Dynamic Star Vishnu Manchu's dream project ‘Kannappa’ is all set to hit theatres on June 27th with sky-high expectations set by the teaser, trailer and songs. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced under AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory by Dr. M. Mohan Babu, the film will have a Pan India release. Ahead of the release, the team organized a grand pre-release event in Hyderabad on Saturday.
While speaking on the occasion, Dr. M. Mohan Babu said: “‘Kannappa began with the blessings of the Almighty. Everything is happening only through His grace. I hope my son Vishnu continues to receive the love of the audience and the blessings of Lord Shiva. Every character in this movie is like a hero. I’m deeply indebted to every actor who contributed to this project. I've watched the Mahabharata series many times, and I must say, Mukesh Kumar Singh has done an incredible job bringing ‘Kannappa’ to life. He’s been the charioteer steering it forward. Mukesh Rishi has been part of our family since his early career. We invited tribal representatives today to make a powerful statement that there is no caste or religion. Thinnadu, from the Boya community, believed in no deity but his parents. This is the story of how Thinnadu became Kannappa. Writer Akella has provided beautiful dialogues. I sincerely pray for the film’s grand success on June 27 with Lord Shiva’s blessings.”
Vishnu Manchu stated: “‘Kannappa’ is not just Vishnu’s film—it's Kannappa’s cinema. When I watched it on the editing table, I could only say: ‘Wow!’ It happened entirely by the grace of Shiva. I’ve had Vijay and Vinay with me on this journey. I met Stephen Devassy in 2017 and told him back then: ‘Whenever I make Kannappa, I want you to do the music.’ Paruchuri Gopala Krishna worked tirelessly on this story. I can’t even describe the help given by Shiva Balaji. No words can do justice to the greatness of Mohanlal sir. Huge thanks to Akshay Kumar for joining us. I've always wanted to work with Sarath Kumar, and it's thanks to him that the film is getting a wide Tamil release. He also supported us during the New Zealand shoot.
Even before the shoot began, Brahmanandam garu offered his blessings. Antony’s editing is phenomenal. He’s the invisible hero of the film. Among all the directors I've worked with, Mukesh sir is the best. This journey wasn’t easy. We faced many struggles. Shiva Rajkumar once asked me, ‘Why are you making this film?’ I told him, ‘Maybe Lord Shiva Himself wants me to bring Kannappa’s story to this generation, 50 years after it was last told.’"
Stephen gave us exceptional music. ‘Shiva Shiva Shankara’ was especially challenging, but it saved me. There are two types of friendships: Krishna-like and Karna-like. Prabhas is my Krishna, and I will always be his Karna. He had no reason to do this film, but out of respect for my father, he did. Beyond his stardom, Prabhas’ humility and humanity are extraordinary. While fame changes many people, Prabhas remains grounded. I will always stand by him. To me, my father Mohan Babu is God. Prabhu Deva choreographed three songs for us. With Shiva’s grace and the audience's love, I believe ‘Kannappa’ will be a grand success on June 27.”
Former MP & MLA Mediyam Baburao said: “As a representative of tribal communities, I thank the ‘Kannappa’ team, especially Mohan Babu and Vishnu. Personally, I relate to Thinnadu. This film is a definition of devotion. We need more stories like this.”
Director Mukesh Kumar Singh said: “Never forget your roots. Hyderabad is my karmabhoomi. I thank Mohan Babu sir for trusting me with ‘Kannappa’. Vishnu is a rare actor who completes most scenes in one or two takes. He's not just a great actor but a great son. Ariana, Viviana, and Avram are part of the cast. I won’t reveal Prabhas’ role now, but no character in this film is a cameo. You call Prabhas a rebel star, but he is a very humble star. Without my team, this film wouldn’t have turned out the way it has. Stephen’s background score will surprise everyone. We are coming on June 27.”
Brahmanandam said: “‘Kannappa’ is not made for money. It’s made to spread the philosophy of Shiva. Mohan Babu and Vishnu are bringing this story to the world because Shiva sees everyone equally. Please don’t obstruct this film. It will become a historical milestone.”
Sarath Kumar said: “I prepared a lot to speak but Brahmanandam sir already said it all. Mohan Babu is like an elder brother to me; Vishnu is like a son. On June 27, audiences will understand what ‘Kannappa’ truly is. It feels like Lord Shiva Himself commanded this film to be made.”
Madhu Bala said: “In this vast universe, we are like atoms. In the world of ‘Kannappa,’ I feel like a tiny particle. I thank Mohan Babu and Vishnu for this opportunity. I couldn’t act with Mohan Babu in the '90s, but today I’m honored to share screen space with legends like him, Mohanlal, and Akshay Kumar.”
Arpit Ranka said: “Thanks to Mohan Babu and Vishnu for this chance. I’ve learned so much from them. Working with Mohanlal, Prabhas, and Akshay Kumar was incredible. The film is impactful, but after watching it, people will remember Vishnu most, his performance in the climax made me tear up. Don’t miss it on June 27.”
Lyricist Sudhalla Ashok Teja said: “Writing for ‘Kannappa’ feels like a blessing from my past life. The battle song written for Vishnu’s climax scene is one of my best works.”
Writer BVS Ravi said: “Initially, I was scared, was it necessary to make Kannappa and invest so much? But after seeing the first half, I was overwhelmed. Prabhas’ entry in the second half elevates the film. Vishnu's dubbing and delivery are top-notch. This film is a culmination of Mohan Babu’s fatherly pride.”
Thota Prasad said: “Working on ‘Kannappa’ is a divine blessing. I’ve been with Vishnu for three years, and he's lived the role of Kannappa for over five. His climax scene moved me to tears. The film blends devotion and divine play. Vishnu has now become a benchmark for this role.”
Dialogue Writer Akella Shiva Prasad said: “The fact that they flew even writers to New Zealand shows how committed they are. If Mohan Babu, Vishnu, and the heroine are the trinity of this film, then Prabhas is the fourth pillar. His entry takes the film to another level.”
Ramajogayya Sastry said: “This event is a visual treat. I’m thrilled to be part of the Mohan Babu family. I wrote the powerful song ‘Shiva Shiva Shankara’. With the determination of Mohan Babu and Vishnu, ‘Kannappa’ has come this far.”
Shiva Balaji said: “We’ve spoken about ‘Kannappa’ everywhere, but this is special because it's in front of our Hyderabad audience. The trailer created a huge buzz. Vishnu did deep research, studied scriptures, and brought in a massive star cast. Even when unwell, he showed up today. This movie deserves massive success.”
Mukesh Rishi said: “‘Kannappa’ is very special to me. Making such a film isn’t easy. It requires strong willpower. Thanks to Mohan Babu and Vishnu, this vision became reality. Watch out for Prabhas on June 27!”