Tollywood actor-producer Vishnu Manchu is set to bring a cinematic extravaganza to the big screen with his ambitious pan-Indian film Kannappa. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by Vishnu’s father, legendary actor Mohan Babu, the film promises a captivating blend of Indian mythology and the visual splendor reminiscent of Lord of the Rings.
A Stellar Cast and Global Appeal
Kannappa boasts a star-studded ensemble featuring Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, Prabhas, Sarathkumar, Kajal Aggarwal, Preity Mukundhan, and Brahmanandam, among others. The film is slated for a grand release on April 25 across six languages – Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and English – making it a truly pan-Indian venture.
Filming in the Untouched Beauty of New Zealand
The film’s shoot spanned 90 days in New Zealand, a location Vishnu chose for its untouched natural beauty. With a massive crew of 800 members, including 197 specialists from Thailand and 200 local Maori crew, the production was a monumental effort.
Reflecting on the challenges, Vishnu said, “We managed to complete the shoot on time. It was a significant learning curve, and I’m grateful to everyone who contributed. Maori culture felt similar to ours, and some have become like family to me now.”
The Story of Devotion
Kannappa narrates the tale of Lord Shiva’s devotee Kannappa Nayannar, whose unwavering faith led him to offer his eyes to the deity. Vishnu revealed his fascination with the story after watching the 1976 Telugu film Bhakta Kannappa multiple times. Inspired to create a large-scale retelling, he acquired the film rights and reimagined the story with a grand vision.
“I loved Lord of the Rings and wanted to incorporate its outlook with the mythology I grew up with,” Vishnu shared.
A Tribute to Family and Industry Legends
The project holds personal significance for Vishnu, as it features three generations of his family. While Mohan Babu plays Mahadeva Shastri, Vishnu’s children, including son Avram and twin daughters, also have roles.
The cast’s camaraderie stands out, with Vishnu expressing gratitude to Akshay Kumar, Prabhas, and Sarathkumar for their involvement. “Prabhas is a dear friend, and I’m indebted to him. Akshay Kumar’s professionalism and humility left me in awe,” Vishnu said.
A Grand Vision for the Audience
As the release date approaches, Vishnu admits to feeling nervous but confident in the film’s potential. “It all boils down to storytelling, and I’m sure our director nailed it. Every artist and technician worked incredibly hard, and their efforts will shine on screen,” he concluded.
Sources By Agencies
