Kannappa turns 1: Vishnu Manchu reflects on a journey of faith and sacrifice
Synopsis
A year after 'Kannappa' opened to mixed reviews and a disappointing box office run, Vishnu Manchu's anniversary note reveals the deeper story — a personal odyssey of faith that the actor-writer says changed him. The film's afterlife on OTT may be the quiet success its theatrical run was not.
Key Takeaways
Vishnu Manchu marked the first anniversary of 'Kannappa' on 27 June 2025 with a reflective social media post.
He described the film as 'a journey of faith, sacrifice, and belief' that tested him in every possible way.
Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh , with the script written by Vishnu Manchu himself.
Produced by AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory , backed by Mohan Babu .
The film featured an ensemble cast including Mohanlal , Prabhas , and Akshay Kumar . 'Kannappa' opened to mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office but continued to reach audiences on OTT.
Vishnu Manchu marked the first anniversary of his epic devotional drama 'Kannappa' on 27 June 2025 with a heartfelt message on social media, describing the project as a transformative experience that tested him at every level. The film, inspired by the Hindu mythological legend of Kannappa — a devoted follower of Lord Shiva who sacrificed his eyes — remains one of the most ambitious Telugu productions of recent years.
Vishnu Manchu's Heartfelt Reflection
In a post on the photo-sharing platform, Vishnu Manchu wrote: 'One year ago today, Kannappa found its way to all of you. Some films entertain. Some films change you. Kannappa did both for me. It was a journey of faith, sacrifice, and belief. A journey that tested me in every possible way and gave me memories I will carry for a lifetime.'
He also extended gratitude to audiences who engaged with the film — whether in theatres, on OTT platforms, or through continued discussion. 'Your love has kept Kannappa alive far beyond its release. A year later, my heart is still full. Har Har Mahadev,' he concluded.
The Making of Kannappa
Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, the film's script was penned by Vishnu Manchu himself, underscoring his personal investment in the project. It was produced under the banner of AVA Entertainment in association with 24 Frames Factory, and backed by Vishnu Manchu's father, veteran actor-producer Mohan Babu.
The production drew from the legend of Kannappa in Hindu mythology — a hunter-devotee of Lord Shiva revered for his absolute surrender and sacrifice. Vishnu Manchu plays the title role.
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
The film assembled a remarkable pan-India ensemble, featuring Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, Preity Mukhundhan, Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Madhoo, Mukesh Rishi, Devaraj, Arpit Ranka, and Aishwariyaa Bhaskaran in pivotal roles. The breadth of the cast signalled the scale of Vishnu Manchu's ambitions for the project.
Box Office Performance and Reception
'Kannappa' released in theatres on 27 June 2025 to mixed critical reviews and reportedly underperformed at the box office, falling short of expectations given its scale and investment. Despite that, the film found continued viewership on OTT platforms, extending its life beyond the theatrical window — a trajectory Vishnu Manchu acknowledged in his anniversary note.
This comes amid a broader trend of large-budget devotional and mythological films testing audience appetite in the Telugu and pan-India market, with uneven commercial results even when critical reception is positive. As 'Kannappa' enters its second year in public memory, Vishnu Manchu's reflection signals that the personal journey behind the film may outlast its box office story.
Point of View
A self-written script, and family money behind it — and it did not deliver at the box office. The OTT tail gives him a narrative of resilience, but the commercial underperformance raises a question the industry has been circling: whether devotional spectacle, however sincere, can reliably convert faith-based audience sentiment into ticket sales. The answer, for now, remains unsettled.
NationPress
27 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kannappa and when was it released?
'Kannappa' is a Telugu devotional drama inspired by the Hindu mythological legend of Kannappa, a devotee of Lord Shiva who sacrificed his eyes. The film, directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and starring Vishnu Manchu in the title role, was released in theatres on 27 June 2025.
Why is Vishnu Manchu marking one year of Kannappa?
Vishnu Manchu posted a heartfelt anniversary note on social media to commemorate one year since the film's theatrical release, reflecting on the personal and creative journey the project represented for him. He described it as a transformative experience of faith and sacrifice.
How did Kannappa perform at the box office?
'Kannappa' opened to mixed critical reviews and reportedly underperformed at the box office relative to its scale and ambitions. However, the film continued to attract viewers after its OTT release, extending its audience reach beyond the theatrical window.
Who are the key cast and crew of Kannappa?
The film was directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, with the script written by Vishnu Manchu. The cast includes Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, and several others. It was produced under AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory.
What is the story behind the legend of Kannappa?
Kannappa is a revered figure in Hindu mythology — a hunter-devotee of Lord Shiva known for his unwavering faith and the ultimate sacrifice of offering his own eyes to the deity. The film draws on this legend to explore themes of devotion and surrender.
