So, you’ve heard about Kannappa, the big-budget devotional drama starring Vishnu Manchu, Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Akshay Kumar. The hype was real—advance bookings crossed 1.15 lakh tickets in 24 hours, and the Andhra government even approved a ₹50 ticket price hike for this one. But does the movie live up to the expectations? Or is it another case of “style over substance”?
Let’s break it down—no fluff, no spoilers, just honest thoughts.
First Impressions of Kannappa Movie: A Slow Start with Glimmers of Potential
Right off the bat, Kannappa takes its sweet time setting up the story. The first half? Let’s just say it’s not the film’s strongest suit.
- Pacing Issues: The tribal sequences drag, and the emotional beats don’t quite land early on. You might find yourself checking your watch (or your phone, no judgment).
- Visual Effects: For a ₹200 crore budget, the CGI is… underwhelming. Some scenes look straight out of a mid-2000s video game. (Seriously, what happened there?)
- Comedy Track: There’s an attempt at humor, but it feels forced. Like that one uncle at family gatherings who thinks he’s funny.
But hey, the New Zealand landscapes are stunning. So at least there’s eye candy while you wait for things to pick up.
The Saving Grace: Prabhas & the Climax
Now, here’s where Kannappa redeems itself—the second half. Specifically, the last 40 minutes.
- Prabhas as Rudra: The man enters like a storm, bringing much-needed energy. His screen presence? Electrifying. His comic timing? On point. The emotional weight he adds? Chef’s kiss.
- Mohanlal & Akshay Kumar: Their roles are brief but impactful. Mohanlal, especially, brings that gravitas we love him for.
- The Climax: Without spoiling anything, the devotional payoff is powerful. If you’re into spiritual narratives, this might just give you goosebumps.
FYI: If you’re only watching for Prabhas, you’ll have to sit through a lot of buildup. But trust me, his entry makes it worth it.
Performances: Who Stood Out?
Vishnu Manchu (Kannappa)
He carries the film with sincerity. His transformation from a carefree tribal man to a devout follower is convincing, especially in the emotional scenes. Not his best performance, but solid.
Prabhas (Rudra)
Steals the show in the second half. His charm and screen presence elevate the film when it desperately needs it.
Mohanlal & Akshay Kumar
Limited screen time, but they make it count. Mohanlal’s subtle intensity and Akshay’s brief but memorable role add star power.
Kajal Aggarwal & Others
Kajal is… there. The female lead role feels underdeveloped (shocking, I know). The supporting cast does fine, but the writing doesn’t give them much to work with.
Technical Aspects: Hits & Misses
✅ Cinematography: Gorgeous landscapes, especially the New Zealand shots.
✅ Music: Decent, but forgettable. No chartbusters here.
❌ Editing: The first half could’ve been trimmed by 20 minutes.
❌ VFX: Some scenes look distractingly fake. For a big-budget film, this is disappointing.
Box Office & Budget: Did It Pay Off?
- Budget: ₹200 crore (though Prabhas & Mohanlal reportedly worked for free).
- Advance Bookings: Over 1.15 lakh tickets sold in 24 hours—impressive!
- Ticket Prices: Hiked by ₹50 in some theaters, proving the demand was real.
Early reports suggest a strong opening, but will it sustain? Only time will tell.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
If you’re a fan of devotional dramas, Kannappa delivers a heartfelt climax that might just move you.
If you’re here for Prabhas, brace yourself for a slow first half, but his entry makes up for it.
If you expect a flawless cinematic experience… maybe temper those expectations.
Rating: 3/5
- First Half: 2/5 (yawn)
- Second Half: 4/5 (redeeming)
Best enjoyed with: Low expectations and a love for mythological storytelling.
So, will you be watching Kannappa? Or are you saving your popcorn for something else? Let me know in the comments! 😉
