Kannappa (2025) Movie: Why Prabhas Steals the Show Despite Limited Screen Time

Kannappa hit theaters worldwide on June 27, 2025, bringing the legendary tale of devotion to the big screen. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and starring Vishnu Manchu in the lead role, this mythological epic took nearly a decade to complete. The film brings together a star-studded cast including Prabhas, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, and Kajal Aggarwal.

This ₹200 crore project produced by Dr. M. Mohan Babu tells the story of an atheist hunter who transforms into Lord Shiva’s most devoted follower. With Stephen Devassy’s music and Sheldon Chau’s cinematography, the film attempts to create a grand cinematic experience that blends mythology with modern storytelling.

Plot and Story

The film follows Kannappa’s journey from being a non-believer to a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. After witnessing his childhood friend’s cruel sacrifice, this atheist warrior initially rejects religion. However, love eventually forces him to discover his own faith, leading to the ultimate act of devotion.

Akshay Kumar appears as Lord Shiva, while Kajal Aggarwal plays Parvati. Mohanlal takes on the role of Kirata, and Prabhas portrays Rudra. The story explores themes of faith, transformation, and devotion through ancient Indian mythology.

Cast Performance

Vishnu Manchu gives a committed performance as Kannappa, showing his dedication through intense preparation. His portrayal of the character’s transformation forms the emotional backbone of the film. However, I felt the character development could have been more detailed and nuanced.

Prabhas delivers exceptional work as Rudra, despite having limited screen time. His non-verbal acting is particularly impressive, bringing depth without relying on dialogue. Mohanlal’s veteran expertise shines through as Kirata, adding authenticity to the mythological narrative.

Akshay Kumar commands attention as Lord Shiva, though his brief appearance leaves you wanting more. Kajal Aggarwal brings grace to her role as Parvati, adding elegance to the divine characters.

Direction and Technical Work

Director Mukesh Kumar Singh shows improvement in the second half, but the first half lacks emotional connection. The film struggles to find its rhythm early on, with scenes that should move you falling flat instead. I noticed pacing issues that hurt the overall viewing experience.

The production values are impressive, with elaborate sets and authentic costumes creating a believable mythological world. However, the visual effects show mixed results – some sequences look stunning while others feel inconsistent.

Music and Visuals

Stephen Devassy’s music supports the film’s spiritual and epic tone, though the songs don’t create lasting impact. The background score works well during emotional and mythological moments.

Sheldon Chau’s cinematography captures the film’s grand scale with sweeping shots that emphasize the mythological setting. The production design creates immersive environments that transport you to ancient times.

What Works Well

The second half finds better pacing and delivers more emotionally resonant moments. The star power of Prabhas and Mohanlal brings credibility to their roles. I appreciated the impressive visual grandeur and elaborate sets that create an authentic mythological atmosphere.

The spiritual theme of devotion resonates strongly, especially for audiences seeking meaningful content. The film’s core message about faith comes through despite other shortcomings.

Areas for Improvement

The first half suffers from sluggish pacing and fails to create strong emotional connections. The screenplay needs tighter writing and better character development throughout. Inconsistent visual effects detract from the overall cinematic experience.

I felt the runtime could benefit from better editing to maintain audience engagement. Some narrative flow issues create noticeable gaps in storytelling.

Critics and Audience Response

IMDb users rated the film 4.1/10 based on hundreds of reviews, showing mixed reception. 123Telugu.com gave it 3/5 stars, while Great Andhra rated it 2.5/5. Cinema Express awarded 2/5 stars, noting it focuses more on mounting a legacy project than storytelling.

Critics mentioned directorial mistakes and uneven scene pacing. While the climax provides some satisfaction, it’s not enough to save the overall experience. The consensus suggests the film has moments of brilliance but fails to meet its ambitious vision.

Public Reaction

Audience reactions remain mixed across platforms. Many appreciate the spiritual message and star performances while criticizing screenplay issues. Some viewers specifically praised certain performances, noting they transcend the narrative flaws.

The film has found appreciation among mythology enthusiasts, though it hasn’t achieved the widespread critical success the makers hoped for. Social media responses show divided opinions about the execution versus the concept.

Final Rating: 2.5/5