The mythological epic Kannappa, headlined by Vishnu Manchu, is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Indian films in recent times. Inspired by the legendary tale of Kannappa, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva who sacrifices everything for his faith, the film boasts a stellar ensemble featuring Mohan Babu, Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, and a special appearance by Prabhas.
Vishnu Manchu is going all out to ensure Kannappa captures hearts across the country. From strategic promotions in different states to personal interactions with the media, the actor-producer is leaving no stone unturned. The trailer, which dropped recently, created quite a buzz with its scale, grandeur, and devotional fervor. It was launched in Kochi—a smart move that brought Malayalam superstar Mohanlal into the spotlight of the campaign. The Kerala media warmly embraced the film, and the visuals showcasing Mohanlal and Vishnu together sparked widespread interest across the South.
In a recent interview, Vishnu revealed his deep admiration for Malayalam cinema, especially for legends like Mohanlal and Mammootty. “I never miss a film of theirs,” he shared. He also opened up about his growing appreciation for Fahadh Faasil, citing Trance as a film that left a strong impression on him. “Fahadh’s performance blew me away. The intensity was just something else,” he noted.
Interestingly, Vishnu also expressed his love for Aavesham, the 2024 Malayalam blockbuster starring Fahadh Faasil. The action-comedy, known for its quirky storytelling and electric energy, not only ruled theatres but also found a cult following on OTT. Vishnu candidly admitted he considered remaking Aavesham in Telugu. “I genuinely wanted to do it, but unfortunately, someone else had already bagged the rights,” he revealed.
This revelation comes at a time when Aavesham has become a hot topic among Telugu film audiences. Ever since its OTT debut, there has been growing curiosity around a possible Telugu remake. The film’s blend of mass action and comic undertones struck a chord with viewers. Speculative casting discussions have already taken social media by storm, with names like Nandamuri Balakrishna and Ravi Teja being floated by fans as ideal leads for the Telugu version. While Balakrishna’s larger-than-life screen presence could elevate the role, Ravi Teja’s timing and charisma seem equally fitting for the eccentric tone of the original.
Meanwhile, Vishnu remains fully committed to bringing Kannappa to life with grandeur and authenticity. With top stars, VFX-heavy visuals, and a culturally rooted narrative, the film is being envisioned as a pan-India spectacle. Shot across picturesque and sacred locations, Kannappa aims to be more than just another mythological film—it’s being positioned as a devotional fantasy drama with a strong emotional core, hitting big screens across the globe on June 27.
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