
Vishnu Manchu’s dream project, Kannappa, has finally hit theatres. The grand mythological drama stars Manchu in the titular role, while actors Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, and Prabhas will be seen playing important roles in the film. The movie went through several controversies ahead of its release, prompting the makers to take several precautions.
Unlike other mythological dramas, Kannappa was awarded a U/A 13+ certificate by the censor board, which demanded several cuts due to objectionable words and scenes. An 11-member revision committee reviewed the film and recommended the removal or modification of around 13 scenes and certain dialogues.
Several words like Pilaka, Gilaka, Chavata, Neecha Jati were asked to be replaced with more appropriate and unobjectionable words. The censor board concluded that Kannappa was more violent than devotional. To avoid controversies, a disclaimer has been added at the beginning of the film. It briefly says that the story is based on the Srikalahasti Mahatyam by Dhurjati and the Basava Puranam, and that certain cinematic liberties have been taken. A disclaimer claiming the team received permission from the chief priest of Srikalahasti will also be shown in the beginning of the film.
To further avoid trolling and backlash, the makers also issued a statement with a strong warning of legal action against people trying to target the film in a destructive manner.
The official X account of the film, Kannappa The Movie, shared, “Public Caution Notice. Our film Kannappa releases globally on June 27, 2025 with full lawful clearances. Misuse, distortion, or defamatory acts against the film or its stakeholders will be legally challenged.”
It further read, “The film has been created responsibly to engage with the public at large and we thereby respectfully request all critiques to watch the film first, appreciate its substance, understand the intent and then comment on it with responsibility, rather than succumbing to premeditated biases or vendetta-fuelled commentary.”
Kannappa Movie Release LIVE Updates: Kannappa moves crosses Rs 7 cr mark
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Kannappa had earned Rs 7.69 crore as of 9 pm on Friday.
Kannappa Movie Release LIVE Updates: Kannappa moves crosses Rs 6.5 cr mark
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Kannappa had earned Rs 6.5 crore as of 8 pm on Friday.
Kannappa Movie Release LIVE Updates: Kannappa moves at snail's pace at box office
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Kannappa had earned Rs 5.98 crore as of 7 pm on Friday.
Kannappa Movie Release LIVE Updates: Kannappa crosses Rs 5 crore mark
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Kannappa had earned Rs 5.37 crore as of 6 p.m. on Friday.
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: 'Kannappa brings alive a forgotten legend'
Mohan Babu, who plays a pivotal role in Kannappa, said via Twitter, "Kannappa Hits Theatres Today! From the untamed forests to the feet of Lord Shiva — his path was pure, fearless, and free from dogma. #Kannappa brings alive a forgotten legend with emotion, action, and soul-stirring devotion."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: 'Kannappa takes off on a blockbuster note'
Trade analyst Ramesh Bala shared on X, "#Kannappa takes off on a blockbuster note at the box office! Overseas premieres open to phenomenal response. Glowing reviews and powerful word of mouth are pouring in! Audience appreciating @iVishnuManchu's performance."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: 'Prabhas cameo erupted like a storm'
Producer Naga Vamsi wrote on X, "AND YES… THIS IS YOUR FRIDAY. @iVishnuManchu garu. So happy to see #Kannappa already becoming the biggest opening of your career with theatres going houseful and the response looking fantastic..All these years of hard work are finally paying off big!!! Moreover to all those who questioned you… you have answered them loud and clear…And that cameo of Rebel Star #Prabhas garu as RUDRA has erupted like a storm…Best wishes to the whole team."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: '2nd half BGM is heart of the movie'
A fan @VamsiPrince_ shared via X, "Done with #Kannappa. Below average 1st half Super blockbuster 2nd half @iVishnuManchu acting is fire, prabhas & mohanbabu did an amazing performance. 2nd half BGM is heart of the movie Note:- Must watch film Om namah Shivaaya."
Kannappa Movie Review: Our verdict
Vishnu Manchu’s ambition cannot fully save this tediously long saga. Kannappa remains incoherent for most parts, and the disjointed storytelling leaves a lasting dent in it. READ THE FULL KANNAPPA REVIEW HERE
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: 'Ultimate divine experience'
Screenplay writer Gopi Mohan posted on X, "Watched #Kannappa movie. Congratulations to brother @iVishnuManchu , the great #MohanBabu garu, legendary actors @Mohanlal @realsarathkumar @akshaykumar and true #RebelStar #Darling #Prabhas? for outstanding star presence and delivering great performances. My special appreciation to the entire #Kannappa team for giving an ultimate divine experience after coming out of the theatre. Loved last 45 minutes, the entire Climax sequence and #Prabhas portion. #VishnuManchu delivered his best as Kannappa. His life time role. Very happy for his achievement. Heroine #Preethimukundan did a good job. Lavish production values and eye feast visuals are big asset. Best wishes to Director,Producer and team. "
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: Fans shares why Prabhas is 'India’s biggest star'
A fan page @PrabhasRaju posted, "Madness unleashed for a cameo like never before in Indian cinema. The way die hard fans erupt for #Prabhas even in a few-minute appearance proves why he is India’s biggest star. Rebel God in #Kannappa."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: Latest box office collection update of Vishnu Manchu film
Trade site Sacnilk shared that by 3 pm, Kannappa earned around Rs 3.65 Cr India net on its first day for all languages.
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: 'First half isn't that good'
A fan @HailPrabhas007 posted n X, "#KannappaMovie Review: Last hour was solid. The Movie really picks up after #Prabhas makes his entry... that's when Hero's transformation into a true devotee [#Kannappa] of Lord Shiva begins. Climax hits well and #ManchuVishnu gave a decent performance too. Worth the ticket just for #Prabhas Cameo and that climax. But the first First half isnt that good... in fact the fights were poorly directed and in a few sequences the VFX is bad too."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: 'The wait was worth it'
A fan shared via X, "Atagadive anna @iVishnuManchu. The wait was worth it — what a roar in #Kannappa! Your transformation, intensity, and devotion lit up the screen. Goosebumps from start to finish. This is not just a film, it’s a movement. Take a bow, anna. The legend lives on."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: '2nd half BGM is heart of the movie'
A fan @VamsiPrince_ shared via X, "Done with #Kannappa. Below average 1st half Super blockbuster 2nd half @iVishnuManchu acting is fire, prabhas & mohanbabu did an amazing performance. 2nd half BGM is heart of the movie Note:- Must watch film Om namah Shivaaya."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: Prabhas' 'extraordinary screen presence' gets a mention
A fan shared via X, "Full credit to #Prabhas for accepting the role of Rudra in #Kannappa. His scenes turned out extraordinary & his screen presence is remarkable."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: 'Kannappa is exceptionally good'
Vamsi Kaka shared via X, "Vishnu delivered his best & especially the last 30 minutes of the film is very good. Vishnu’s performance during the transformation scene into #Kannappa is exceptionally good. "
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: Kajal Aggarwal shares her excitement
Kajal Aggarwal shared via X, "In a world of doubts, #Kannappa stood unshaken. Don’t miss this soul-stirring film. In theatres today onwards."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: Early box office collection update
Trade site Sacnilk shared that by 12 pm, Kannappa earned around Rs 1.86 Cr India net on its first day for all languages.
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: Vishnu gets respect for his dedication
A fan @Killerghostlove wrote, "#Kannappa climax – eyes wet, heart full! Prabhas cameo is fire. First half decent, second half elevation. Vishnu anna – respect for the dedication!"
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: Akshay Kumar claimed Hollywood superheroes inspired by Indian mythology
While promoting the film Kannappa, Akshay Kumar and Vishnu Manchu started discussing instances when Hollywood has taken inspiration from Indian movies and mythology. Akshay said, “There are so many stories here, and I personally believe that Hollywood takes a lot from our stories. Their superheroes and their superpowers are all inspired by our mythology. The kind of stories we have is unbelievable, like I didn’t know the story behind Kannappa before the film.” READ MORE
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: Prabhas' arrival takes positive turn for the film
A fan posted on X, "His aura… #Prabhas. The movie took a positive turn with his arrival. The last 40 minutes are especially promising! Career-best performance from @iVishnuManchu Special mention to the music director Stephen Devassy. brilliant work!"
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: 'Climax is pure emotion'
A fan @BURN4DESIRE1 posted on X, "#Kannappa is a visual treat with a strong mythological base! Prabhas & Akshay Kumar’s cameos = goosebumps, First half slow, but second half is fire, Climax = pure emotion + elevation."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: 'Beautifully shot climax'
A fan posted on X, "The beautifully shot climax leaves a lasting impact on viewers. #Kannappa."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: Early box office collection update
Trade site Sacnilk shared that by 10 am, Kannappa earned around Rs 1.06 Cr India net on its first day for all languages.
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: 'Powerful—rooted in mythology'
A fan @spurthi696 posted on X, "Action sequences in Kannappa are intense and powerful—rooted in mythology but thrilling like modern blockbusters!"
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: 'The second half will reward you'
@Thyview posted via X, "Once Prabhas enters the story, #Kannappa starts to work. The film becomes focused. Scenes start to hit harder. The next one hour is strong and memorable. Manchu Vishnu gives an honest and committed performance during this stretch. The devotional angle kicks in, and the music lifts the emotions. Until then, the writing feels lost. The first half is weak. Almost nothing works. The film doesn’t find its rhythm until the devotional theme takes over. If you can sit through the first half, the second half will reward you. It won’t blow you away, but you’ll walk out feeling somewhat satisfied."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: 'So many WOW moments'
Screenwriter Kona Venkat praised the performances of Vishnu Manchu, Prabhas and Mohan Babu. "I am truly impressed by the content!! There are so so many WOW moments in the second half. Especially the last half hour is truly captivating and mesmerising. The presence of #Prabhas made huge impact in the movie. Every audience would definitely talk about @iVishnuManchu‘s performance in the last 20 minutes @themohanbabu garu’s performance too would be talked about for many years. I really hope that Kannappa” works big time at Box office and would help the industry during this tough times!!," he posted on X.
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: Vishnu Manchu completed Jyotirlinga pilgrimage
Ahead of Kannappa release, Vishnu Manchu fulfilled his vow to visit all 12 Jyotirlinga temples."Twelve Jyotirlingas. One journey. Eternal peace. Just completed the sacred darshan at Sri Sailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple — one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. With this visit, my journey to all twelve Jyotirlinga temples comes to a divine close. My heart is full. My soul feels blessed. Life right now is filled with nothing but positivity, gratitude, and peace. As I stand at the edge of this spiritual milestone, I now look forward to the next chapter #kannappa , releasing worldwide on June 27. A film close to my heart. A story that reflects the very spirit I carry today. Har Har Mahadev!," he shared via Instagram.
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: 'Worth watching'
"Kanappa is a good film. The slow pace and modest production values are its weak points, but the last 40 minutes featuring Vishnu Manchu memorable performance , along with Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva, and Prabhas as Rudra, make it worth watching," wrote a fan.
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: The performances in the film get mention
A fan posted on X, "#VishnuManchu was born to play Kanappa. His performance is top-notch - he pours his soul into both the action and emotional scenes, and it shows on the big screen. His acting in the last 15 minutes could define his career ,the audience will shower immense love on this role.#AkshayKumar embodies Lord Shiva with sheer perfection,radiating divine aura and purity that leaves a lasting impact. #KajalAggarwal as Maa Parvati is graceful and emotionally resonant, while #MohanBabu delivers a superlative performance."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: 'First half suffers due to its slow pace, but...'
Trade analyst Sumit Kadel shared his Kanappa Review via X. He wrote, "Just watched #Kanappa, and I still can’t shake off the last 30 minutes from my mind. The only time I’ve felt something this intense was during the climax of #Kantara. Audiences - especially devotees of Lord Shiva will be left in tears. The climax is spine-chilling, emotionally overpowering and goosebumps inducing. The film is long and the first half suffers due to its slow pace. But the interval block, terrific #Mohanlal’s sequence, #Prabhas Fantastic cameo, and above all, the climax, take the film to another level altogether."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: Prabhas says Kannappa is now playing
Prabhas shared via Instagram stories, "#Kannappa arrives on the big screen. The epic tale of a man who gave more than his life, He gave his vision and his soul. Kannappa is now playing - witness divine surrender."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: Actor Sai Dharam wishes massive success to the team
Actor Sai Dharam Tej posted on the eve of Kannappa's release, "A Legendary Tale of #Kannappa . Kudos to you for all your effort, hard work, and vision, I wish you massive success, @iVishnuManchu Anna. The ensemble cast that believed in your vision deserves all the love from the audience tomorrow. The joy of a grandparent @themohanbabu garu to see his third generation grandkids to get into the field of acting."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: Prabhas fans excited to see him on big screen
A fan @SShanthReddy shared, "Rebel star Prabhas anna cutout at Sandhya 70MM RTC X Road Hyderabad. Jai Rebel Star Prabhas."
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: Early review calls it 'eye feast'
@Telugu_Cult posted on X, "#Kannappa Review : The Star Cast Eye Feast With Good VFX - 3/5. Mainly @iVishnuManchu is simply lived in the character as #Kannappa with career best performance in #KannappaMovie. PAN India Rebel Star? #Prabhas Is the bigggestt asset of the film and as Rudra is pure Goosebumps. Lead actors @akshaykumar @Mohanlal and #Mohanbabu @MsKajalAggarwal had simply stolen the show. Director @mukeshvachan at his best to satisfy the audience with his direction. Screenplay is decent.
Kannappa Movie Review LIVE Updates: Vishnu Manchu announces film's release
Vishnu Manchu shared via X, "This moment… I’ve waited for it my entire life. Hearing the overwhelming love pouring in from overseas premieres and early morning shows in India fills my heart with gratitude.#Kannappa is no longer just my film—it’s yours now. #HarHarMahadev."