24 Frames Factory and AVA Entertainment’s Kannappa (dubbed from the Telugu film of the same name; UA) is based on the legend of Lord Shiva’s devotee, Kannappa, in Hinduism.
Thinnadu (Vishnu Manchu) is a fearless young man who hates the practice of idol worship. Right from childhood, Thinnadu did not approve of appeasing idols. For this, he is even banished by his own father from his village. His beloved, Namali (Preity Mukundan), leaves her family to be with him. The two get married and live on the outskirts of their village. How Thinnadu’s views on idol worship change and the extent to which he goes to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva forms the crux of the drama.
Vishnu Manchu has written the story and screenplay, which are based on mythology. Of course, cinematic liberties have been taken. Manchu’s story is very slow and long-winding in the first half, but improves considerably after interval. Consequently, his screenplay is very boring prior to interval, and sometimes ends up testing the audience’s patience. Even that may have been acceptable had the drama established a strong emotional connection with the viewers, but that doesn’t happen because the drama unfolds much like the drama of a mythological television serial. There are too many characters in the drama. Their faces are unknown (for the Hindi film-going viewers) and their difficult names (again, for the Hindi film-going viewers), therefore, add to the audience’s tale of woes. The romantic track lacks fire while the interactions between characters in the village lack chemistry. The screenplay of the first half seems to have been written in template format. However, things change in the second half, more so after the entry of Rudra (Prabhas). Having said that, it must be mentioned that the portion of Thinnadu’s past life (when he is Arjun) in the second half has not been explained clearly and confuses the viewers a bit. The climax shocks the viewers because of the unprecedented actions of Thinnadu. In sum, the drama in the post-interval portion is not just better but it is also exciting. Of course, the second half may not have the desired impact on the audience, especially the Hindi film-going viewers, because the first half is so weak, and also because the story of Kannappa is not known among those viewers. Mihir Bhuta’s dialogues are often not very comprehensible because of the use of high-flown Hindi, and that’s another minus point.
Vishnu Manchu acts well as Thinnadu, especially in the post-interval portion. Preity Mukandan is average as Namali. Akshay Kumar hardly impresses as Lord Shiva. He doesn’t get much scope, of course, but even in the limited scope, he adds precious little by way of performance. Kajal Aggarwal is very ordinary as Parvati. Prabhas adds tremendous star value as Rudra and is suitably restrained. Having said that, it must be added that several of his fans may feel disappointed as he has no action or romantic scenes. Mohan Babu makes a mark as Mahadeva Sastry. Mohanlal makes his presence felt in a brief role as Kiratha. Sarath Kumar is effective as Thinnadu’s father. Mukesh Rishi has his moments as Kampadu. Arpit Ranka makes his mark as Kalamukha. Master Avram Manchu is cute, endearing and impactful as little Thinnadu. Brahmanandam (as Pilaka) and Madhoo (as Pannaga) have been wasted. Devaraj (as Mundadu) is okay. Raghu Babu (as Mallu), Shiva Balaji (as Kumara Deva Shastri), Brahmaji (as Gavvaraju), Sapthagiri (as Gilaka), Adurs Raghu (as Puhar), Koushal (as Maali), Sampath Ram (as Chandadu), Lavi Pajni (as Bebbuji), Surekhavani (as Nagamalli), Aiswaryaa Bhaskaran (as Maremma) and Sathwika (as Shivangi) provide routine support. Others pass muster.
Mukesh Kumar Singh’s narration is like that of a TV serial. He seems to have treated the mythological drama as a television serial made on a grand scale. Besides, he has not been able to establish an emotional connection with the viewers through his narration. As a result, the audience sit as silent spectators and watch the unfolding drama passively without feeling that they are a part of it. Stephen Devassy’s music is melodious but the Hindi songs are not at all popular. Lyrics (Girish Nakod and Sekhar Asthithva) are not easy on the lips. Song picturisations (by Prabhudeva, Brinda and Ganesh Master) are quite nice. Stephen Devassy’s background music is often too loud and imposing. Sheldon Chau’s cinematography is very nice. Kecha Khamphakdee’s action and stunt scenes are fairly thrilling but could’ve been better. Chinna’s production designing is of a fine standard. Anthony Gonsalvez’s editing is loose. Dubbing is excellent.
On the whole, Kannapaa has bleak chances in Hindi despite a nice post-interval portion, because of a very weak first half and also due to lack of promotion and poor showcasing in multiplexes.
Released on 27-6-’25 at Inox (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru PEN Marudhar Cine Entertainment. Publicity & opening: poor. …….Also released all over. Opening was dull everywhere.