettable journey! See you in theaters this Diwali. Brace yourselves for the ride of a lifetime!"