Set against the mythologically rich backdrop of Sri Kalahasthi in Tirupati, Kannappa presents an adventurous tale centered around Thinaadu, portrayed by Vishnu Manchu. Thinaadu is a tribal warrior and an atheist who challenges blind faith and temple-based worship. The narrative follows his dramatic transformation from a skeptic to a fervent devotee of Lord Shiva, a journey that is both spiritual and symbolic. While the story has promising elements and a compelling arc on paper, the film fails to deliver a satisfying cinematic experience due to shortcomings in execution and technical aspects.
Kannappa relies heavily on the strength of its concept and the emotional potential of its characters. However, its visuals and special effects are subpar, creating a mismatch between the film’s lofty ambitions and its presentation. Despite the film’s rich mythological setting and intense themes, the visual effects often feel unpolished and artificial, diluting the impact of significant moments.
Vishnu Manchu, who not only leads the film but also conceived the story, appears deeply committed to his passion project. His dedication is evident in the grand scale of production and the impressive list of guest appearances. The film has already generated buzz for its star-studded cameos, including Prabhas, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, Mohan Babu, and Kajal Aggarwal. These renowned actors elevate the film by bringing gravitas and believability to their roles, even though the parts themselves are underwritten.
“These actors lend a sense of conviction to the underwritten parts and make us buy into the occasional exciting exchange of ideas,” notes the original commentary. Unfortunately, the film squanders this advantage with uninspired and often bland storytelling. The presence of high-profile actors isn’t enough to mask the absence of strong writing and engaging narrative depth.
The story incorporates multiple elements — from tribal conflicts and conspiracies to escapes through dense forests — but ends up feeling disjointed. The script becomes too absorbed in its central themes, neglecting the need for cohesive and compelling screenwriting. While the idea of a rational, godless warrior being spiritually reborn as a devoted believer has potential, Kannappa leans too heavily on familiar clichés, delaying meaningful progression in the plot.
The first half of the film drags noticeably, failing to establish a firm narrative rhythm. Emotional cues involving father-son or husband-wife relationships are present but are poorly developed. The character interactions are minimal and mostly serve to provide basic exposition rather than build depth or resonance. “The one-note interactions and placeholder character moments do not engage beyond just informing us of the bare essentials,” highlights the review.
There is no shortage of investment in terms of financial resources, and parts of that effort are visible on screen. However, director Mukesh Kumar Singh struggles with a script that lacks focus and cohesion. It jumps between too many ideas and attempts to explore numerous themes without adequate refinement. As a result, the storytelling appears rushed and uneven.
A particularly crucial moment in the film involves Kannappa discovering a deserted Shiva shrine deep in the forest — a pivotal point in his spiritual journey. Ideally, this scene should carry immense emotional weight and mark a turning point. Instead, the script breezes through it in a hurry, focusing instead on ticking narrative checkboxes and moving on to the next celebrity cameo. “The writing is in a hurry to tick all the requisite boxes and move on to the next star cameo,” the review critiques.
Visually, the film struggles to find consistency. Sheldon Chau’s cinematography leans heavily on green screen effects, giving the visuals a washed-out, digital look that detracts from the story’s dramatic gravity. While some images are thoughtfully composed, the overall aesthetic lacks the immersive quality expected from a mythological epic.
The music by Stephen Devassy, however, emerges as one of the film’s stronger aspects. His score effectively complements the mood of the film and adds emotional texture to key scenes. He makes the most of his limited opportunities within the movie’s runtime.
Secondary characters played by Sarath Kumar, Madhubala, Brahmanandam, and Preity Mukundan are minimally fleshed out. They function more as symbolic elements within the hero’s spiritual voyage than as fully realized characters. Their appearances feel sporadic and do little to enrich the overall narrative.
Stylistically, Kannappa bears similarities to television epics like the Mahabharata series, which Mukesh Kumar Singh previously directed. It uses exaggerated aesthetics and vibrant, saturated visuals that sometimes feel out of place. This stylistic approach gives the impression that there’s little formal control over the material or consistency in tone.
Prabhas, who portrays the enigmatic Rudra, emerges with some of the film’s most philosophical lines and moments. “Prabhas, as the mysterious Rudra, gets to spout some of the film’s key spiritual ideas; he walks away with the best-written stretches of the film,” states the review. Akshay Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal, appearing as Lord Shiva and Parvati, respectively, deliver visually striking performances, while Mohanlal’s brief appearance also leaves an impression.
Despite the attention given to these superstar cameos, Kannappa remains a personal statement from Vishnu Manchu. As the central figure, he convincingly portrays the transformation from a rational tribal man into a devoted spiritual icon. “Kannappa is not about any of these stars; it’s a strong mission statement from the leading man, Vishnu Manchu,” the review observes. He succeeds in embodying the archetype of a mystic hero meant to inspire faith, even if the character itself feels more symbolic than human.
At its core, Kannappa tells the story of a tribal non-believer’s spiritual awakening into passionate devotion for Lord Shiva. This concept is intriguing and has the potential to explore complex themes of faith, identity, and transformation. However, the way the film handles this arc is uneven — alternating between moments of genuine intrigue and stretches of tedious storytelling.
“The way the film goes about exploring this line is both beguiling and exhausting,” summarizes the review. There is a consistent vision throughout the film, but it lacks the polish and attention to detail that could have elevated it to a higher cinematic standard. More rigorous planning and multiple script drafts in pre-production might have helped sharpen the narrative and emotional beats.
It’s heartening to see filmmakers like Vishnu Manchu take creative risks and invest in stories that reflect their personal beliefs and passions. The production’s technical infrastructure and ambition are commendable. But, ultimately, the execution falls short of the intention. As the review aptly concludes, “one wishes that the execution matched the intent.”