Kannappa (film)

Kannappa is an upcoming Indian Telugu-language mythological fantasy 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, who also wrote the screenplay, alongside Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar (his Telugu debut) and Kajal Aggarwal in guest appearances. It features Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Arpit Ranka, Kaushal Manda, Rahul Madhav, Devaraj, Mukesh Rishi, Brahmanandam, Raghu Babu, Preity Mukhundhan and Madhoo in supporting roles.

The film was formally launched on 18 August 2023. Principal photography began on 25 September 2023 in New Zealand. The original score and songs are being composed by Stephen Devassy.

Originally shot in Telugu, the film is expected to be dubbed and released in Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and English languages. It is scheduled to release on 6 December 2024 clashing with Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule.

Cast
{{Cast listing|
 * Vishnu Manchu as Thinnadu alias Kannappa, a devotee of Shiva
 * Mohan Babu
 * R. Sarathkumar
 * Mukesh Rishi
 * Brahmanandam
 * Raghu Babu
 * Madhoo
 * Aishwariyaa Bhaskaran
 * Preity Mukhundhan
 * Devaraj
 * Siva Balaji
 * Arpit Ranka
 * Kaushal Manda
 * Rahul Madhav
 * Surekha Vani
 * Saptagiri

Special appearances
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 * Mohanlal as Parashurama
 * Prabhas as Nandi
 * Akshay Kumar as Shiva
 * Kajal Aggarwal as Parvathi

Development
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. 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. 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.

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. At that time, it was reported that the story was developed by Paruchuri Gopala Krishna, Thota Prasad, Sainath Thotapalli, and Sai Madhav Burra. 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 Manchu. In the film, Manchu is credited as the "writer" and the "story development" credits are given to Paruchuri Gopala Krishna, Eshwar Reddy, G. Nageswara Reddy, and Thota Prasad.

Casting
Vishnu Manchu plays the title role of Kannappa, a devote of god Shiva. In July 2019, it was reported that Kajal Agarwal has been cast in the leading female role. In 2023, after the film's official launch, the makers announced that prominent actors from various film industries would be joining the cast. Nupur Sanon was confirmed in the leading female role, however, she opted out from the film in September 2023 due to scheduling conflicts. In September, Prabhas was confirmed to be reportedly playing the role of lord Shiva in a special appearance. In the same month, Mohanlal was also confirmed in an undisclosed role. In the same month, Nayanthara was in talks to play the role of Parvathi, but the talks 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 by the movie production team and she is making her debut with this movie as an actress. Akshay Kumar is playing cameo role in the film; he was wrapped up the shoot on 3 May 2024. Subsequently, on 9th May 2024 the movie team officially announced Prabhas's entry onto the movie sets.

Filming
Vishnu Manchu went for location scouting in New Zealand in April 2019. 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. Filming was temporarily halted in late October after Manchu sustained an injury while performing a fight sequence, where the blades of a drone made contact with his arm. 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.

The first schedule of filming for the movie was officially completed on December 23, 2023, in New Zealand, as announced by Dr. M. Mohan Babu, the film's producer, and the entire movie team. The movie team made an official announcement on February 28, 2024, revealing that the second schedule of filming has commenced in New Zealand. The movie team will head to Hyderabad after wrapping up the second schedule. 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 movie will be wrapped.

Chinna is the art director, Sheldon Chau, of Mosagallu fame, is the cinematographer, Prabhu Deva is the dance choreographer, while the stunt choreography will be done by Kecha Khamphakdee.

At Cannes 2024
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.

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

Marketing
The teaser trailer for the film was released on 14 June 2024.

Release
The film is aiming for a theatrical release in December 2024, and is expected to be dubbed in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and English. The film will release on 6 December clashing with Allu Arjun's Pushpa