When Manchu Vishnu first announced Kannappa, it was clear he was embarking on the most ambitious project of his career. With a mythological subject at its core, a high production budget, a celebrated TV director at the helm, and star-studded cameos from Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Akshay Kumar — expectations were understandably high. After years in development and extensive buzz, Kannappa finally made its way to theatres.

Does it live up to the monumental expectations? Partially. While Kannappa fumbles in its narrative structure and emotional depth early on, it redeems itself with a gripping final act filled with devotion, drama, and divine presence.

Plot Summary:
Set against the lush backdrops of tribal India, Kannappa tells the tale of Thinna (Manchu Vishnu), a fierce atheist and the son of tribal chieftain Nathanathudu (Sarathkumar). When the tyrannical Gandhara king, Kalamukudu, sets his eyes on the sacred Vayu Lingam, chaos brews in the peaceful forest dwellings. In the face of impending war, the five tribal clans unite. Amidst this, Thinna undergoes a profound transformation — from a non-believer to an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. This metamorphosis, catalyzed by divine encounters with Rudra (Prabhas) and others, forms the crux of the narrative.

Performances:

• Manchu Vishnu delivers a mixed performance — initially stiff, but gradually growing into his role. He shines brightly in the emotionally charged climax, delivering his career-best work in the final act.
• Mohan Babu, though limited in screen time, leaves a mark with his commanding presence and impactful dialogues.
• Prabhas as Rudra is a scene-stealer. His role, though brief, is pivotal and emotionally powerful. His monologues and spiritual dialogue delivery give the film its much-needed momentum.
• Mohanlal offers grace in his short appearance, lending weight to the mid-section of the film.
• Akshay Kumar embodies Lord Shiva with a serene, dignified presence. His cameo, though short, is effective.
• Preity Mukhundhan, as Nemali, delivers a decent performance but her character is undermined by an unnecessarily glamorized romantic track. The sensual portrayal feels misplaced in an otherwise devotional narrative.
• Kajal Aggarwal as Parvati is passable, while several supporting actors offer inconsistent performances — with Madhoo’s over-the-top expressions standing out for the wrong reasons.

Technical Aspects:

• Music by Stephen Devassy is undoubtedly one of the film’s greatest strengths. His background score elevates emotional moments, especially in the climax. The devotional songs are spiritually resonant.
• Cinematography by Sheldon Chau captures the grandeur of nature — particularly the forest landscapes of New Zealand — with finesse.
• Editing could have been far crisper. The film drags in several places, particularly in the first half, and suffers from uneven pacing.
• Dubbing is a noticeable weak link. Many non-Telugu actors’ dialogues feel disjointed and disrupt the emotional rhythm.
• Production Design is refreshingly naturalistic, though some might miss the grandeur of sets typically seen in mythological dramas.

What Works:

• Impactful final 30 minutes
• Strong cameos from Prabhas, Mohanlal & Akshay Kumar
• Musical score that supports spiritual depth
• Manchu Vishnu’s emotionally honest performance in the climax

What Doesn’t:

• Weak and lengthy first half
• Forced romantic subplot with excessive glamor
• Lack of emotional engagement early on
• Jarring dubbing and uneven acting from the ensemble cast
• Underdeveloped character arcs for several key roles

Verdict:
Kannappa is an earnest attempt at reviving a timeless tale of devotion with modern cinematic language. While it struggles with tonal inconsistency, a weak first half, and misplaced romance, it finds its footing in the final act. The emotionally charged climax, bolstered by stirring performances and powerful music, elevates the film to a respectable devotional drama.

For those willing to look past its flaws, Kannappa offers a spiritually fulfilling experience — especially in its closing stretch.

Bottom Line:
A flawed mythological epic saved by a powerful finale. Stay patient, and you’ll find moments worth remembering.